Student reaction has been very favourable, perhaps due to the illustrations, varied activities and songs that are focussed specifically at young learners. Listening and speaking skills are the main focus of the course with each chapter starting with standard conversations between members of a family. Target sentences are then modeled via a 'listen and repeat' format. Teachers may or may not like this approach. We feel that in Open Doors it is effective because manageable components are selected.
Language is carefully graded and the emphasis is on short, snappy, achievable tasks.
In addition learners are not put on the spot in public. These well thought out, photocopiable back to back activities are contained in the teacher's book. We like this aspect of the course. They are not only easy to set up but are enjoyable for the students and save preparation time. Equally impressive are the comprehensive tests, one per two chapters.