An “Implementation Guide for Instructors” is included, as a PDF, with this curriculum. LINC 5 is designed to respond to the increasing numbers of immigrants who are entering Canada with higher levels of education and are testing at a CLB 5 level or higher. Despite their higher levels, these immigrants may still have skill gaps or language barriers that prevent them from entering a training program or post-secondary institution, or landing a job in their chosen field.
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 website is sponsored by the Association of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA). The materials are levelled but do not specifically reference CLBs. Quick Links and Resources for Health & Wellness include videos for visiting a walk-in clinic and making 9-1-1 calls. Lesson plans include healthy eating, healthy minds, family health and trauma-informed practice. Teacher guides are available. There are some B.C. references.
Free access:
Beelinguapp is an app where English is acquired through the parallel texts method. This method divides text-based content into two sections: the language the learner speaks and the language they want to learn. An audio option allows for hearing the text while reading along. Learners have access to a variety of free content that includes fairy tales, chapters from classic books, song lyrics, news articles on diverse topics and travel guides. The content is organized into four levels: materials that are appropriate for children, and adult beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Although instructors may want to incorporate this app into their lessons, it is an excellent tool to use for independent learning as students can access the app easily on their mobile phones. The app is available for both Android and iOs.
Reviewed August 2023
The Best of the Reader site contains a series of e-books for low-level ESL and literacy learners. The books can be used in class or for independent study. Users have permission to download, print and distribute the material found on the website. Each e-reader has 8 to 10 stories with activities and an answer key. The list of e-readers includes a Teachers’ Guide, and calendar of special days and holidays for the year, and specific work-related titles such as People and Jobs.
Free access:
http://www.bestofthereader.ca/
This instructor-recommended site (privately maintained) provides listening practice for learners at the intermediate level or above. The site includes audio books, novellas, short stories, articles and song lyrics. Different listening speeds are available. Grammar and idiom activities are available.
Free access:
http://ESL-Bits.net/
This site is managed by Cristina, an English teacher in Spain. She compiles a considerable number of resources related to the use of technology in English language teaching. Her topics include the standard listening, reading, writing, speaking, pronunciation, and grammar, but also include quizzes, lesson plans, tech tips and how to teach with songs. Her section on functional language provides tips on how to apologize, express an opinion, and indicate a preference.
Printable health and illness flashcards and worksheets. Created for children but can be adapted to adult learners. Not referenced to CLB.
Free access:
http://bogglesworldesl.com/kids_worksheets/health.htm
The Book of Idioms from A to Z lists a broad range of familiar idioms in one place. It is hosted on the Easy Pace Learning website, where additional free downloads include grammar lessons, exercises and dictionaries.
This site is located in Canada and is for all ESL teachers, K to Adult. There are word scrambles and search generators. There are thousands of worksheets available (there are filters). Many are connected to PowerPoint downloads or YouTube/Ted Talk videos or popular movies/songs. There are ESL articles for instructors that focus on professional development. The site is relatively easy to navigate. Search has a drop-down listing of choices aligned with your search words. No registration is required. You can sign up for a newsletter.
Search “employment” or use specific search words such as “job search” or “business English.” It may take time to explore available worksheets, activities or how-to examples.
Free access:
http://www.busyteacher.org
This 6-module curriculum, produced by Literacy Link Eastern Ontario, provides the Essential Skills training required to work as a call centre operator.
Free access:
http://en.copian.ca/library/learning/lleo/call_centre/call_centre_learner/call_centre_learner.pdf
This six-module curriculum, produced by Literacy Link Eastern Ontario, provides the Essential Skills training required to work as a call centre operator.
The Can Do Statements for Employment are intended for immigrants seeking employment, employment counsellors, and employers. The Can Do Statements are based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB); they have been simplified and given a narrower focus to support their use in an employment context. The statements cover CLB levels 4–10, and offer an overview of each level from a workplace perspective. They provide examples of English-language tasks in a variety of workplace-related contexts:
You need to "Add to Cart" in order to download, which means registering to order.
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 235-page book describes CLB as follows: “The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) standard is a descriptive scale of language ability in English as a Second Language (ESL) written as 12 benchmarks or reference points along a continuum from basic to advanced. The CLB standard reflects the progression of the knowledge and skills that underlie basic, intermediate and advanced ability among adult ESL learners. The book takes learners through stages 1 to 3 in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The Canadian Language Benchmarks are:
- a set of descriptive statements about successive levels on the continuum of language ability,
- a description of communicative competencies and performance tasks through which learners demonstrate application of language knowledge (i.e., competence) and skill (i.e., ability),
- a national standard for planning curricula for language instruction in a variety of contexts,
- a framework of reference for learning, teaching, programming and assessing adult ESL in Canada.”
The Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks acts as a repository for all things CLB that have been funded, produced and shared to ensure national consistency in language delivery.
It supports the following areas:
- CLB
- PBLA
- Language learners
- Immigration or citizenship
- Language teachers
- Volunteers working with refugees
- Language assessors
- Literacy
- TESL training
- Employers, counsellors and workers
- Regulatory bodies
Note: The site is updated to reflect the changing needs of the language community.
Most resources are free access:
www.language.ca
Scroll down to find a free sample lesson plan (to download) for Multilevel (Literacy -CLB1) and CLB 1 - 4. Each lesson contains a module with instructions and handouts. There are downloadable exemplars for Reading and Writing for Foundation, CLB 1-4.
To obtain other resources you must order and lessons will be emailed to you.
Free access:
http://www.language.ca/publications/english-publications-downloadable/
Scroll down to find free sample lesson plans for Stage 2. There are also several free sample lessons for Essential Skills (CLB 7+) as well as reading and writing exemplars. For the downloadable lessons, you will need to "Add to Cart". The PDF lessons must be ordered and will be emailed to you.
