I found a website today that offers a lot of free ESL lessons. The lessons at www.breakingnewenglish.com address current topics in today's news. Even though the site appears to originate from Britain, the majority of the lessons are useful. I was especially intrigued by the lesson on the health benefits of chocolate! You heard me right. Check it out!

Posted by Angie Garcia at Monday, April 19, 2010 Comments

The Moody Bible Institute annual ESL conference is on Saturday, April 17. It's one of the few conferences focusing on faith-based English ministries. I can attest from personal experience that it's very much worth your time!

Posted by Jenn B at Monday, March 22, 2010 Comments

CAELA recently posted several new briefs. Here are two worth checking out:

1. Teaching Grammar to Adult Language Learners - This short article gives a brief history of grammar instruction in the U.S. and how it has evolved to its current, Focus on Form.

2. Observing and Providing Feedback to Teachers of Adults Learning English - This article offers several practical ideas on how to observe and give feedback to teachers. I know that I personally don't do nearly a good enough job at this. I really liked the list of questions and plan to use it in the classes during the fall.

As this blog grows, we'll post more and more resources. But we also want to share others. So post an article or website that you really enjoy as a comment to this post to share it with the other readers!

Posted by Jenn B at Wednesday, June 10, 2009 Comments

Welcome to the new Indy Reads ESL blog! We are an adult literacy and ESL program in Indianapolis. Our students are served by a large group of wonderful volunteer tutors. Our direct services include one-on-one and/or small group tutoring. We are currently serving nearly 600 students!

During the past couple of years we have been privileged to assist several outside organizations in their efforts to teach English to our immigrant population. Our resources include professional trainings for volunteer tutors/teachers, an extensive Adult ESL Core Series and other training materials, on-going trainings in the form of in-services, tutor forums and networking opportunities with other organizations. The new Indy Reads ESL blog furthers our aim to bring community groups together to share resources and ideas for improving our own programs and efforts. We invite you to share your favorite websites, your favorite success stories or your most successful teaching method among other ideas.

Check in often to see what new ideas and resources are available for you! We look forward to your contributions as well!

-- Angie Garcia, Training and Outreach Manager

Posted by Angie Garcia at Monday, June 01, 2009 Comments

CAELA has released a new manual for teachers of adult ESL students:

Framework for Quality Professional Development for
Practitioners Working With Adult English Language Learners

The free report is geared towards those who are running adult ESL programs and offers guidance on how to best prepare teachers with the skills they'll need to be successful. Enjoy!

Posted by Jenn B at Monday, April 13, 2009 Comments