Bodega

3)  "The ESL Starter Kit"
Virginia Adult Education & Literacy Centers, July 1998

"The ESL Starter Kit" is a collection of information and resources developed by the Virginia Adult Education and Literacy Centers dealing specifically with the challenges that may come to beginning ESL programs and teachers.  Sections included are:

• A)  "Getting Started:  Where Do I Begin?"
• B)  "Accessing Resources:  Where Do I Find It?"
• C)  "Teaching Adults:  What Do I Need to Know"
• D)  "Planning Lessons:  How Do I Integrate Learning Skills?"
• E)  "Managing the Classroom:  How Do I Meet the Challenges"
• F)  "Choosing a Curriculum:  How Do I Put It All Together"

5)  "What Non-Readers or Beginning Readers Need to Know: Performance-Based ESL Adult Literacy."
By Shirley Brod. Spring Institute for International Studies. (1999)

From preface:

          If we want out students to stay in class long enough to acquire the skills -- and the self confidence -- to become self sufficient, productive employees, family members, and participants in their communities, we need to streamline our approach to ESL literacy to enable them to learn quickly, to see frequent proof of their progress, and to have input into what is being taught.
          What is the basis for such a system? This article looks at performance-based literacy instruction, a pragmatic approach to a widespread problem. In Part I, we will mention some of the factors that affect learning, and the differences between literate and non-literate learners. We will suggest some ways in which teaching reading to native speakers is, or should be, different from the process of teaching reading to native speakers is, or should be, different from the process of teaching reading to adult ESL learners. Finally, we will examine some critical factors which impact motivation and retention.
          In Part II, we will look more closely at performance-based literacy instruction: the rationale and some thoughts on whole language, sight words, and phonics. We will also look at different types of literacy: document literacy, numeracy, and employment-related content for beginning readers.

6)  "The Bantu in Our Midst:  A Resource for ELT Classrooms"
Funded by a grant to the Spring Institute for Intercultural Studies from the U.S. Department of Health and human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement

From Forward:

"This publication focuses on adults who do not read or write in any language and have not lived in a society which relies heavily on literacy, in other words, true beginners.  The first section of the publication provides some background information ... [and] the second section of this resource is a hands-on guide to practical strategies for the classroom."

7)  "Cultural Adjustment, Mental Health, and ESL - The Refugee Experience, the Role of the Teacher, and ESL Activities"

Myrna Ann Adkins, Dina Birman and Barbara Sample - Spring Institute for International Studies

From Preface:

"This booklet is designed to provide a backdrop of information and ideas for ESL practitioners related to the learners in their classroom, in whatever settings they meet them.  Students come with their past experiences, their current challenges, and their need to quickly garner the information and the skills to give them back control over their lives and their futures.  There is now substantial research and experience on cultural adjustment and mental health issues which refugees face, This publication includes enough general information on these issues and how they might manifest themselves in the classroom, so that teachers can do a better job of meeting needs and knowing how, when, and where to refer people to other parts of the service provider network.  ESL service providers can be a great asset, not only for the learners, but for other providers in a holistic service structure.  This booklet also provides sample pieces of lessons and specific strategies to help address issues related to mental health, and to give teachers new insights to link what happens in the classroom to their student's cultural adjustment and mental health needs."

8)  "Practitioner Toolkit:  Working with Adult English Language Learners"

Designed and written by The National Center for Family Literacy and The National Center for ESL Literacy at the Center for Applied Linguistics

The full version of the Practitioner Toolkit is available for download in pdf format at:  http://www.cal.org/CAELA/tools/program_development/prac_toolkit.html

*If you are unable to download the Practitioner Toolkit successfully, you may request a hardcopy (limit one) from the Bodega

Available:

*OUT OF STOCK *

From:  To the Learner:  About Crossroads Cafe

"Crossroads Cafe is a course for studying English.  The course teaches English as it entertains.  It also helps you understand North American culture and use that understanding to live and work in the culture more successfully."