Free access:
http://www.language.ca/publications/english-publications-downloadable/
Lessons may be adaptable for literacy classrooms, this resource was developed by the Toronto Catholic District School Board and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (now IRCC) as a companion to Discover Canada, the federal government’s citizenship test study guide. It is intended for program planning and instructional use. The chapters are theme-based with a planning framework for CLB 1–8. It provides reproducible activities, recommended resources and teaching strategies. There are seven chapters covering:
- Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
- Who We Are
- Canada’s History
- Canada’s Government
- Elections
- Canadian Symbols
- Canada’s Regions and Economy
There is an informative list of suggested resources including books and online materials, including a virtual Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with translations in 23 languages:
http://www.charterofrights.ca/en/27_08_01
Free access:
http://atwork.settlement.org/downloads/atwork/Citizenship%20Resource/Citizenship%20Resource.pdf
This resource was developed by the Toronto Catholic District School Board and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (now IRCC) as a companion to Discover Canada, the federal government’s citizenship test study guide. It is intended for program planning and instructional use. The chapters are theme-based with a planning framework for CLB 1-8. It provides reproducible activities, recommended resources and teaching strategies. There are seven chapters covering:
- Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
- Who We Are
- Canada’s History
- Canada’s Government
- Elections
- Canadian Symbols
- Canada’s Regions and Economy
There is an informative list of suggested resources, including books and online materials, including a virtual Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with translations in 23 languages.
A 136-page study guide (non-CLB) based on the 2011 federal government Discover Canada study guide. Contains readings with comprehension questions that are written for intermediate students.
Free access:
http://citizenshipcounts.ca/content/pdf/citizenship-guide-newcomers-manitoba-self-study.pdf
A colourful, interactive website that helps participants prepare for the Canadian citizenship test. Participants are invited to earn badges as they complete each section on the benefits of citizenship. The site is linked to the online Discover Canada study guide. Participants also have the option of listening to the study guide on Sound Cloud.
Free access to the study guide:
https://soundcloud.com/citizenshipcounts/sets/discover-canada-study-guide
The test preparation section contains flash cards for practice, in addition to online quizzes. There are two options for the quizzes: a 30-minute timed quiz with 20 questions, simulating the real citizenship test, plus a random quiz with no time limit.
Free access:
http://citizenshipcounts.ca/
ClassHook is a digital tool that allows you to find, upload and share video clips that are organized by topic/theme. It is very useful for whole group or small group discussions at all levels. Instructors can play the video to the group after having embedded time-stamped “Pause Prompts”: time-stamped questions that automatically pop-up at the timestamp you've specified. The video will stop at your specified time and your question will appear full-screen in its place. This is the prompt for the class to engage in a discussion based on your prompt. Students could break into small groups to discuss and then return to continue viewing the video.
Added July 2023
“CLB ESL for Adult Literacy Learners (ALL) addresses the needs and abilities of adult ESL Literacy learners. Most government-funded Adult ESL classes in Canada are referenced to the CLB and adult ESL learners are placed on the CLB scale using a CLB‐based assessment instrument. However, when adult ESL learners who lack literacy skills are placed on the scale, they require unique supports as they gain the ability to communicate in an additional language. The purpose of this document is to describe the needs and abilities of adult ESL Literacy learners and to support instructors in meeting their learning needs.” (www.language.ca)
Free access:
http://www.language.ca/product/clb-esl-for-adult-literacy-learners-all-pdf-e/
This resource is intended to be used in conjunction with two key documents:
- the Canadian Language Benchmarks: ESL for Adult Literacy Learners (ALL), which supports instructors working with adult ESL learners who have literacy needs; and
- the Canadian Language Benchmarks: ESL for Adults, which is the national standard for English as a second language for adult immigrants (including those with literacy needs) living, working and studying in Canada.
The purpose of this Support Kit is to show instructors how the CLB and ALL documents are used for planning and assessing ESL learners with literacy needs in CLB-referenced classrooms. To download you need to "Add to Cart" and register. The PDF will be emailed to you.
The Kit includes:
- Orientations to the CLB: ESL for ALL and the CLB: ESL for Adults documents;
- Information and examples for planning literacy instruction, including needs;
- Assessment and goal-setting, module/unit planning and lesson planning;
- Information and examples on assessing ESL Literacy learners’ progress in a way that is compatible with Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA);
- Suggestions for supporting ESL Literacy learners in multi-level literacy classes and mainstream ESL classes;
- Ideas for using the Continuum of Literacy Skills found in the CLB: ESL for ALL document; and
- Sample resources for literacy instruction and assessment.” (www.language.ca)
The CLB Support Kit contains background information for ESL practitioners, with detailed discussions on incorporating grammar, pronunciation and pragmatics into CLB-based programs. There are sections that address using the CLBs in multilevel classes, with special needs learners, and in teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and workplace ESL.
It includes sample program planning tools such as needs assessment, sample rubrics, tracking forms, self-assessment and feedback forms.
References are listed at the end of each section, as well as additional resources developed by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks, including SAM for CLB 1-4, and the CLB 5-10 Exit Assessment Tasks for community, employment and academic programs.
You need to "Add to Cart" in order to download, which means registering to order.
ClickView is a digital tool that lets you create interactive video lessons with videos within their collection (by topic area) or with videos you find online or that you’ve created on your own. It can be used with any level since the teacher can customize the questions within the timeline of the video: short-answer, multiple choice, and true/false questions. For beginner levels, you can add annotations to a video with the ClickView editor (e.g. define vocabulary or provide additional information). This would be suitable for independent or small group work. Completed lessons can be shared to Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Canvas or any other LMS. Instructors have the ability to enable a special ClickView feature that prevents students from skipping ahead instead of watching the entire video. A tutorial for using Click View can be found here .
