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Nature for New Minnesotans – Fishing and Mercury Pollution: Public Health

This lesson provides reading, writing, and speaking opportunities for students to learn about mercury in fish and its impact on public health. With a focus on Minnesota, the lesson first asks students to share their own experiences with warnings around fish consumption. After reviewing vocabulary, a reading on the dangers of mercury is provided, as well as an online activity that uses the Minnesota Department of Health website to determine safe consumption limits for different groups of people. A hands-on extension activity is included to help students understand the phenomenon of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in fish.

5 Minute English

Learners will find short lessons and explanations on a variety of topics, including reading, grammar, listening, pronunciation, vocabulary, and idioms. After each lesson, there is a short comprehension quiz for learners to test their understanding.

Learn English Free: EnglishClub

EnglishClub is a free website designed to help beginning to advanced English Language Learners develop their English skills. Learners can find activities and materials to learn about and practice listening, reading, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Teachers can also find materials and lesson plans.

USA Learns

USA Learns is a free website that supports immigrants who want to learn or improve their English skills as they become part of American society. Designed as an online tool for learning English outside of a classroom, the site offers contextualized practice activities in listening, reading, writing, speaking and life skills necessary for success at work and in the community.

John’s ESL Page: Adult and Family Education

This website contains numerous links for learners to develop their English skills online, either in a computer lab or on their own time. Topics include: shopping, jobs, community resources, housing, health, grammar, literacy, and computer skills.

iPads and Tablets in the LESLLA Classroom

With suggestions of iPad/tablet apps that build reading foundations skills, numeracy, and digital literacy for ESL learners with limited or interrupted formal education, this list can help integrate ABE standards in a targeted, self-paced, and differentiated manner.

Immigrant Story Curriculum for English Language Learners

Immigrant Stories is a digital storytelling and archiving project. This curriculum will allow students to create a 3-5 minute digital story about a personal experience using the Immigrant Stories website (https://immigrantstories.umn.edu/). The curriculum includes everything you need to assign the project: a 4-week schedule, lesson plans, a grading rubric, and student handouts.

Content-Based Language Teaching with Technology

The Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition provides professional development and online resources that help foreign language and immersion teachers create content-based lessons/units using technology to enhance students' language proficiency and content or cultural knowledge. Includes instructional modules for teacher professional development and lesson plans and modules that can be used in classes.

New Resources

Retail Customer Service

Retail Customer Service is a 6-week (48-hour) work readiness training program focused on preparing students for entry-level positions in retail environments, particularly cashiering. The curriculum emphasizes essential retail customer service skills, money handling, inventory tracking, and includes hands-on experience running a student store. Students will gain practical knowledge of U.S. payment methods, cash handling procedures, and use of a Point of Sale (POS) system. In addition to technical skills, the course builds foundational job-seeking abilities such as filling out applications, resume writing, and interview preparation. It also introduces American workplace norms, customer service vocabulary, and strategies for handling conflict, with special attention to culturally appropriate communication in Minnesota. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of Minnesota

Workplace Health and Safety Curriculum

This class prepares people for OSHA 10 Training. Explore careers in janitorial, warehouse, hospital. Learners will: Build vocabulary and skills related to building maintenance, customer service, workplace health and safety; develop Speaking, Listening, and Reading skills for entry level and advanced jobs in building maintenance and customer service; earn OSHA 10 Certificate for Industrial Safety; and have access to a Counselor who will help with applying for jobs St. Paul Public Schools, or other companies. || AUTHOR: Nancy Bjorn Nordeen, Hubbs Center

College Readiness Academy Skills

This course builds knowledge, skills, and confidence in standard American English with a focus on academic writing, reading, oral communication, and digital literacy. Critical language areas are integrated throughout the course to prepare students for college-level success. The novel A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park will serve as the core text for reading, writing, discussion, and project work. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of MN

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PD Catalog

Get an overview of all MN Adult Education professional development (PD) activities in one convenient, searchable place!

PD Catalog

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

July 21, 2025 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Teaching Reading Vocabulary

Online

Registration Deadline: MON. 7/21/25 Venue: Online (see details below) Vocabulary is everyone’s favorite reading component! And helping students master reading vocabulary is a key to helping them master comprehension. But how many words should you teach? And which words are the most important? What strategies are best for… Learn More

Online
July 30, 2025 2:00 pm–3:00 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Ellii Q&A for Instructional Staff

Online

Registration Deadline: WED. 7/30/25 Venue: Online (see details below) The Statewide Digital Learning Team will host two Q&A sessions for staff and volunteers interested in using the new, state-supported Ellii account. Please complete the staff training BEFORE attending a Q&A session. These sessions are intended as… Learn More

Online
July 31, 2025 9:30 am–10:30 am
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Ellii Q&A for Support Staff

Online

Registration Deadline: THU. 7/31/25 Venue: Online (see details below) The Statewide Digital Learning Team will host two Q&A sessions for staff and volunteers interested in using the new, state-supported Ellii account. Please complete the staff training BEFORE attending a Q&A session. These sessions are… Learn More

Online