21 languages available
Alone in Canada is a 65-page book designed to address mental health needs of newcomers who are alone in Canada and may be struggling with settlement. There are 21 chapters written at an intermediate level; the content is accessible and a comfortable length for the low-intermediate learner. The topics cover a variety of issues, including thinking about the past, present and future, coping with stress, learning the unwritten rules of Canadian manners, developing a routine and celebrating achievements. The chapters contain quotes from newcomers, tips and short exercises to help the reader individualize and apply the content.
Although intended for individuals who are on their own, the content may be helpful to all newcomers who are facing challenges adjusting to life in Canada. In addition, instructors and administrators may find it a useful resource for professional development. The chapters can easily be used or adapted for classroom use.
The Canadian Encyclopedia is not intended as an ESL resource, or a citizenship resource; however, it is an interesting, up-to-date and comprehensive compendium that can be used by students and educators for research or personal interest. It is written at a level that is accessible to Stage 2 learners.
The Encyclopedia is provided in both English and French, and contains 14,000 articles in each language. The topics include Canadian history, politics, popular culture, science, the arts and sports. Audio and video features are embedded in the online documents, and include the well-known Heritage Minutes. The closed captioning feature can be used for accurate English subtitles of the Heritage videos. There is an extensive list of interactive resources in an alphabetical list, organized as collections, exhibits, timelines and teaching resources.
The teaching resources include several study guides and short quizzes, which cover issues such as Black History, the War of 1812, Critical Thinking and Compiling a Bibliography. The website also provides a link to the Canadian Citizenship Challenge, an online quiz that simulates the citizenship test. It references the Discover Canada citizenship resource. The quiz can be completed by a student individually or teachers can register their students to complete the challenge as a team.
This federal government website contains useful information for newcomers pertaining to understanding the financial world in Canada. The agency's mandate is consumer protection; it promotes financial education and consumer rights and responsibilities
The website contains news bulletins on changes to laws and important consumer issues. Learners can also access information on financial topics including: managing your money (includes a budget calculator), understanding credit cards, and protecting yourself from frauds and scams. Suitable for higher level learners.
- A Beginning Look at Canada: Now in its fourth edition, this text is for post-literacy to high-beginner ESL students who wish to learn about Canada while improving their reading skills.
- Canadian Concepts: This six-level communicative course integrates real-life skills with essential language, vocabulary and Canadian cultural information:
- Canadian Language Basics: These three volumes correspond to former LINC 2–4 levels:
- English Language Learning: Vocabulary is clearly presented and contextualized on left-hand pages with practice activities on facing right-hand pages
- Interchange: A four-level American English course that delivers a communicative approach, flexible unit structure and easy-to-use digital support: Cambridge. The Round: Independent online publisher. Resources tend to be very inexpensive. Recommended:
These books are now out of print but may be available through used booksellers:
- Being Canadian
- Canadian Crossroads
- ELSA Survival Guide
- Take Part
- TESL Talk series
- Whaddaya Say: Guided Practice in Relaxed Speech
Pragmatic Language Tips:
- Social Language Tips (Overview)
- Teaching Pragmatics: The chapters included here allow teachers to see how other teachers approach the teaching of pragmatics and to appreciate the diversity and creativity of their endeavors.
