ESL
Recent Newsletter Articles
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
Translanguaging: Harnessing our Students’ Languages for Classroom Success
What is translanguaging, and why should EL instructors strive to support it in their classrooms? Translaguaging is one way to harness all of our students’ linguistic resources, and it requires intentionality and dedication on our part to give students ownership of their learning. Read More
Creating Systems, Establishing Routines, and Collaborating to Boost Student Achievement
When we consistently incorporate routines and establish systems into our instruction and programming, we lay a strong foundation for student success both inside and outside of the classroom. Read More
Homophones in Isolation for the Adult Learner
Adult learners often wrestle with homophones as texts and conversations are littered with them. Through nine units of shared homophone lessons, teachers control the pace, and the objective is intentionality because homophones are here (hear), there (their/they’re), and everywhere (wear)! Read More