English Steps is a skills-based English course that promotes competency in the use of English. The focus is on developing proficient writing and reading abilities in primary years, skills that are essential for future academic success. Each unit of work is based on a written text and contains carefully graded learning activities. Texts in the English Steps series include fact and fiction and are drawn from the full range of text types, from poetry, diary, description, instruction, narrative, explanatory and visual. The series is thoughtfully designed so that the units are supported by relevant visual information. Students are required to translate text into visual information and vice versa. The activities themselves draw on students' real and imagined experiences and provide systematic and structured exercises in the use of written English. The activities are enjoyable and fun and many are suitable for cooperative group work within a learning centre approach.