Added: July 2023
This document was the result of a team project from Norquest College’s School of Intercultural Communication. It was written to help newcomers understand the communication context in Canadian workplaces.
The general learning outcomes include:
- Understanding Canadian safety policy specific to the workplace
- Practice pronunciation clarity for the workplace
- Learn about working in a multicultural organization
- Expand industry-specific and idiomatic vocabulary
Free access:
This site offers CLB-aligned activities and information about legal issues, including many related to employment rights. It includes a broad range of downloadable booklets about a variety of legal topics written in clear language. One series has been especially developed for ESL teachers and learners.
Twenty-six activity kits with classroom materials for teachers and learners in Adult ESL and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes, based on topics from CLEO's tenants' and workers' rights series.
Designed to teach newcomers about their legal rights and to be used along with the relevant CLEO publications, the materials are intended for learners and levels ranging from Canadian Language Benchmarks 1 to 6+.
These seven workbooks in this series were developed to introduce learners to the Essential Skills required by all workers in Canada. The Essential Skills have been aligned to the CLBs. The workbooks will introduce instructors to the Essential Skills and they could be used as workbooks for later stage 2 learners.
The focus of this resource is to build awareness and improve intercultural communication in culturally diverse work environments. It is intended for foreign-trained professionals, but will also be a useful resource for their Canadian counterparts and for the professional development of ESL instructors.
The resource has four parts: a series of 19 short (2-minute) videos, supported by an activity guide, a booklet of scene-by-scene breakdowns for the videos to give context to each scene, and a guide containing the full transcripts of each video.
The scenarios in the videos are based on the lived experiences of newcomers. (The resource is not referenced to the CLBs, but the language is at an intermediate/advanced level.) The videos present authentic challenges in intercultural communication in a workplace setting: refusing to shake hands, failing to understand the unwritten rules in a meeting, not communicating problems to a supervisor, having a difficult conversation about uncomfortable behaviours.
The resource aims to increase intercultural awareness and competency, build and practice workplace skills and appropriate language. The aim is to enhance the employability of newcomers, give them the tools to navigate communication differences in multicultural settings, not only to enter the labour market but also to maintain employment.
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/
The Easy Reading Career Planning Series includes Work and You Book 1 and Work and You Book 2 workbooks, plus guidelines for teachers, tutors and career advisors.
Additional topics: job profiles, dictionary, find a job, keep your job
The titles are focused on Alberta but the core information is quite useful and could be adapted.
Every instructor needs a free, easy-to-use crossword puzzle generator. It is an excellent tool for reviewing or assessing targeted vocabulary acquisition.
Free access:
http://www.eclipsecrossword.com/
This digital tool allows users to take an existing video (from YouTube, Khan Academy, etc.) and add interactive questions and activities to personalize and individualize lessons. A useful tool to enhance lessons for online teaching.
Free access:
https://edpuzzle.com/
ELLII is a commercial website based in Winnipeg, offering high-quality lesson plans for Canadian, American, and international educators. The lessons are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners, with a large variety of activities, including flashcards, discussion starters on political, social and environmental issues, mini-debates, holidays, grammar, writing, podcasts, and a reading series (which includes detective serials). Themes include English at work, the environment, healthcare, everyday English, and idioms. New lessons are added monthly. Sample lessons are available but are watermarked.
Subscription is required. Lessons are downloadable PDFs (copyrighted).
Available in 3-month, 6-month and 12-month memberships, from $25 to $55.
Groups of teachers can share memberships; for example 1–5 teachers can share the 1-year $55 membership.
Subscription required:
https://www.ellii.com/
The English Listening Lessons and Library Online (elllo) site offers audio and video lessons with some printable worksheets. There is a wide variety of topics, including renting a new apartment, paying rent and missing home. Non-CLB. Many Canadian references.
Free access:
http://www.elllo.org/english/1351.htm
This is a 240-page e-book that provides lessons in reading, document use and math. The lessons are built on real-life examples and follow four individuals in different workplaces in Ontario. The organization and layout is appealing to a reader. The four individuals work in four different jobs. Instructors and students can decide which worker to learn about. There are self-assessments as well as critical thinking questions embedded in the modules.
English for Financial Literacy is an instructor’s resource for CLB levels 1 to 8. Some materials may be adaptable for literacy learners. The objective is to help instructors incorporate financial literacy content into their program planning and teaching. There are three volumes with audio and additional online activities.
These online activities focus on English vocabulary and grammar exercises for the hospitality industry in the categories of food & beverage, hotel, travel/tourism, politeness training. While individual files are free to download, there is a fee option that allows you to download a topic file.
This resource includes vocabulary and contextual information for occupations, including airline, hotel, food & beverage, nursing, police, cashiers, tour guides, taxi. Some audio available.
This Canadian website sells classroom materials for a variety of purposes. The texts are written for ESL learners from Literacy to CLB 6. The books range in cost from about $30 to $80, for teacher or school. CDs are provided. Texts are skill and theme based (health, food, family), also includes Canadian holidays, vocabulary activities and games. New texts contain PBLA resources.
Subscription required:
http://www.eslresources.com/
Additional Resources:
Lessons are task-based for PBLA:
http://www.eslresources.com/Foof-Related-Tasks-Shopping-and-Beyond.html
Outcomes: Assessment 4-book series for CLB 1–4, based on CLB 2000, can be adapted for PBLA tasks:
http://www.eslresources.com/search.php?mode=search&page=1
Photocopy-ready lesson plans with illustrations, target vocabulary, reading, writing, listening and speaking exercises. The audio CD is included.
