This is an introductory Module of 16 modules in the ESL course. Using ice-breaker activities and the friendly culture of the class, students will be able to warm up to the course and ease into the curriculum. Students get to know one another and be able to use appropriate grammar to write and present prompt responses. Grammar focuses on verbs 'to be' and continuous tenses. Students consider their goals in taking this course.

American Heritage, American Experience is the title of Module 12 of the ESL course. Lessons on American symbols, celebrations, school systems, states, capitals are among topics covered in this module. Discussions on the meaning of ‘heritage’ and assignments sharpen student awareness of the American culture. Prompts also urge students to compare and contrast their different native cultures to American culture.

Module 6 of the 16 modules of the ESL course is all about House and Home. Verbal and written discussions, in-class and LMS assignments, and group activities reinforce the vocabulary related to house and home. Writing samples in the descriptive genre affords opportunities for students to write a one-paragraph or a three-paragraph piece about their house and home.

Module 13 of the 16 modules of the ESL course is all about Places to visit in America. Verbal and written discussions, and group activities provide opportunities for students to share their experiences travelling in America. Prepositions are infused into the discussions and worksheets on propositions give further practice for students. Students also get an opportunity to do presentations of their travels in America. Reading and comprehension skills are offered through “The Story of the First Thanksgiving”.

Entitled Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, this is Module 8 of 16 modules for the ESL course. Verbal and written discussions, in-class and LMS assignments, and group activities reinforce the vocabulary related to health and wellness. Grammar focus is on simple present and simple past tense verbs. hrough charts, and worksheets, students reflect on their lifestyles – diet, exercise for physical health. Emotional, spiritual, and mental health aspects are also discussed in this module.

This is Module 2 of 16 modules in the ESL course. Lessons cover new experiences of immigrants in America. Grammar focus is on past tense verbs. Students practice the three different sounds of past tense form of regular verbs. The role play activity gives students more practice on verbs. There is also a reading and writing activity on Labor Day.  

Module 14 – Jobs and Careers, looks at the job search process. Students reflect on their personal traits and qualities, together with skills they have to search different media for jobs. Emphasis is given to the job interview aspect of jobs and careers. Class discussions, assignments, activities, mock interviews, etc. give students information on the process of looking for a job and then keeping the job in the American context. Grammar focus is on adverbs and verbs.

This is Module 4 of the 16 modules in the ESL course. Students learn more about where they live – neighborhood, city, state, country. Focus is on California. Vocabulary on different names for roads, and landscapes expands students understanding of their environment. Grammar focus is on nouns. Extensive discussions using prompts strengthen students’ understanding and perception of where they live.

This Family and Friends Module 5 of 16 in the ESL course brings class discussions close to what students know and are familiar with. There is extensive discussion on vocabulary of the different relationships and titles of family members. Activities give students adequate practice with the vocabulary. One-paragraph and three-paragraph writing samples are modeled for the writing assignment.  

Module 3 of the ESL course explores the role of language in communication. The lessons consist of discussions on different ways people communicate and the different languages in the classroom. Through fun activities like a game and role-play, students review vocabulary and language. Grammar focus is on the simple present tense and present continuous tense. Students learn the difference between the two tenses, and practice using them.    

Money Matters with its dual meaning is the title of Module 9 of the 16 modules in the ESL course. Students focus on the financial aspect of their lives. Discussions, assignments, class activities support student comprehension of concepts in the module. Students connect how values and decisions influence financial goals. What are needs and wants? Pronouns and possessive adjectives are the grammar components of the module.  

Goals Revisited is the name of Module 15 of the ESL course. Students looked at their goals briefly in Module 1 and in this module, more in-depth class discussions, worksheets, and assignments give students more structure in their goal setting and achieving plans. Students use relevant future, and infinitive ‘to’ verb tenses in the speaking, reading, and writing activities. Role-play hones in on their writing and speaking skills.

This is the final module in the ESL course. Students discuss what is fun and healthy fun, and share different ways they have fun. Hobbies are explored. The module generates extensive vocabulary and students role-play to bring the words to life. Fun is brought into the class through games and activities. The discussions and assignments give students opportunities to speak, exchange and share ideas, and with writing and listening skills.  

Materials for student presentations in ESOL course that uses the open textbook Communication Beginnings: An Introductory Listening and Speaking Text for English Language Learners by Della Jean Abrahams (http://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1022&context=pdxopen).

Course Description
Presents oral communication as a process that involves determination of purpose, selection and adjustment of strategies, comprehension checks, and integration of prior knowledge with new knowledge to address the communicative purpose. Develops listening comprehension and speaking skills at a low intermediate level. Addresses use of important language functions, such as asking for clarification, agreeing, and negotiating meaning. Includes one prepared speech. Introduces the English stress system, intonation, and certain consonant and vowel sounds. Places communication in the context of adult life roles.

Intended Outcome(s) for the Course:

Understand oral communication as a process that involves determination of purpose, selection and adjustment of strategies, comprehension checks, and integration of prior knowledge with new knowledge to address the communicative purpose.

Use knowledge about language, culture, and context to prepare for and accomplish communication tasks at the low intermediate level.

Use listening skills to understand and respond to different types of discourse.

Produce spoken English that is mostly understandable with some repetition or clarification.

Begin to identify and correct basic pronunciation problems.

Deliver a planned presentation on a familiar topic.

ESOL News Oregon is a website that offers short articles adapted from regional news sources about current events in the state. Stories are labeled with word counts and Lexile levels. Each is accompanied by an image, self-correcting exercises, and source citations.

This curriculum was developed for volunteers working 1:1 with pre-literate ESL students. All materials are ready-made and available digitally through dropbox or google drive. This curriculum is organized by 13 instructional themes that are relevant and authentic to adults of any age, with a special focus on learners who are 65+. The curriculum guidelines are informed by Massachusetts ABE Basic Literacy Standards, training materials from the Minnesota Literacy Council, and Transitions Integration Framework. The materials are easy to use with pre-literate learners 1:1, in small groups, or in classroom settings. All activities are leveled and include detailed instructions, tips, and extension ideas.

This curriculum can be adapted and edited to suit your community. For more information, please visit www.elderliteracy.org .

This resource is for English Language Learners or English Learners to help them visualize new vocabulary to increase depth of learning.

ELL students create and share a botanic field guide incorporating depiction, measurement, description, and classification of common Minnesota trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and plants.

The Essay Map is an interactive graphic organizer that enables students to organize and outline their ideas for an informational, definitional, or descriptive essay.