Volunteer Resources
Resources for Tutoring
Fifty iPad/Android Apps for Language Teachers and Learners
ESL Literacy Readers
http://www.esl-literacy.com/readers/index.html
In this resource, you will find a selection of theme-based readers along with an instructors guide that will support ESL literacy instructors to create comprehensive, theme-based lessons for adult ESL literacy learners. There are preview files to view the stories as well as printable files to print the stories as booklets.
The themes were carefully chosen in that they had to be both of high interest to learners, and more importantly, of relevance to their lives. Every effort was made to ensure the stories would authentically represent learners themselves as well as events and issues that a typical learner may experience.
The Times in Plain English
http://www.thetimesinplainenglish.com/wp/
The Times in Plain English is a newspaper in plain English. You can subscribe to receive it weekly via email, or view it online. It has a translation feature so it can be translated into any language offered by Google Translate. The Times in Plain English also offers tips for teachers on how to use the material in classes or tutoring sessions.
Canadian Newcomer Magazine
Canadian Newcomer Magazine is a free glossy, magazine with full colour cover and interior. The mission of the magazine is to connect the regions diverse ethnic communities in Canada using one voice and language by providing free information, advice, entertainment and encouragement to new immigrants.
To that end, the magazine is written in English, but the vocabulary and grammar are kept as plain and simple as possible – complex ideas written in entry level English. Subjects covered include employment, housing, Canadian lifestyles, health, finances, ethnic media and education. The publication is being used as a teaching tool at many schools throughout the GTA.
Canadian Newcomer Magazine is published six times per year with all issues available online in both English and French.
CBC Radio One
CBC Radio One and the Government of Alberta announce a new resource for adult language learners. This free resource has made available news and fatures storeis with online written lessons. The news is read at a slower pace to help with listerning and understanding. CBC Radio One has also provided pdf documents that summarize each news story and review vocabulary.
Download audio files and written lessons at www.breakthewall.alberta.ca
NorQuest Rural Routes
http://eslruralroutes.norquest.ca/resources.aspx
We are eager to showcase our information “hub” centre! This library has a range of resources relevant to individuals who work and volunteer in the ESL community. If you are looking for information check out our collection, which includes website links, documents, articles, activities, fact sheets and so much more.
Grass Roots Press
Grass Roots Press has added online exercises, discussion questions, and more to supplement many of the books you will find on the CALLS office shelves. Find them here: http://www.grassrootsbooks.net/ca/free-downloads.
Engvid
This site has lots of very good English videos explainging useful concepts and those small tricky bits of language: http://www.engvid.com/.
Don't forget - Strathcona County Library is now hosting a settlement worker! If your learner has any questions about settling in or sorting things out, get in touch through the library (or Dyan).
BBC Skillswise
Lots of options here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/0/
National Adult Literacy Agency
Piles of practical worksheets. Spelling and occasionally grammar is Irish/UK. https://www.nala.ie/tutors/worksheets
Minnesota Literacy Council
A phenomenal set of curricula around literacy, English language learning, and daily life needs. https://mnliteracy.org/curriculum-lesson-plans
NorQuest Intercultural Education Projects
A collection of various materials and resources related to intercultural communication and succeeding in the Canadian professional workplace: https://norquest.ca/professional-development/norquest-centres/centre-for-intercultural-education/projects/completed-projects.aspx