Articles a/an and the

There are only 3 articles in English:  a, an and the, but they probably cause more grammar problems than any other words.  Here are a few good lessons on articles use that include explanation, examples, and practice from the University of Victoria ESL department.

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/410-articles-a-an-the.htm
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/490/grammar/articles-general.htm
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/490/grammar/articles-fine-tuning.htm

Additional on-line practice:
http://a4esl.org/q/f/x/xz38mvt.htm
http://a4esl.org/q/h/vm/fampeople.html
http://a4esl.org/q/h/9901/cw-articles.html

Worksheets and answers
http://www.eslpdf.com/esl_articles.html
http://www.eslflow.com/prepositionlessonplans.html  (scroll down to "articles)

Enjoy!

Ventures Curriculum self-study

A reminder to our many tutors who are using the Ventures curriculum that there is a web-site for your learner to access additional practice.  Check it out and encourage your learner to practice, practice, practice the skills they are learning.  http://www.cambridge.org/us/esl/venturesadulted/venturesarcade/

Canadian Citizenship preparation

A number of our learners have applied or will soon be applying for Canadian Citizenship.  Those with lower English skills can be quite nervous about the test.  Any help from tutors to improve English skills will be helpful.  To practice skills, you may wish to use the resources for Citizenship. 

• Application process, etc.  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become.asp 
• Test study guide  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/index.asp 
• Download page for Citizenship Resource, an ESL curriculum for preparing for citizenship http://wiki.settlementatwork.org/wiki/Citizenship_Resource:_A_classroom_resource_for_teaching_citizenship_topics_to_adult_English_language_learners
• General quiz  http://www.linktolearning.com/government/citizenship.htm 
• Online preparation program  http://citizenshipnow.ca/virtual-resource-library/test-preparation 

Classes are also available in Chilliwack on Saturdays by the YMCA and weekdays by Immigrant Services.  Check with me for details. 
We also have print copies of some of these resources available for tutors and learners.
Tutors who study for the Canadian Citizenship test will find out they learn a lot about our country too!

Conversation Circle

For new ideas when leading an ESL Conversation Circle, here are a few resources.  Some of these tools are also easy to adapt for one-on-one conversation.
Books -
Talk Your Head Off!
Grab Bag of Socializing
Grab Bag of Canada
Zero Prep for Beginners

Web-Sites -
http://wiki.settlementatwork.org/wiki/ESL_Conversation_Circles_Toolkit
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/conversation/files/conversation_circles_leader_handbook_-_2013_winter.pdf

Please forward your ideas to add to the list!  Janet

Happy B.C. Day!

The next weeks would be a great time to learn more about BC with your learner(s).  Bring a map and discuss where you have been in our beautiful province and where you would like to go!

Check out the following resources:

Low level reading and questions re: BC Day
http://www.elsanet.org/site/wp-content/uploads/Resources-for-Lower-Levels-BC-Day.pdf

Higher level JEOPARDY game re: British Columbia  http://www.elsanet.org/site/wp-content/uploads/Resources-for-Higher-Levels_BC-Day-Jeopardy1.pdf
Instructions and answer key for JEOPARDY
http://www.elsanet.org/site/wp-content/uploads/Resources-for-Higher-Levels_BC-Day-Jeopardy-Instructions-and-Answer-Key.pdf

BC Newcomer's Guide - print several pages to read and discuss together
http://www.welcomebc.ca/newcomers_guide/newcomerguide.aspx

BC Newcomer's Guide Educational Resource
http://www.elsanet.org/education/index.html
NOTE - these Educational Resource worksheets are very dated BUT some things like geography do not change! 
Samples:  http://www.elsanet.org/education/sports_PDF/outdoorINFO.pdf
                  http://www.elsanet.org/education/infoBC_PDF/geo_xword.pdf

Westcoast Reader - search Articles by Topic - British Columbia for readings, discussion topics, worksheets...  http://www.thewestcoastreader.com/

Happy BC Day from the Chilliwack Learning Society!

English Language Listening Lab On-Line ELLLO.ORG

This great learning tool is created by Todd Beuckens, an English teacher based in Japan.  Check out the authentic listening material, dialogues, games, etc. and promote to your learners.
http://elllo.org/

Upgrading Computer Skills

Do you or your learner want to improve your computer skills? 

• UFV has Fall Semester classes starting September 2, 2014 for beginners.  They are tuition free, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:30 to 5:20.  Call for an appointment to register - 604-795-2807.
• There are many great web-sites to improve keyboarding skills.  Check out: 
  
  www.powertyping.com
  www.typingtest.com
  The computer lab at Immigrant Services has drop-in computer time as well as classes for beginners and intermediate users.  Check out the current schedule by calling Holly at 604-393-3251.  Pass on the information to your learner or come along to coach and improve your own skills!
  To assess computer skills, try the on-line assessment at  http://www.thewclc.ca/edge/issue12/ComputerUse/ComputerUse.html
  Computer use is one of the 9 Essential Skills for the Canadian Workplace.

Library Resources

Does your learner have a library card?  Anyone can apply (no need to be a permanent resident or Canadian Citizen).  On-line access allows learners to order books on-line and use the digital contents.  It's a great idea to make sure your learner is familiar with the Adult Learner collections at the library.  This includes ESL materials such as grammar books, pronunciation DVD's, as well as easy reading resources.  The Children's department is another good source for materials.
Most of our tutors and learners are meeting in spaces where WiFi is available.  At the libraries, you can access computers or bring your own laptop.  You can show your learner some of the interesting tools on the Fraser Valley Regional Library web-site.  Check out the Digital Resources, such as BookFLIX, where English learners can watch and read interactive children's stories online.  Tumblebook Cloud allows readers to listen as they read along - a great way to improve English! 
Contact me if you have any questions!

Canada Day Resources

Happy Canada Day from Chilliwack's Volunteer Tutor Program!
Check out the resource pages compiled by LISTN, the B.C. ESL instructors network.  They could be used for individual tutoring as well as Conversation Circles.
For lower level learners:
http://www.elsanet.org/site/wp-content/uploads/Resources-for-Lower-Levels-Canada-Day.pdf
For higher level learners:
http://www.elsanet.org/site/wp-content/uploads/Resources-for-Higher-Levels-Canada-Day.pdf

Listening Practice

Some English learners have particular difficulty with listening.  They may be able to speak English, especially if they have time to prepare or practice what they will say.  They may be fairly good readers and writers of English because they've done so for many years, even in their home country.  Listening can be the biggest challenge for some individuals.  Native speakers talk too fast, run words together, don't give the listener time to sort out what is being said before moving on to the next sentence...
Listening skills will only improve with practice, practice, practice!  Online practice is a great way to add practice!  Check out many great web-sites at
http://www.eslstation.net/ESL320L/320L_Listen.htm
Strong English listening skills are especially important to attend college or work in customer service, hospitality, healthcare, etc. Regular on-line practice will show results!  A volunteer tutor to practice with is best of all!

Top Ten Interview Questions

Some of our Volunteer Tutor Program learners are looking for employment.  A tutor can help prepare for job interviews by role playing and giving speaking practice opportunities.  Interview questions may be very different in Canada than other cultures.  Here's a fun web-site for inspiration on this topic: 
http://www.thewclc.ca/edge/issue5/TheInterview/TopTenIntro.html

Speaking to English Learners on the Phone

Some of our tutors plan telephone conversations with learners, and many need to make meeting arrangements by phone.  Talking on the phone can be very challenging in a new language so the opportunity to practice with a sympathetic tutor is a great idea!  I thought of you when I read this article:  http://drsaraheaton.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/multiculturalism-on-the-phone/

3 Tips for dealing with non-English speakers on the phone

Anyone who answers or makes calls is going to encounter someone whose first language isn’t the same as their own. Providing this person speaks enough of the language to understand you, there are three key tactics you can use to set yourself apart from other, less compassionate and understanding people, when it comes to dealing with callers whose first language differs from yours.
Smile. The person on the other end of the phone can “hear” your smile and will respond to your positive energy. About 70% of our communication is non-verbal, so a smile conveys a lot, even if the other person can’t see it. But did you know that the smile is the only universal facial expression? All others can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the culture. But a sincere smile will always transcend words and cultural difference.
Be extra patient. Imagine you are the person on the other end of the phone. You would appreciate it if the native speaker did not jump in while you were still talking, finish your sentences for you or skip to the next point without letting you finish. If you allow a non-native speaker to finish saying what they have to say, listen intently and be patient, you will win respect and trust.
Speak slower, not louder. People whose first language isn’t English may need more time to process the language, but their hearing is probably just as good as yours. If you slow down the pace of your speech and leave longer pauses in between sentences, you will allow the other person time to absorb everything that you are saying. Don’t exaggerate your pauses or tone, but rather think of speaking slowly, clearly and cheerfully. If you do, the person on the other end will know you are trying to be helpful, not patronizing.
(This article is adapted from one published Sept. 8, 2003 in a weekly newsletter for language program marketers and managers on a Yahoo group.)

Ventures curriculum

A number of our tutors and learners are enjoying the Ventures curriculum.  We have some availability of Student books and Workbooks in each of the 5 levels.  Each level includes high-interest topics and English lessons for listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Each Unit includes grammar and vocabulary.  A self-study CD comes with each Student book and is also available on-line.  Check the web-site for more information and let me know if you would like to try it!
http://www.cambridge.org/ca/esl/catalog/subject/project/item405055/?site_locale=en_CA

Online Adjective Quizzes

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/cgi-shl/quiz.pl/adjectives_quiz.htm

http://english-zone.com/members/grammar/adjective5.html

http://a4esl.org/q/h/vm/adjorder.html
 
http://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/139.html

Reading Suggestions

Our learners can all benefit from reading aloud to you and receiving your feedback.  It helps fluency, comprehension, vocabulary building, pronunciation and more!  Try to spend a little time reading during each session.
Here are a few suggestions for resources:
 http://bestofthereader.ca/
 http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/
 http://www.readingesl.ca/

The Westcoast Reader newspaper, available at all Chilliwack library branches (a favourite of Heather, Dianne, and others)  Worksheets to go with the newspaper are in the teacher's section at http://www.thewestcoastreader.com/

For higher learners, try the Chicken Soup for the Soul books (thanks to Sandra and her learner for this idea)
Active Reader books at all levels are available at our office, or I can get them for you.  Have you visited our new office at 8472 Harvard Place yet?
Books from the ESL or Adult Learner Collection at the library are great.  Ask the librarian for suggestions.

I would be happy to recommend specific reading for your learner!

Teaching Conversation

Learners may be confused by the many ways we can say something in English.  Practicing phrases for conversation can be helpful.  For example, you can use a map to practice asking and giving directions:
Where is (the) . . . ? 
How do you get to (the) . . . (from here)?
How do I get to (the) . . . ?
Can you tell me how to get to (the) . . . ?
Can you give me directions to (the) . . . ?
What's the best way to get to (the) . . . ?

(First,) go down this street (for ____ blocks).
(Then,) turn left/right at the traffic light.
(After that,) go straight on _____ Street until you get to the ______.
(When you get to the _____,) turn left/right again.
(Then,) stay on______Avenue for about _______  meters.
It's on your left, next to the __________. You can't miss it!
Sorry, I don't know.
Sorry, I don't live around here!

For more conversation phrases by topic, visit:  http://www.eslgold.com/speaking/phrases.html

Keep the Conversation Going

Choose topics that are of interest to newcomers.  Suggestions:

• meeting people
• getting acquainted
• getting to know neighbours
• getting directions or information
• taking phone messages
• arranging appointments
• dealing with emergencies
• talking on the phone/getting information
• looking for a job
• applying for a job
• looking after housing needs
• using public transportation
• dealing with merchants

Don’t ask “yes” or “no” questions.  Use WHAT, WHO, WHEN, WHERE, HOW, WHY
Ask questions, such as

• What did you do next?
• Why do you say that?
• How did that happen?
• When did that happen?
• What did you say?
• Where did that happen?
• How did you react?
• Did you like it?
• Do you recommend it?”

 Ideas for discussions:

• describe and interpret pictures
• describe objects (qualities, colours, shapes, uses)
• compare and contrast (objects, pictures, sports. experiences, films, etc.)
• describe and interpret recorded material (radio advertisements, newscasts, TV shows. etc.)
• solve dilemmas and survival problems
  e.g. Suppose you lost your wallet and money in a foreign country. What would you do? What five things would you take to a desert island and why?
• state and support opinions
• have the student describe things (what makes her happy, what she likes to do, the things she cannot live without, etc.)

Everyday Expressions

Spoken language is full of fixed expressions that are not necessarily difficult to understand but have a fixed form  that does not change. These have to be learned as whole expressions.  Like idioms, these expressions are sometimes difficult to find in dictionaries. 

Here's a fun worksheet for higher level learners on this topic:

http://www.ryerson.ca/studentservices/els/pdf/Everyday%20Expressions.pdf

Dictation

A short dictation can be added to almost any tutor-learner session.  Most learners enjoy the challenge and it can give you some feedback on their spelling, listening, grammar, etc.  A partial dictation can be prepared ahead of time or while your learner is doing an exercise.  Here's a sample for low level learners.  http://www.prolinguaassociates.com/BD/Sample%20Basic%20Dictations%20Lessons.pdf