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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.
Digital Access & Resilience in Texas (DART)
Digital Access and Resilience in Texas (DART) is a foundational digital literacy curriculum for beginning English learners that incorporates digital literacy skills, foundational print literacy skills, and conceptual understanding of basic digital literacy topics, beginning with letter recognition and keyboard knowledge through going online, searching the internet, and using email. All 20 units and their instructional resources are available to download for free either separately or as a complete document.
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.
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.
Health Literacy Resources
This collection of multi-language health videos, classroom lessons, and support resources was created to support language learners who are new to English and who may have limited literacy skills to reduce barriers to access healthcare and improve health literacy.
Best Practices for Intake and Support Staff
Beginning ESL literacy learners can have unique needs and require more support. This document offers recommendations that are designed to support more accurate placement and compassionate intake of learners who are new to both English and print literacy.
abc English Teacher Training
abc English is a collection of resources for teachers and tutors who work with adult and adolescent English learners who are developing basic literacy and language skills. abc English offers free Teacher Training resources which serve as asynchronous professional development opportunities. Training includes video examples of instructional techniques, a sample lesson outline and a teacher's guide as well as a Webinar video.
- Alphabetics
- Assessment
- Beginning ESL Literacy
- Citizenship
- Manipulatives
- Phonics
- Pronunciation
- Spelling
- Vocabulary
abc English Online Library: Assessment
abc English offers English Readers, Flashcards, and slideshows for systematic phonics, grammar, and vocabulary building. Full access to the online library requires a subscription, but some of the materials are free. Additionally, there is a free 30-day trial option.
Literacy Now: Downloadable Material
This website includes books from Literacy NOW workshops, and testing materials developed for ESL Programs. These have been developed and curated by Tacoma Community House. You will find tools for the Language Experience Approach (LEA), A Speaking and Listening Handbook, and three different volunteer handbooks for those supporting Beginning ESL Literacy students.
Promising Practices for IET Programs That Serve Beginning-Level Learners
One of six installments in the IET Strategies in Action series, this brief discusses how two strategies—bridge programs and stackable credentials—are implemented by local providers to serve beginning-level learners intentionally, and in some cases, how state-level guidance and support can enable these efforts.
Reading Skills Stories
This section of the Literacy Centre of Expertise website offers both interactive (with audio) and downloadable (PDF) student and teacher materials. There are phonics stories, "Interactive Foundational Stories" (dealing with oral language, vocabulary and comprehension), and stories dealing with word families and sight words, all written for adult language learners.
Adult ELL Pathway to Literacy
Find the Adult ELL Pathway to Literacy curriculum and online assessment tools here. These resources were developed by a team of literacy level teachers, and piloted with in-person and online classes of literacy level learners.
Pathway to Literacy Level Teacher Training
This training module explores definitions of adult EL emergent readers, best practices, lesson planning and learning activities, and showcases the Adult ELL Pathway to Literacy curriculum and assessment; a free resource for adult literacy level teachers.
Total Physical Response (TPR): A Curriculum for Adults
Learn about the "how" and "why" of using TPR in the classroom and explore a lesson routine that can be used for a wide variety of TPR topics. A great resource for teachers who are new to incorporating TPR into their lessons.
Health Literacy Resources for Immigrants and Refugees
This collection of multi-language health videos, classroom lessons, and support resources was created to support language learners who are new to English and who may have limited literacy skills to reduce barriers to access healthcare and improve health literacy.
CCRS in the ABE Classroom: Literacy Level ESL
This lesson focuses on Shift 1: Complexity; Reading Anchor 1, Levels A and B; Reading Anchor 2, Level A; Speaking and Listening Anchor 2, Level A; and Reading Foundations Anchors 1 and 2. The learners: 1) Ask and answer questions about key details in a text, 2) Ask and answer wh- questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, 3) Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text, 4) Confirm understanding of an oral text by asking and answering questions, and 5) Isolate the initial and final sounds of spoken words.
Carringbush Teacher Training Videos
The videos are a series of teacher training resources developed by Carringbush Adult Education for teachers of foundation level adult EL learners. The videos feature systematic approaches to teaching pronunciation, vocabulary, and text, and include error correction techniques as well as other tips and tricks that are based on research findings.
Carringbush Reading Series
The Carringbush Reading Series features stories and language from everyday life that are relevant to adult English language and literacy learners. The materials are designed to be used as reading resources and as tools in the classroom to accompany lessons on themes such a daily routines, going to a doctor appointment, employment pathways, and other topics.
Showing Evidence Using Academic Language with Low Literacy Learners
Participants in this workout practice scaffolding a lesson in which literacy level learners can use academic language to show evidence in a text.
Emergent Readers
This website contains instructions for scaffolding reading texts and speaking activities for literacy level learners, resource lists, and videos of literacy level classroom instruction.
New Resources
Presenter Information
Get information about stipends, reimbursements, the MN Adult Ed policy on use of images in presentations, and other instructions for presenters.
MN Adult Ed YouTube Channel
The MN Adult Education YouTube Channel is a free online PD resource that you can use to explore teaching techniques and classroom ideas in action! Find out more in this MN ABE Connect newsletter article.
ATLAS Announcements & Future PD
Check out the latest list of ATLAS professional development announcements and opportunities! This is the document that is shared at all ATLAS events.
Virtual Meeting Resources
Find resources for conducting online meetings/events/presentations! You are welcome to use and adapt these materials to fit your own needs and context.
Upcoming ABE Events
October 19, 2026
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Online
Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 10/19/26 Venue: Online (see details below) Come and review the important role of fluency in reading instruction. We will discuss the three key components of reading fluency and look at a variety of activities tutors and teachers can try. We will talk about the mechanics… Learn More
Online
October 19, 2026
2:00 pm–3:00 pm
Ask ATLAS in the ATLAS Lounge – One Room Schoolhouse Office Hour with Carly!
Join the ATLAS Lounge for Ask ATLAS Office Hours. Passcode to join the meeting: lounge2026 Welcome to a new endeavor for ATLAS – open office hours! Join the Zoom on Monday, October 19, between 2:00 – 3:00… Learn More
October 21, 2026
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Online
The Art of Small Group Facilitation
Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 10/21/26 Venue: Online (see details below) Small group work can be one of the most effective ways to increase student engagement and language practice, but facilitating a group isn’t always easy. Volunteers are often asked to lead discussions, support practice activities, or facilitate group work. Learn More
Online