ESL Resources

In the ATLAS Project-Based Learning resource library you can learn more about project-based learning (see the PBL Resources & Workshops section) and see sample projects contributed by local MN ABE practitioners.

Some project examples are extensive, and others are quite concise and can be done in a single lesson. While these are not intended for exact replication, we hope the information, examples, and additional resources give you enough of a start to inspire you to give PBL a try in your own ABE classroom!

Visit the Project-Based Learning resource library

Want to see the CCRS (College & Career Readiness Standards) in action in an ESL classroom, but don’t have time to get out and observe your colleagues? Look no further than these wonderful classroom videos featuring seasoned instructors from Literacy Minnesota as they expertly implement the CCRS in their English language classrooms. The videos are a collaboration between ATLAS and Literacy Minnesota and are found with accompanying materials in our CCR Standards resource library.

Literacy Level ESL – This lesson requires learners to: 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.

Low Beginning ESL – This lesson requires learners to: 1) Ask and answer questions about key details in a text, 2) Speak audibly, express thoughts clearly and succinctly, 3) Follow rules for discussions & responding to comments/questions in an exchange, and 4) Understand and use question words.

Beginning ESL – This lesson requires learners to: 1) Ask and answer questions about key details in a text, 2) Describe the connection between individuals, 3) Use illustrations to describe key ideas, 4) Speak audibly, express thoughts clearly and succinctly, 5) Follow rules for discussions & responding to comments/questions in an exchange, and 6) Understand and use question words, possesive pronouns, and the progressive verb tense.

Intermediate/High Intermediate ESL – This lesson requires learners to: 1) Identify and highlight evidence that supports their answers to text-dependent inference questions as evidenced by their responses to the questions and highlighting marks in the text, and 2) Accurately quote or paraphrase specific evidence from the text as evidenced by small group and whole class discussions.