Free access:
http://www.eslresources.com/Body-and-Ailments-Health-and-Pharmacy-audio-CD-included.html
Photocopy-ready lesson plans with illustrations, target vocabulary, reading, writing, listening and speaking exercises. The audio CD is included.
Free access:
http://www.eslresources.com/Body-and-Ailments-Health-and-Pharmacy-audio-CD-included.html
This is a 240-page e-book that provides lessons in reading, document use and math. The lessons are built on real-life examples and follow four individuals in the workplace in Ontario. The organization and layout is appealing to a reader. The four individuals work in four different jobs. Instructors and students can decide which worker to learn about. There is self-assessment as well as critical thinking questions embedded in the modules.
Essential Skills Profiles are available for most occupations in Canada. Each profile lists job tasks in nine Essential Skills and rates them at 1–5 levels of competency.
Essential Skills Assessments are clearly written checklists for students to use to assess their skills. There is one for each of the nine Essential Skills.
Essential Skills Online Assessments is a series of short quizzes provide an indication of skill strengths and areas that may require improvement.
List of Tools: Tools, assessment and support information for trainers and career counsellors.
Manitoba Resources includes curriculum for pharmacists, health care aid and entrepreneurs with an Essential Skills focus.
Learner Materials: A Strategy for Writing Tests, Navigating Workplace Documents and Numeracy.
Vocabulary Building Workbook includes 24 lessons to help students increase Canadian workplace vocabulary.
The Toolkit is a comprehensive guide for teaching financial literacy and numeracy to ESL Literacy and low-level learners. The guide contains assessment materials, instructional and planning content, thematic units with sample lesson plans and classroom resources, with instructions for three learner stages: Emerging, Building and Expanding, which have been developed for multi-level settings.
Thematic units cover: goal setting, money, grocery shopping, budgeting, banking, credit/debt/loans. Follow-up and homework activities are suggested, along with teaching tips. The Toolkit emphasizes that there is not necessarily a correlation between a learner’s literacy and numeracy skills.
Free access:
https://centre.bowvalleycollege.ca/sites/default/files/Financial-ESL-Literacy-Toolkit_1.pdf
Free Rice is an easy, online, multiple-choice game that will expand the vocabulary of intermediate and advanced learners of English. As the game was created by the United Nations World Food Program, every question answered correctly raises 10 grains of rice for the World Food Programme. Aside from helping students learn new words in a fun and engaging manner, educators may want to use the website where the game resides as a springboard to conversations about food security worldwide. Using this website is free.
Last reviewed July 2023
This online game is sponsored by the United Nations World Health Organization. Learners can choose from 60 levels of vocabulary. By selecting the correct meaning for the selected word, 10 grains of rice are donated to a country in need.
There is built-in audio to hear the correct pronunciation of the word as well. If a learner makes an error, the word is added back into rotation. Learners can play individually or teams can be set up for competition. It is a free log-in system.
This free educational website houses 2,000 lessons for a global audience, covering 180 topics, primarily designed to improve technology skills for learners of all ages. There are tutorials to improve knowledge of Microsoft Office, iPads and other devices, and how to use social media. In addition, there are lessons in the Essential Skills of reading and mathematics, and English language learning.
The English language feature for ESL students is suitable for intermediate/high level learners. The lessons are for grammar, reading skills. Instructions are available in several languages, including Arabic, Spanish, Chinese and Korean. The lessons have video and interactive features as well. Teacher guides and resources are available, and instructors can customize lessons.
This is a 284-page resource for literacy learners. Instructors are welcome to pull from the activities, worksheets, learning strategies and ideas included in the collection. Clear and easy to use.
Health Talk: A Health Literacy Curriculum for English Language Learners is published by the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association. The lessons are suitable for CLB 1–2. There are nine health-related modules that include medical emergencies, filling out forms and navigating the hospital. There are some references to Alberta.
Free access:
http://library.copian.ca/series/health-talk-health-literacy-curriculum-english-language-learner
Healthy Eating is designed for CLB 1 but can be adapted to other levels. Created by Immigrate Manitoba, this curriculum offers classroom activities and a methodology guide: topics include food, nutrition, grocery shopping and budgeting.
Informative and easy-to-read, this illustrated booklet is for a general audience (not ESL learners). It was written by a group of seniors to provide people heading to hospital (and caregivers) with practical information.
The topics include when to call an ambulance, levels of urgency in the Emergency Room, hospital vocabulary, map of the patient floor, definitions of healthcare providers and their roles.
Free access:
http://uhnopenlab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Hospital-Handbook_eBook_2016-08-24.pdf
Human Rights 101 is an e-learning opportunity through the Ontario Human Rights Commission. There are video tutorials on human rights and responsibilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code. (CLB 4+)
This is a series of five videos produced by the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Four of the videos focus on the rights and responsibilities related to rental housing, the Human Rights Code and discrimination. The videos are at an intermediate language level; text and transcripts are provided. The fifth video is a review in quiz format.
Produced by Immigrate Manitoba, this set of videos and resources can be used in the classroom or independently to encourage effective learning strategies outside the classroom.
This 366-page textbook is available as a downloadable PDF or as an e-text for use in the classroom (or with a tutor). The chapters integrate the four main language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with some essential skills and intercultural skills. For CLB levels 5–6, designed to be used by an instructor.
Features of the text:
- Key scenes are acted out by 9 individuals of varying ages, different genders and race/ethnicities, with different accents: should appeal to a wide range of learners
- Audio and video activities
- Interactive text: underlined vocabulary and idioms linked with definitions, interactive activities can be submitted for marking with immediate feedback
- Themed grammar activities
- Tasks and rubrics align with CLB document for instructor’s use or self-assessment
- Extension activities provide practice in community settings
- Navigation bar allows learners to download/print individual activities, link to social media, easily access the table of contents and answer keys, change settings and translate (linking to Google Translate)
- Chapter vocabulary lists and glossary provided
- Instructor guide available
This online textbook is geared towards CLB 5–6 learners. It is designed to be used by an instructor or tutor. An instructor guide is provided. The focus is on the Canadian workplace: workplace culture, development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, plus Essential Skills and intercultural competence.
