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CILIA-T Curriculum: U.S. History & Civics
CILIA-T stands for Content-Integrated Language Instruction for Adults with Technology Support. It’s an open-access, 16-module, CCRS/ELP/Northstar-aligned curriculum that integrates knowledge-building in civics, U.S. history, and government with academic English language and digital skills instruction and critical thinking. CILIA-T cultivates a classroom environment where adult learners can share and build on their immense personal experience as global citizens in partnership with their classmates. The target audience includes intermediate-advanced ELLs, pre-GED, and GED learners. Read More
CILIA-T Curriculum: U.S. Civics & History
CILIA-T stands for Content-Integrated Language Instruction for Adults with Technology Support. It’s an open-access, 16-module, CCRS/ELP/Northstar-aligned curriculum that integrates knowledge-building in civics, U.S. history, and government with academic English language and digital skills instruction and critical thinking. CILIA-T cultivates a classroom environment where adult learners can share and build on their immense personal experience as global citizens in partnership with their classmates. The target audience includes intermediate-advanced ELLs, pre-GED, and GED learners. Read More
Beginning ESL Literacy Distance Learning / In-Class Units
These lessons for Beginning EL Literacy (NRS ESL Level 1, CASAS STEPS 160-183) can be used in class, or assigned out of class as proxy hours by a TVM-certified teacher. The lessons are paper-packet based, and each has a QR code link to a video for the lesson. Each unit contains 5 lessons. Each lesson introduces 6-8 new vocabulary words, and is meant to build knowledge based on previous lessons. Read More
Citizenship News – Civics
This site offers a collection of links to free citizenship test prep materials. (The author also has her own citizenship class textbooks for sale.) The "News" page tracks changes to the N-400 citizenship application form and USCIS administration of the test. Read More
Beginning ESL Literacy Distance Learning or In-Class Units
The Beginning EL Literacy (NRS ESL Level 1, CASAS STEPS 160-183) lessons provided here can be used in class, or assigned out of class as proxy hours by a TVM-certified teacher. The lessons are paper-packet based, and each has a QR code link to a video for the lesson. Each unit contains 5 lessons. Each lesson introduces 6-8 new vocabulary words, and is meant to build knowledge based on previous lessons. Read More
Teaching U.S. Immigration Series
This site offers extensive lessons on a variety of immigration-related historical topics. It includes full lesson plans, worksheets, and links to articles and videos. While designed for grades 6-12, it could be used in an advanced English or GED class. Read More
Annenberg Guide to the United States Constitution
Part of the Annenberg Classroom website, this resource displays each section of the Constitution, followed by an explanation of the meaning in modern (though still advanced-level) English. It may be beneficial for an advanced English or GED class, or teachers can simplify further for other levels. The site also includes other civics and political science lesson plans. Read More
WisTech Open
Building on more than 20 years of high-quality digital learning materials, WisTech Open brings together popular Wisc-Online learning objects—such as assessments, animations, and interactive tools—alongside new resources that support learning across subject areas. The free platform can be used in the classroom or for independent learning by students, educators, and lifelong learners. Read More
Spotlight on Total Physical Response
See how Total Physical Response (TPR) connects language to physical movement, helping learners understand and remember new vocabulary. By pairing actions with words, TPR lowers the affective filter and reduces anxiety, making it especially helpful for beginning learners. This approach can be used as a short warm-up activity or as part of a lesson to reinforce meaning and support long-term retention. Read More
Once Upon a Picture: The Thinking Collection
This website provides a collection of images, photo and illustrations, with prompts to inspire learners to write or speak using critical thinking skills about the image. Read More