Immigrants to America come here with hopes and dreams for their futures. They are willing to work hard, but to succeed they need to become proficient in the language of their new country. For over a hundred years, libraries, churches, and other social institutions have been places where newly arrived immigrants could go to learn English. The tradition continues today with the help of adult education programs across the United States, some of which receive federal funding.
According to Betsy Mathias, the program manager of the Regional Adult Education, the demand for classes is tremendous. Fortunately, the community has been helping their organization to provide classes. Local groups volunteer their space and have tutors to help meet the need. Classes are held throughout the area and meet in many different locations and at different times of the day. Ms. Mathias is working to make her office an information clearinghouse for area residents in need of classes.
For now, four branches of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (Howell, Salem Church, Snow, and Porter) provide ESOL studies. Ms. Mathias encourages any groups who are now offering or wish to offer classes to please contact her at 540-898-8165. Her office, as well as the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, has books and videos that can be helpful to both students and teachers.
Below is a listing of some Web sites and library materials that may be helpful to ESOL students and teachers.
For Students
Berlitz Aprende Inglés con Batman: Galería de Villanos
In this graphic novel about Batman, more than 300 words and expressions in English are integrated into the Spanish text. In the margins of the pages are found the translations of the English words into Spanish.
En esta novela gráfica sobre las aventuras de Batman, más de 300 palabras y expresiones en inglés están integradas en el texto español. En las márgenes de las páginas se encuentran las traducciones de las palabras inglesas al español
English for New Americans [sound recording]
Learn the English you need for everyday situations. Easy level for speakers of any language.
English Vocabulary for Beginning ESL Learners by Jean Yates
Introduces you to hundreds of essential words and helps you quickly build the skills and confidence needed to use them correctly in conversation. Many useful exercises provide you with word-building practice. You also learn how to rapidly analyze new words you may encounter and incorporate them into your ever-growing vocabulary.
Inglés al español [sound recording] = English for Spanish Speakers by Mark R. Nesbitt
Step by step, word by word translations complete with a CD-ROM for text assistance. This Oasis Audio Original creation will have you speaking English quickly and with more confidence.
Ingles curso completo: nivel basico [sound recording] from Living Language
The discs provide pronunciation coaching by native speakers, with simple words, sentences, and dialogues. The coursebook contains 40 lessons on vocabulary, everyday situations, with supplemental sections on letters, e-mail, and the Internet. Includes an English-Spanish Spanish-English dictionary with more than 15,000 words, idioms, and expressions, with everyday examples of usage.
"El paguete de este curso completo incluye: 40 lecciones paso a paso en un libro fácil de utilizar, 4 CDs de audio con todo el contenido importante del curso, una sección extensa de gramática para referencia, secciones complementarias de comunicación por e-mail y recursos de Internet y un diccionario inglés-español/español-inglés para principiantes" - Container.
Mango Languages
Learn English for free with this interactive database that provides step by step lessons. Lessons are available for Arabic, Armenian, Cantonese, Mandarin, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Spanish (Latin American), Turkish, and Vietnamese speakers. A text translator is provided and you can download the mobile app for Android or iPhone or iPad. You will need your library card number to access this resource.
For Teachers
Classroom Instruction That Works with English Language Learners [eBook] by Jane Hill
Expert guidance on using the research-based strategies with learners at all levels of proficiency.
LifePrints series by Nancy B. Martz.
Teachers' resource files and assessment tools are included for instructors using the LifePrints study guide.
A subject index of recommended reading: arts, sports, myths & legends, mystery & suspense, letters & journals, parenting, science, biographies, U.S. citizenship, and more.
On the Web
English as a Second Language
A starting point for ESL learners who want to learn English through the World Wide Web. Links to English listening and speaking, grammar, reading and writing, ESL course information, bilingual dictionaries, ESL learners' home pages, and other ESL sites.
Links of Interest to Students & Teachers of English as a Second Language
A plain vanilla listing of good links for students and teachers: grammar & English usage, pronunciation, quizzes, student projects, survival English, articles, book reviews, lessons, teaching tips, and links to other ESOL teachers' Web pages.
Regional Adult Education in the Fredericksburg Area
This page details programs for the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, and Stafford. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and Video ESL classes may be available.
Call their office for the most current class schedule.
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
"We provide adult education and literacy resources, information, and professional development in Virginia."
Students will find useful Web sites that are targeted to the needs of adult learners, including those interested in English as a second language. For tutors, the site has lists of government grants and projects, research articles, statistics, scholarships, and other teacher resources.