The text introduces two characters, a Strategy Coach and a Workplace Mentor. The Strategy Coach provides strategies to develop language skills. The Workplace Mentor introduces learners to general workplace culture in Canada.
- Video tasks and focus questions help learners develop “noticing skills” and prompt discussions about similarities and differences between the learner’s home culture and Canadian culture.
- Reading sections provide reading passages, pre- and post-reading activities. There is also a reading progress check for self-assessment.
- Each listening section has two listening texts with pre- and post-listening activities, and a listening progress check for practice and self-assessment.
- A writing section with pre-writing tasks, writing practice and a progress check. A rubric is included that generally aligns with CLBs.
- A speaking section contains pronunciation, speaking practice and a progress check. A rubric is included.
- Wrap-up includes discussion, reflection and extension tasks. The extension activities have vocabulary log activities, community tasks and research opportunities.
TESL Ontario Blog – Aboriginal Lessons:
This TESL Ontario blog introduces instructors to a variety of methods for teaching Indigenous history and culture. It provides links for Talking Circles, land acknowledgement (CLB 5–8) and a lesson plan for the Ojibwa language.
http://blog.teslontario.org/aboriginal-lessons/
Strong Nations – Indigenous literature and lesson plans:
http://www.strongnations.com/
Best of the Reader – Canada’s Indigenous Peoples:
http://www.bestofthereader.ca/Ebooks/Canada's_Aboriginal_People.pdf
“When I Was Eight” – YouTube video based on the book by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margret Pokiak-Fenton:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSBrkJn3NeI
TESL Ontario Blog – Aboriginal Lessons:
This TESL Ontario Blog introduces instructors to a variety of methods for teaching Indigenous history and culture. It provides links for Talking Circles, land acknowledgement (CLB 5–8) and a lesson plan for the Ojibwa language.
http://blog.teslontario.org/aboriginal-lessons/
Strong Nations – Indigenous literature and lesson plans:
http://www.strongnations.com/
Best of the Reader – Canada’s Indigenous Peoples:
http://www.bestofthereader.ca/Ebooks/Canada's_Aboriginal_People.pdf
“When I Was Eight” – YouTube video based on the book by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margret Pokiak-Fenton:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSBrkJn3NeI
Alberta Learning Information Services (ALIS) has occupational videos available. The videos have information related to career planning, education, jobs and the workplace. It could be used for listening activities or independent learning.
This is a sharing website for instructor-made materials: a variety of resources including printable worksheets, PowerPoints and videos. Registration required.
Free access:
https://en.islcollective.com/
The links on this site include a wide selection of activities for low-level learners in CLB 1–5. Activities are categorized into 11 themes: people, work, everyday activities, home, our community, our world, food, health, getting around, communication and the basics. Suitable for Stage I & II learners.
Kahoot! is an engaging interactive quiz game app that is suited to classroom use. Instructors create multiple-choice questions, which can be displayed on a screen or interactive whiteboard. Learners play against each other or on teams using their own device. The games can be enhanced with the use of images, YouTube videos or gifs. Games can also connect with other classrooms, schools or countries, and can use screen sharing tools, such as Google Hangouts. Kahoot! can be used to introduce, review and reinforce lessons and put students’ cell phones to good use in the classroom. It can be used as well as a survey vehicle.
Instructions, suggestions and sample lessons are available in the Teacher’s Guide: https://files.getkahoot.com/academy/Kahoot_Academy_Guide_1st_Ed_-_September_2016.pdf
Free access:
https://getkahoot.com/
The resource includes information and techniques for incorporating Essential Skill into activities.
Free access:
http://www.itsessential.ca/itsessential/itsessential_files/doc_viewer_dex.asp?doc_id=355&page_i=413
This resource was developed to help instructors/trainers with the language and strategies to help newcomers approach employment opportunities in Canada. You will need to "Add to Cart" in order to download. The PDF will be emailed to you.
The resources available are curated by topic or area of interest. They are updated and added to on a regular basis. Resources are available for instructors. Topics are generally aligned to CLB levels and stages.
Online resources include topics such as:
- Settlement
- Citizenship
- NFB Short Films
- PBLA
LANTERNFISH contains printable teaching resources for language arts, TESOL, TEFL and ESL.
The Learning English with CBC website is a project between CBC Edmonton and the Alberta government. The website contains interactive tools - a podcast, video news stories and interactive quizzes at CBL levels 4 and 6, which may be adapted for other levels. New content is posted weekly. The focus is on soft skills to support real world interactions, using local stories from Alberta with broad appeal. Learners can use the site with mobile devices or in school settings.
This resource book contains curriculum for financial literacy with well-presented teaching guidelines.Resource for Literacy Learners on the topics: Economy, Employment, Personal Management from 2002.
Alberta LINC 5 Curriculum Linking Canadian Language Benchmarks to Essential Skills with an Implementation Guide for Instructors. Resource from 2008.
These resources are posted on Settlement.org. Both classroom activities and lesson plans are available at each Stage 1 level.
Lesson plans and resources are for LINC 1–4 classrooms to encourage participation in online learning opportunities.
Free access:
https://settlementatwork.org/resources/linc-1-4-classroom-activities
Created by Bow Valley College of Calgary, the podcasts are on a variety of topics including health, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, housing, consumer matters and money. Short podcasts with transcripts and activities. Does not reference CLB. Three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced.
