Volunteering is a great way for newcomers to practice English skills, participate in our community and culture, and make Canadian friends. April 12 to 18 is National Volunteer Week. Check out opportunities to volunteer in Chilliwack through Volunteer Chilliwack.
For tutoring materials incorporating the theme of volunteering in Canada, check out:
Conversation questions http://iteslj.org/questions/volunteer.html and http://www.esldiscussions.com/v/volunteerism.html
Low level reading and discussion - Many Ways to Help http://www.bestofthereader.ca/Ebooks/Helping-print.pdf
LINC 4 curriculum http://www.moresettlement.org/LINC1-4/LINC4/LINC_4_Classroom_Activities.pdf (search "volunteer" for several lessons/ideas)
Higher level Reading and listening lesson: Volunteering Helps you Live Longer http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1308/130826-volunteering.html
If your learner has school aged children, discuss volunteering at school. http://sd33.bc.ca/parents-students/parents/volunteering (idea: print the brochure and discuss together)
Newcomers may be surprised to learn that volunteer work is a necessary requirement for entrance into a teaching or nursing program, for example. Few countries have such a high level of organized volunteerism as Canada.
Does your learner know that YOU are a volunteer?
