A playful method to teach English through sound and image association: easy for adults, fun for children
A playful method to teach English through sound and image association: easy for adults, fun for children
Sentence Shapes is a playful, structured methodology designed to help children learn English literacy through drawings, games, and engaging activities.
The content is organized around the sounds of the language, taking advantage of children’s natural neurological ability to recognize and reproduce sounds. Instead of relying on memorization, children build a deeper and more intuitive understanding of how English works.
The program includes three progressive cycles - supported by three books - an app, three Word Makers notebooks and a “Magic” Letter-Maker ruler - tools designed to make learning interactive and enjoyable.
In the first cycle (Learn To Draw, Learn To Read - Short Vowels), children are introduced to foundational literacy concepts, including short vowels, sight words, and consonant blends.
In the second cycle (Learn To Draw, Learn To Read - Long Vowels), they expand their knowledge with long vowels and R- and W-controlled vowels.
In the third cycle (Sentence Shapes and Colour Sounds), they explore longer words and those that do not strictly follow phonetic rules.
For non-native learners who are not exposed to English on a daily basis, repetition is essential. That’s why the methodology is built in cycles - allowing children to revisit vocabulary and structures through games, activities, and meaningful use. This reinforcement phase is further developed in the Sentence Shapes and Colour Sounds book, where children begin to apply what they’ve learned more independently.
By combining fun, visual learning with a carefully structured progression, Sentence Shapes helps children truly understand how to read, write, and express themselves in English with confidence.
This methodology is designed for:
Schools that already offer English classes and want to complement their curriculum, or that are looking to implement a bilingual or extended learning program. The material can be used as a primary or supplementary resource. It is especially suitable for smaller schools without a dedicated English teacher, as classroom teachers can easily apply the methodology. It is also a great fit for any school seeking a high-quality material that integrates English learning with drawing and hands-on activities.
English teachers who are looking for a complete methodology for the first years of learning - one that saves preparation time while keeping children engaged.
Parents or guardians who want to support their children’s English learning but don’t know where to start. In many classrooms, with a large number of students, children have limited opportunities to speak and practice. At home, in a one-to-one setting, they can actively use the language, reinforce what they learn at school, and build confidence through more frequent practice.
Anyone who wants to learn English from the beginning in a fun and intuitive way.
The methodology was created with children aged 5-10 in mind, as this is a key stage in the literacy process - but learners of all ages are welcome to explore it!
This methodology helps you teach English in a simple, structured, and engaging way - reducing preparation time while making lessons more effective and enjoyable. Through the integration of sounds, visuals, and hands-on activities, it facilitates both teaching and learning, even for those with little or no prior experience.
What makes it especially effective is the combination of physical and digital tools. The app provides step-by-step video lessons and tutorials, making it easy to follow the methodology and apply it with confidence. Children actively participate by creating their own cards for games - drawing, reviewing, and practicing what they learn in a meaningful way.
They also develop writing skills using the Word Makers notebooks, supported by the “Magic” Letter-Maker, a tool designed with the exact shapes needed to help children form any letter. This hands-on approach reinforces motor skills, letter recognition, and confidence in writing.
For students, this means a deeper and more lasting learning experience. The methodology strengthens sound recognition, reading, writing, and pronunciation, while improving memory retention through repetition and active use. Instead of memorizing for tests, children build real understanding and confidence to use English as a form of communication.
The methodology is composed of three main elements: the books, the app, and the hands-on tools that support each activity.
The method includes three books that cover the first years of learning. The first two focus on literacy, and the third helps consolidate and expand what has been learned.
Book 1 – Learn to Draw, Learn to Read: Short Vowels
Children begin by learning to read words with short vowels through drawing. This book is connected to the first module of the video lessons and is all you need besides the app to get started.
Book 2 – Learn to Draw, Learn to Read: Long Vowels
Children progress to reading words with long vowels, continuing to learn through drawing and visual association. (This content is part of a later stage of the program and will be released after the first module)
Book 3 – Sentence Shapes and Colour Sounds
A workbook where students actively complete the content after readings and activities, helping reinforce and organize what they’ve learned.
You don’t need to purchase all books at once - you can start with Book 1 and progress step by step.
1. Download the app
The Sentence Shapes app is expected to be available in August 2026. It will include step-by-step video lessons, instructions, and all the guidance needed to apply the methodology.
2. Set up your account and choose your plan
Once available, you’ll be able to create your account and select the plan that best fits your needs.
3. Get the books
The books will soon be available for purchase on Amazon. You will find the link on this page as soon as they are released.
4. Get the materials
The Word Makers notebook is included with the book. Additional materials - such as cards for games and the “Magic” Letter-Maker ruler - will be available to download and print directly from the app.
5. Follow the lessons and learn by doing
Encourage children to actively participate - drawing, writing, creating their own cards, and practicing through games and activities. This hands-on approach reinforces learning in an engaging way that is beneficial for the children's development.
We offer flexible plans designed for both individual and group use - so you can choose what works best for your learning or teaching context.
Explore how the methodology works before you commit.
Access to one sample lesson from each type:
Drawing lessons
Sentence building
Word Makers
Access to tutorials explaining how to apply the method
This trial does not follow the full learning sequence, but it allows you to experience the different types of activities and understand how the methodology works.
Perfect for parents, guardians, or one-to-one teaching.
1 access
Full access to lessons, videos, and materials
Downloadable resources (cards, magic ruler, etc.)
R$49,90/month
or
R$540,90/year (equivalent to R$45,07/month - billed annually)
✨ Save with the annual plan
Ideal for teachers and schools.
1 teacher access + up to 10 simultaneous student accesses
Full access to lessons, videos, and materials
Designed for classroom use and group rotation activities
No need for individual student accounts - students can take turns between app activities and hands-on exercises. If the student would like an individual account, they can purchase the Individual Plan.
R$119,90/month
or
R$999,90/year (equivalent to R$83,32/month - billed annually)
✨ Best value for classrooms
The books are sold separately and can be purchased as you progress - you don’t need to buy everything at once.
The app is an essential part of the methodology, guiding each step of the learning process.
Renata Osso has been teaching English since 1995, specializing in children since 2008. She holds a degree in Languages from the University of São Paulo, studied Architecture at Mackenzie Presbyterian University, and completed a postgraduate degree in Graphic Design at Anhembi Morumbi University. During her studies, she also lived in London for a year.
Throughout her teaching experience, she observed that one of the biggest challenges for children learning English as a foreign language is retaining and revisiting what they learn. Without frequent real-life use, and with traditional note-taking methods that make review difficult, much of the content is easily forgotten. Motivated by this, Renata set out to create a way to make English learning more accessible, simple, and enjoyable - not only for children, but also for those who teach them.
Combining her background in education and design, she developed a visual and sound-based methodology that helps children absorb, revisit, and retain English more naturally. For over a decade, she has been refining this approach, driven by her passion for teaching children and her belief that learning can be both effective and engaging. She is also a mother of two, which further inspires her commitment to creating meaningful and accessible learning experiences.