Free access:
http://esl.bowvalleycollege.ca/listen/mp3/
Measure Up allows individuals to practice the three Essential Skills of reading text, document use and numeracy. The Choices of Activities include testing and practicing skills, exploring careers and workbooks that are specific to the construction, tourism and trucking sectors. Free to download. The explore careers section is aligned with both Essential Skills and National Occupational Codes. Related Resources is no longer live.
This site has been developed by Norquest College in Alberta. It includes videos, activities and guides that can help prepare professional immigrants for interviews.
An IRCC developed video for newcomers to provide information about the tax system, filing returns, rights and responsibilities, benefits and deductions. Optional subtitles are provided for learners to read as they watch.
OLAs were developed for the tourism sector through the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks. They align a benchmark with an Essential Skills Profile and National Occupational Standard.
Downloadable OLAs include:
- Bartender
- Event coordinator
- Food service counter attendant
- Food beverage server
- Counsellor
The Online Learner CLB Assessment is a tool that provides learners with a means to gauge their language proficiency by assessing reading and listening skills and assigning an unofficial CLB level. The tool creates an approximate benchmark range following the assessment. (The page also contains a breakdown of each CLB). The results are intended for personal information only. Teachers may find this tool useful as a classroom activity or an individual activity for a learner who is anxious to determine her/his progress in reading and listening. There is no cost for the assessment.
Below are links to several English-language online radio stations. Listed first are news and talk radio sites for general audiences.
English Club: https://www.englishclub.com/listening/radio.htm
CBC Radio: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/
BBC World Service: http://bbcworldservice.radio.net/
New York Times: http://nyttalk.radio.net/
Washington Post: http://fromthepageswp.radio.net/
NPR (National Public Radio): http://npr.radio.net/
VOA (Voice of America): http://voalatestnewscast.radio.net/
Euronews: http://euronewsenglish.radio.net/
Online stations for English learners:
BBC Learning English is specifically for ESL learners, and provides several subsections: English for University, English for Work, 6 Minute English, The English We Speak, Drama, Pronunciation, Words in the News and News Report:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/news-report
VOA: has stories written in three levels, English in a minute videos, and short video lessons on pragmatics: http://learningenglish.voanews.com/
Instructor-recommended websites that focus on building reading skills:
$ AceReader: Designed for mainstream learners but is also successfully used by English-language learners. More than 1,000 reading comprehension tests that are themed and levelled. Each time a test is taken, learners’ speed and comprehension scores are logged. Learners can monitor their own progress, and instructors can track their results. https://www.acereader.com/education
Breaking News English (British): The lessons are based on world current events, produced twice weekly, with levels ranging from 0–7. The 0 level corresponds to CEFR2 (the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, high basic level). The lessons include a downloadable PDF, a two-page mini lesson and podcasts delivered in British or American accents. The online activities provide a variety of skills practice: reading at different speeds, grammar activities and vocabulary flashcards, gap fill and matching games.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/
English Zone Reading (American): This site offers basic reading activities with text in three levels: easy, intermediate and advanced. Topics range from animals, to clothing labels, map reading and health problems. Each reading comes with a quiz with a drop-down menu. The website also contains activities for grammar, idioms, verbs and spelling, plus teacher resources. http://www.english-zone.com/reading/
Recommended writing websites focusing on building writing skills:
Storybird: A beautiful writing platform that provides a bank of artwork to use as a prompt for creative writing. For writers of all ages, it can be used with all levels of learners. It provides a creative gateway to introduce lower level and literacy learners to reading and writing, to create their own stories and poetry.
https://storybird.com/
$ Paragraph Punch: This is a mainstream resource that is suitable for intermediate to advanced English learners. There are five levels of instruction to improve paragraph writing. Individual or institution subscriptions. https://www.meritsoftware.com/software/paragraph_punch_online/index.php
Developed by Kingston Literacy and Skills, this manual includes 12 interactive training videos that demonstrate the skills and language required in the small business workplace.
The Canadian Centre for Language Benchmarks (CCLB) has developed several modules for CLB 1-2, CLB 3-4, and CLB 5-6. The packages include lesson plans, skill-building activities, skill-using and assessment tasks. Each module contains listening texts in separate audio files. Module packages for Literacy (CLB 1L and CLB 2L) have also been developed for three topics.
This 66-page workbook is intended for internationally trained individuals who have arrived in Canada or are considering moving to the country. It is designed to help with research before or upon arrival. The chapters provide concise information, and lots of space for note taking with headings and guiding questions to assist the newcomer.
There are five sections, written at an intermediate level, that cover the following topics:
- Living in Canada: links to provincial and territorial governments and immigrant-serving organizations, housing, finding a school, important documents and money.
- Improving your English or French: government-funded classes.
- Finding a job: information on regulated and non-regulated professions, skills and training information, starting one’s own business.
- Work-related documents: gathering, sending, translating papers.
- Educational and academic credentials: educational upgrading or completing a training program.
Free access: www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/pub/workbook-national.pdf
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.
This health curriculum guide was developed by Toronto Public Health for English teachers. The curriculum includes lesson plans and background information. The lessons contain interactive activities for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 1-6 levels. Topics include:
- Cancer Prevention and Screening
- Diabetes Prevention
- Healthy Eating
- Mental Health
- Pedestrian Safety
- Physical Activity
- Sun Safety
- Tobacco Use
A popular platform among instructors, Quizlet can be used to create classroom games, learning interactions and content reviews. It can also be used individually as a study aid by students.
