ESL
Recent Newsletter Articles
The Human Library Experience at LESLLA 2025: Centering Learner Voices Through Identity Texts
At the 2025 LESLLA Conference in Québec City, attendees took part in a Living Human Library, where LESLLA learners from Québec shared identity texts created with support from their teacher and a Université Laval research team. Learners presented personal stories highlighting their languages, backgrounds, and lived experiences. The space became a lively hub of dialogue, curiosity, and cultural exchange. Read More
Ellii + Ventures
Are you an English teacher in the ABE world that uses Ventures? Did you know that Ellii has an entire feature that has aligned many of the activities and resources with the different Ventures levels? Curious about how it works either way? Hear from other ABE English teachers who have been using it and get other general Ellii tips and tricks right here! Read More
Reading Skills Stories: Resources for Beginning ESL Literacy
Teachers across Minnesota have been asking for more accessible, adult-appropriate phonics materials—and "Phonics Stories" deliver. Keep reading to learn why we’re excited to highlight this resource! Read More
A Story of Leveled Readers
In response to the disappearance of the Bow Valley readers for beginner-level learners, ATLAS and Immigrant Welcome Center partnered to create additional leveled readers for practitioners to use with students in their multi-level classes. Practice test questions are available at the higher levels. We hope these resources are beneficial! Read More
Bow Valley Readers – An Update!
Many Beginning English educators are asking, “Where have the Bow Valley Readers gone?” They've been sunsetted, but keep reading to gain access to some of the originals and another collection of helpful literacy readers. Read More
abc English: Resources for Beginning ESL Literacy
"I've been in class for a long time, and this is the best I've ever learned. I'm really learning how to read." (Sallamatu, EL 1-2) Would you like to know which resources Sallamatu’s teacher is using? Keep reading to learn about abc English and why we choose to highlight it! Read More
New Resources for Teachers of Literacy-Level ESL Students!
Resources for teaching adult English language learners with interrupted formal education who need focused instruction in reading and writing have traditionally been limited in the adult education field. Thankfully there is a new collection of literacy-level resources from the Pathway to Literacy program in Indiana! Read More
ELDES Is Live!
Looking for additional scaffolds which build to the Northstar Digital Literacy curricula? Or maybe you are looking for translanguaging resources to reach your Somali and Spanish speaking students? If this is you, the Lyndale Neighborhood Association (LNA) has a new resource for you! Read More
Adult Academic Program’s International Fashion Show Lets Students Shine with Pride!
Coming from over seventy different countries, Adult Academic Program students get a chance to wear their traditional clothes and share their culture with fellow classmates and school staff – and improve their English skills in the process! Read More
Breaking Barriers: The Unexpected Benefits of a Discussion-Based ESL Class
An Advanced ESL discussion class at Metro North in Blaine began as a way to help adult learners strengthen their academic English skills but evolved into something much more meaningful. The experience fostered empathy, challenged stereotypes, and demonstrated the power of conversation in bringing people together. Read More