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ESL Literacy Readers (Bow Valley Readers)
This collection of beloved theme-based readers for beginning levels of ESL literacy has been discontinued (in late 2024). They are no longer available at the Bow Valley College site. However, colleagues at the Immigrant Welcome Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, have a number of the readers posted (with permission) on their Adult ELL Pathway to Literacy website. This document outlines the changes and how to find these materials.
Rachel’s English
This YouTube channel contains hundreds of videos unpacking the sounds and rhythms of the English language, as well as videos exploring idioms, vocabulary, and recommendations for strengthening listening and learning skills.
Skillblox
Skillblox is a tool created by CrowdED Learning in response to the question “What if instead of searching various books and sites for quality content, they were all organized in one place?” This database of content streamlines the process of creating targeted and individualized learning plans (online packets, if you will) for adult education students. It is searchable by CCR standards, and soon TABE 11/12 competencies.
CK12.org
This resource contains digital textbooks, interactive exercises, simulations, and more – all openly licensed. Most of their content is for math, science, and social studies, but there is some for English (writing & spelling) as well. They have very good training and support, including a whole series of recorded webinars available on their site. (Just open the “Explore” tab and choose “Webinars.”)
Vocabulary Lessons as Google Docs with Quizlet
CrowdEd and Appalachian State University (ASU) have collaborated to make the original Vocabulary Lessons, which are now stored in a shared Google Drive as Google Docs. You can easily copy them over to your Google Classroom Drive and assign academic vocabulary lessons or activities directly to students. There's also now a direct Quizlet link so students can easily access additional interactive activities for each academic vocabulary lesson.
Trello
Trello is an app used for collaboration and project management, allowing users to create virtual boards to manage their workflow, and then customize those boards by adding lists and cards. Users can also attach files, checklists, and comments to the cards, as well as sharing their boards. A student working on her Adult Diploma, for example, could create a board and share it with her teachers in order to get virtual feedback and support.
COVID-19 Lessons: Self-Management
The COVID-19 outbreak presents an unprecedented opportunity to help our students develop TIF (Transitions Integration Framework) skills as they try to understand everything that is going on. Here are a few of the ways that we can help our learners practice Self-Management skills.
COVID-19 Lessons: Navigating Systems
The COVID-19 outbreak presents an unprecedented opportunity to help our students develop TIF (Transitions Integration Framework) skills as they try to understand everything that is going on. Here are a few of the ways that we can help our learners practice Navigating Systems skills.
COVID-19 Lessons: Learning Strategies
The COVID-19 outbreak presents an unprecedented opportunity to help our students develop TIF skills as they try to understand everything that is going on. Here are a few of the ways that we can help our learners practice Learning Strategies skills.
MATH Activities from March 31 newsletter article
For your convenience, the Math activities from the March 31 newsletter article "The 3rd 'C' in CCRS - Focusing on Community Right Now" can be accessed here.
CCRS Level D – Newsela “Tough Times” Article
"Newsela 'Tough Times' Article" is part of a series of standards-aligned sample ELA activities that you can use with your students to make connections between their schoolwork (college and career) and the community. In all cases, you can use these activities as is, or you could modify to best fit the needs of your learners.
CCRS Level C – Which Soap is Best?
"Which Soap is Best?" is part of a series of standards-aligned sample ELA activities that you can use with your students to make connections between their schoolwork (college and career) and the community. In all cases, you can use these activities as is, or you could modify to best fit the needs of your learners.
CCRS Level C – Coronavirus Myth vs. Fact
"Coronavirus Myth vs. Fact" is part of a series of standards-aligned sample ELA activities that you can use with your students to make connections between their schoolwork (college and career) and the community. In all cases, you can use these activities as is, or you could modify to best fit the needs of your learners.
CCRS Level B – Newsela “Fear” Article
"Newsela 'Fear' Article" is part of a series of standards-aligned sample ELA activities that you can use with your students to make connections between their schoolwork (college and career) and the community. In all cases, you can use these activities as is, or you could modify to best fit the needs of your learners.
CCRS Level B – #StayHomeMN Flyer
"StayHomeMN Flyer" is part of a series of standards-aligned sample ELA activities that you can use with your students to make connections between their schoolwork (college and career) and the community. In all cases, you can use these activities as is, or you could modify to best fit the needs of your learners.
Stay-At-Home Mandate
"Stay-At-Home Mandate" is part of a series of standards-aligned sample math activities that you can use with your students to make connections between their schoolwork (college and career) and the community. In all cases, you can use these activities as is, or you could modify to best fit the needs of your learners.
Interpreting Visual Information
"Interpreting Visual Information" is part of a series of standards-aligned sample math activities that you can use with your students to make connections between their schoolwork (college and career) and the community. In all cases, you can use these activities as is, or you could modify to best fit the needs of your learners.
Understanding the Rapid Spread of COVID-19 in Our Communities
"Understanding the Rapid Spread of COVID-19 in Our Communities" is part of a series of standards-aligned sample math activities that you can use with your students to make connections between their schoolwork (college and career) and the community. In all cases, you can use these activities as is, or you could modify to best fit the needs of your learners.
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. The course can also include employment navigation support to help students transition successfully into the workforce. || 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
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
May 23, 2025
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Online
Hmong 101: An Introduction to Hmong History and Culture Presented by Hmong Cultural Center
Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 5/23/25 Participants will be provided a basic introduction to Hmong history and culture. Topics covered will include Hmong population around the world, Hmong role in the CIA’s secret war in Laos, Hmong refugee movements to the U.S., Hmong American population and demographics (2020 census), Hmong… Learn More
Online
May 27, 2025
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Online
Integrated Pronunciation Instruction for Increased Intelligibility Presented by Suzanne Gilchrist McCurdy
Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 5/27/25 Effective pronunciation instruction that prioritizes intelligibility can greatly support learners both inside and outside the classroom. Yet, many teachers struggle to identify which pronunciation features to focus on and how to seamlessly integrate them into their lessons. This session will help participants refine their… Learn More
Online
May 27, 2025
3:00 pm–4:30 pm
Online
AI Playgroup & Makerspace
Online
Registration Deadline: Date of each webinar You’re invited to our playgroup! Join your adult education colleagues and members of Literacy Minnesota’s Digital Learning team for a fun, informal, and interactive learning experience. Each month, we’ll focus on a different application of generative AI to support teachers and volunteers… Learn More
Online