Best job interview: sample questions, advice.
http://www.best-job-interview.com/job-interview-advice.html
Job profiles (easy to read). Alberta ALIS.
https://alis.alberta.ca/inspire-and-motivate/easy-reading-job-profiles/
Job profiles. Ontario (MAESD). https://www.services.labour.gov.on.ca/labourmarket/search.xhtml
Workplace health and safety: video series. Ontario Ministry of Labour.
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/elearn/worker/index.php
Apprenticeship in Ontario.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship
Google‘s G Suite is a set of digital tools to help instructors interact, collaborate, prepare and store materials. The Suite differs from a personal account because it allows instructors to share school-wide and with the class, providing shared access to Drive, Calendars and Docs, with enhanced security. There are 11 Google tools, including Gmail, Drive, Vault, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Websites and Hangouts. The Classroom tool allows instructors to create, share, grade assignments and communicate with learners. The website is a site-builder for instructors or students to create their own website or class website. The Vault is a space to archive emails and chats.
G Suite is free for schools and includes support. There is no advertising and your data belongs to you.
Free access:
https://www.google.com/edu/products/productivity-tools/
Free access:
Canada Revenue Agency Tax System Videos for Newcomers:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/vdgllry/ndvdls/menu-eng.html
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Government of Canada:
http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/
The Canadian Consumer Handbook provides information on identity theft, credit reporting and consumer complaints:
http://www.consumerhandbook.ca/en/
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an interactive site for exploring the Virtual Charter in 20 languages:
http://charterofrights.ca/en/27_00_01
Consumer Protection Ontario:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection-ontario
Get Cyber Safe, Government of Canada, provides information on how to keep safe online:
https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/index-en.aspx
Human Rights Legal Support Centre, Province of Ontario, provides information in 10 languages:
http://www.hrlsc.on.ca/en/welcome
Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258
Legal Line provides easy to understand explanations on many federal and provincial laws, on many topics, and in 65 languages:
http://www.legalline.ca/answers/
The Tenant Survival Manual is produced by the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations and is available in 13 languages:
https://www.torontotenants.org/resources/tenant-survival-manual
Voting in Canada, Elections Canada, provides civic education classroom resources developed for elementary and secondary students:
http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=yth/tea&document=index&lang=e
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/
This resource explains the relationship between Essential Skills and the Canadian Language Benchmarks (caveat: CLB 2000 was used). This is an excellent resource for developing tasks based on real-world employment examples. You will need to "Add to Cart" in order to download. The PDF will be emailed to you.
This curriculum has been developed by the Prince Edward Learning Centre and Literacy Link Eastern Ontario. It is ideal for learners planning to work in retail, such as in a grocery or clothing store. The 7-module course covers the Essential Skills, including language, needed in retail occupations.
This multilevel curriculum for CLB 2–4 multilevel classes was developed by NorQuest College for rural Alberta learners. The document is adaptable to other contexts and used with higher-level learners.
There are eight units: Getting to Know You, Community, Education, Personal Finance, Health and Wellness, Recreation, Safety and Shopping. Each unit contains five modules with teaching notes, suggested activities and instructional resources.
Produced by NorQuest College for small, multilevel settings with CLB 2-4 learners. This resource can be used in other settings. Detailed lesson plans for CLB 2 and 4. Financial literacy in two units, covering money, spending and banking.
Free access:
http://www.englishandliteracy.ca/asset_library/page/rsbj/Rurallinc_CLB_2_4.pdf
This is a digital app that makes use of learners' cell phones (or other devices) for formative assessment through quizzes, multiple choice, T/F, polls, a "space game" and out-of-the-door “exit ticket” reviews. Games can be played individually or in teams. The app shows results in real time, charting answers of individual student results for each question, as well as a detailed chart of learner results for further review. Instructors can create rooms/groups students and classes for up to 150 students.
Free access:
https://www.socrative.com/
For a limited time, teachers and students will have free access to Spelling City. (Use code: VSCFree90. ) This website provides interactive vocabulary and spelling activities for English learners and mainstream students. Spelling City allows teachers to create and customize their own spelling/vocabulary lists for classes, which are turned into enjoyable learning activities for student practice. The activities were designed to meet the needs of all learners, including those with learning challenges. The website also has pre-set lists and games that students can also access. Premium accounts can be purchased schools. Free basic memberships with limited access are also available.
The Step Forward Canada textbook series is aligned with the Canadian Language Benchmarks; the first text is CLB 1–2, and the second is CLB 3–5. The books do not specifically reference PBLA (there are no assessments or rubrics), however the texts can serve as a foundation for a PBLA program. A comprehensive chart at the beginning of each book breaks down the activities in each unit according to CLB level and competency areas, a feature that facilitates the planning of PBLA modules.
There are 12 themed units in each text, which build on the four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking), and integrate language instruction into real-life contexts. Each unit contains five lessons and a review section. The lessons cover vocabulary, life stories, grammar, everyday conversation and real-life reading. In addition, employability skills, critical thinking and math concepts are covered. Audio CDs contain authentic listening activities integrated with CLB listening benchmarks. The texts are designed for use in single-level or multilevel classrooms. The higher-level text focuses mainly on CLBs 3–4 with a limited number of CLB 5 activities; some instructors may find it suitable for a CLB 2–3 classroom.
ISBN -13 9780195426311
Publisher: Oxford University Press
http://oupcanada.com/
First launched in 2000, StoryPlace has been newly redesigned to present favourite stories and activities in a format compatible with desktop and mobile devices. The site also now includes early literacy information for parents and caregivers.
This is a site for teacher-created resources to be purchased and downloaded by other teachers. Prices are reasonable (e.g. $4.00 for a conversation activity on 'annoying things' that consists of an editable powerpoint slide deck, teacher notes and 2 student worksheets for reproducing. Lessons and materials are available for K-12 as well as for adults. This link will take you directly to the adult ESL section secondary level materials as many would be suitable for adult classes as well.
