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.
This 250-page guide is referenced to CLBs (1–3) and has instructions for adapting units and lessons to PBLA. It contains teaching strategies and language goals for English learners. The teacher’s guide and student materials contain background information, lesson plans and learner activities. Skill building (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and language building (grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary) activities are provided. The objective is to assist learners with trauma to see themselves as belonging to the wider community.
Free access:
http://cmascanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1467063427_01_beyond_trauma_complete_1.pdf
Briding Two Worlds is a resource to address issues of trauma in learners. It was written for elementary and secondary educators but is insightful and informative for teachers of adult learners as well. Bridging Two Worlds offers curriculum development and instructional ideas that address educational gaps as well as cultural and experiential differences that may interfere with learner progress. Particularly interesting: Signs of distress and ways to respond (pages 218- 220).
The book contains 3 sections. The first deals with issues that relate to school-based learning and teaching to provide educators with an awareness of how trauma and interrupted schooling may affect human development and learning. The second section focuses on educator competency and includes 30 sample lessons for teacher training. The final section is devoted to student learning outcomes for life/work development for elementary and secondary grade levels, but teachers may find several lessons adaptable for adult settings.
Free access:
https://ceric.ca/resource/bridging-two-worlds-supporting-newcomer-refugee-youth/
The resource was developed to create communication pathways for deaf learners and employees.
Free access:
http://wem.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Computers-for-Deaf-Learners.pdf
This is an online dictation tool that uses voice recognition technology to transform voice into digital text. This may be a very useful adaptive tool for leaners with special needs, who need assistance with keyboarding.
It functions with Google Chrome. Users can narrate emails, essays and long documents into text without typing. To begin, users must connect a microphone to the computer and click the Start Dictation button. The app uses the browser’s local Storage to automatically save transcribed text. The program will work with several languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Malay.
The app can also be used as a pronunciation tool. It corrects text based on context, but does not overcorrect.
Free access:
https://dictation.io/
Several resources are available to support LGBTQ newcomers. AMSSA in British Columbia has created an information sheet to support settlement service providers:
Free access:
Settlement.org has a comprehensive listing of supports, including practical guides/best practices, courses and online learning and service providers in Ontario.
Free access:
CLB 4+ Teaching resources, including lesson plans, and youtube videos from LISTN:
Free access:
https://listn.tutela.ca/wp-content/uploads/Resources-for-Higher-Levels-LGBT-Rights-and-Communities1.pdf
Breaking News English lesson plan, suitable for intermediate learners. Free access:
http://breakingnewsenglish.com.
There is a collection on Tutela that focuses on mental health. While the full collection has not been reviewed, they may provide a starting point for developing curriculum.
Free to join. Free access nationally. Must register then search Tutela Collections.
Register at:
https://tutela.ca/
Created by Récit (a network of educators in Quebec) this website is a repository for videos/webinars and other pedagogical resources pertaining to ESL for special needs learners. Included are downloadable classroom posters, differentiated task templates, and evaluation strategies. There are also links to their Facebook site, YouTube channel and Pinterest board where they share the latest research on autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, assistive technology and more.
This website contains a range of resources to aid in delivering instruction to children and adults who have had their formal education interrupted. Includes teaching resources and essential learning indicators for language, literacy and numeracy.
Resources for more intensive intervention:
