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.