Archive
Recent Newsletter Articles
English Reading Demystified – ESL
The content for this multi-modal resource stemmed from work done by several adult English teachers, who noticed similarities between the difficulties experienced by English learners and those experienced by learners in another field of literacy: dyslexia. While the two contexts are different in many ways and these language learners were likely not dyslexic (there is currently no way to diagnose ELLs), they found much that overlaps. By purposefully learning more about instruction for learners with dyslexia, they enhanced their own teaching of adult language learners across all levels. Read More
Statista
Statista is the perfect site if you are looking for a chart/graph that relates to a particular lesson/classroom topic or if students are in need of more chart and graph practice in preparation for the GED social studies test. After creating an account, Statista's free plan allows access to an extensive collection of statistics ranging from the economy to the environment, and even stats related to celebrities, personality, and behavior. Read More
Ford’s Theater Education Resources
Ford's Theater provides free lessons and resources for students at multiple levels (grades 3-12). While Lincoln's life and legacy is the theme of the materials, there are also lessons that are related to many well-known plays that have appeared at the theater. For the U.S.'s 250th birthday, the site has new classroom resources for elementary, middle and high school students that explore how American leaders across eras understood the ideals of freedom and equality. The site also offers opportunities for teacher professional development, strategies for teaching oratory, and ideas for presenting Lincoln's assassination and legacy. Read More
IET for English Learners Desk Aids
A set of three IET for English Learners Desk Aids and companion QuickStart Guide was developed in 2023 by the Enhancing Access for Refugees and New Americans project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE). These resources are five to six pages each, and complement the IET Design Toolkit approach and process by describing nuanced considerations for IET programs designed for delivery in combination with IELCE activities. Read More
Water: An ESL Curriculum for Adults
This five lesson curriculum was developed by the University of California Extension program. It was designed explicitly for adult EL students and contains simultaneous content and language instruction. The lessons focus on watersheds, water quality, and the water cycle in Los Angeles, CA. Each lesson contains readings, vocabulary, and grammar lessons. Read More
Nature for New Minnesotans – Plants in Minnesota
This curriculum, piloted by Nature for New Minnesotans and University of Minnesota Extension, provides learners with an overview of Minnesota's edible and dangerous plants. The unit was designed for adult EL learners that are low beginner-intermediate, and contains lessons with reading, speaking, and writing opportunities. Science topics covered include photosynthesis, plant nutrients, and invasive species. Informational cards on common edible and dangerous plants in Minnesota are also included. Read More
Nature for New Minnesotans – Climate of Minnesota
This curriculum, piloted by Nature for New Minnesotans and University of Minnesota Extension, provides learners with an overview of Minnesota's climate and biomes. The unit was designed for adult EL learners that are low beginner-intermediate, and contains lessons with reading, speaking, and writing opportunities. The pre-experience lessons for this curriculum are developed for a visit to the Bell Museum, the state of Minnesota's natural history museum. Read More
The Change Agent Democracy in Action Edition
Although originally published in 2008, this PDF-version of The Change Agent's "Democracy in Acton" edition has many readings and activities related to civic participation that still relevant for current times. The Change Agent is a publication that helps teachers incorporate social justice content into their curriculum. There are even articles written by adult leaners. It does require a subscription and is appropriate for intermediate and above ELL students and for learners at the Pre-GED/GED levels. In this edition, readers are first introduced to different types of civic participation and problem solving strategies. The next sections include topics related to politics, the history of voting, and the connection between money and politics. The final readings discuss political parties and the democratic system of government. Read More
BEETLES Project
The BEETLEs project is an excellent resource for activities, lessons, and curriculum that explore the natural world. Designed for K-12 and informal science spaces, content focuses on the natural world and how humans understand it. Read More
National Geographic Society
National Geographic's education resources offer numerous, free, leveled materials on a variety of topics related to geography, the environment, and human migration. The searchable content includes articles, interactives, infographics, maps, and videos. Teachers can customize, print and/or share black line maps and there is also a feature where students can create and view interactive maps. In addition, educators from all over the world can can connect and share with each other through National Geographic's free online courses for educators. Read More