- MN ABE Connect
- Archive
- Packet-based Lessons for Beginning EL Literacy Students
February 16, 2026
Packet-based Lessons for Beginning EL Literacy Students
Teachers of Beginning EL Literacy (NRS ESL Level 1, CASAS STEPS 160-183) know this level presents its own unique challenges (and joys!). Learners at this level are often acquiring print literacy for the first time as well as learning a new language. There is not a lot of appropriate material available, leaving teachers to create their own material from scratch. There is even less material available that could be used for distance learning proxy hours.
New Beginning ESL Literacy units
This project attempts to bridge the gap. I have a total of 10 units planned, with two available right now. The lessons are paper-packet based, and have a QR code link to a video for the lesson. These lessons can be used in class, or assigned out of class as proxy hours by a TVM-certified teacher.
Each unit contains 5 lessons. Each lesson introduces 6-8 new vocabulary words, and is meant to build knowledge based on previous lessons. Each lesson has 7 components:
- Introducing vocabulary – paper and video
- Vocabulary matching activity – paper and video
- Story using the vocabulary – paper and video
- Comprehension questions about the story – paper and video
- Writing practice – paper only
- CASAS test practice – paper and video
- Life skills application – paper and video
Currently available are a Home Unit and a Work Unit, with more on the way.
- Find the entire Beginning ESL Literacy unit folder >>
Stay tuned and check the MN ABE Connect newsletter for information on more lessons as they become available!