Well-populated with ideas and resources from practitioners, this TESL Ontario blog is kept up-to-date and managed by a knowledgeable team. This might be particularily helpful for new instrctors.
Developed by Immigrate Manitoba, this English as an Additional Language curriculum provides water safety lessons for Literacy-CLB Stage 1 learners.
Topics: swimming pools, beaches, boating
Free access:
http://www.immigratemanitoba.com/alt/water-safety-resource.pdf
An award-winning British Columbia resource, The Westcoast Reader is designed for beginning adult readers, both ESL and English literacy learners. National and local news stories are adapted from The Vancouver Sun and The Province newspapers, in addition to articles on health, safety, law and daily life. The paper is printed on a monthly basis for 10 months of the year, and provides a good orientation to Canadian culture and everyday life.
There are links to videos, photos and maps in the online paper. Each front page article has an audio file, allowing learners to read and listen to the story simultaneously. Teacher notes contain instructional strategies and answer keys.
The articles are not referenced to the CLBs. They are written with three levels of difficulty, suitable for CLB Stage 1 learners and higher level ESL Literacy learners.
The following groups can receive The Westcoast Reader free:
- Community Adult Literacy Programs (CALP)
- ESL, EAL and ABE programs provided by public post-secondary institutions
- Literacy Outreach Coordinators (LOC)
- Public libraries
There are two large collections on Tutela relating to employment. While not all have been reviewed, it is an excellent starting point for developing workplace/workforce curriculum. Free to join. Must register then search Tutela Collections.
- Employment Curriculum:
- Essential Skills
- General Employment Curriculum
- Sector Specific Curriculum
- Employment Teaching Resources:
- Assessment Tools
- Module Planning
- Teaching Resources
- CLEO Employment Rights Lesson Plans
- Lesson Plans for NOC Classifications
- Language for Work Series Lesson Plans
There are a number of excellent resources that can be accessed through this collection. For CLB 5–8, see units containing audio, video and text activities, from LISTN (formerly ELSA Net), themes cover Indigenous art, education, identity, governance and residential schools.
Free to join. Free access nationally. Must register then search Tutela Collections.
Register at:
https://tutela.ca/
There are a number of excellent resources that can be accessed through this collection.
Free to join. Free access nationally. Must register then search Tutela Collections.
Register at:
https://tutela.ca/
There are eight collections on Tutela relating to PBLA. While not all have been reviewed, it is an excellent starting point for developing CLB levels 1-8 rubrics.
Free to join. Free access nationally. Must register then search Tutela Collections.
Register at:
https://tutela.ca/
There is a section on Tutela under Resources that focuses on teaching resources. The resources can be explored by theme or level. While the full collection has not been reviewed, they may provide a starting point for developing curriculum. You must register (it's free) in order to access the information.
There are currently 100 webinars (some repeats) available for access on this site. The topics are varied and cover many aspects, including literacy, classroom management and PBLA.
Online, free for members. And membership is free. When completed, many posts are kept in the archives. Some webinars are located within a membership group and one needs to be a member to join or view. Most webinars can be used for TESL Ontario professional development requirements.
TV411 is an American online learning resource for adult literacy learners, but the resources are also relevant for ESL learners (low intermediate and above). There are videos, downloadable worksheets and interactive lessons to build reading, writing, vocabulary and finance skills, as well as math and science. Reading lessons focus on practice in summarizing, restating, reading charts and graphs. Writing lessons include creative and personal writing, workplace and business writing. Grammar, vocabulary and personal finance lessons are also available.
Free access:
http://www.tv411.org/about-us
Learning English is Voice of America’s (VOA) source of digital news and information for English learners worldwide. VOA is a news network and radio station that broadcasts a wide range of programming around the world. The video and audio resources, which are drawn from current news, are separated into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. There is also a free assessment that will help English language learners determine their level of English proficiency. The various resources that are available on the website work well for group work or independent learning. There are also a variety of teaching materials that instructors will find useful for lesson planning. These resources are free to use.
Last reviewed August 2023
VoiceThread is a cloud-based application — no software installation required — which enables users to collaborate and share documents, add images, videos and sound in a shared space. It allows instructors to post a series of photos (or other media) and ask learners to respond and share answers. Users can use voice, text or video comments.
Instructors and learners can use VoiceThread to share documents, projects, presentations, videos and images. The audience can then comment on the VoiceThread slides using one of five options: microphone, webcam, text, phone and audio-file upload. Users also have the option of keeping VoiceThread private, sharing it with a group or making it available to other VoiceThread users worldwide.
Free access:
https://voicethread.com/
This is a for-fun e-book of the differences between Canada and the United States. The e-book is available as a free download.
WordWeb is a free dictionary and thesaurus for Windows. Language options include American, British, Canadian, Australian, Indian and global English. Allows users to look up words in almost any Windows program.
Free access:
http://wordweb.info/free
This resource offers two sections that instructors might find useful: Mature Workers and Non-Regulated Skilled and Semi-Skilled Occupations.
The site includes searchable databases:
- Occupations
- Fields of study
- Outlook
- Wages
The point of view is Essential Skills. There is an online assessment of individual skills and knowledge, descriptions of the nine essential skills and access to a Canadian national job bank.
Developed by the Manitoba government in 2008, this resource is intended for beginning English learners. The document contains 6 modules for CLB 1-3 covering issues such as building safety vocabulary, workplace hazards, WHMIS, dressing for safety and reporting hazards and workplace incidents. Lessons contain hand-outs, flashcards, dialogues and games.
Free access:
You’re Hired…Now What? An Immigrant’s Guide to Success in the Canadian Workplace Text and Workbook $
When learners have employment goals, these resources fill in the gap between the skills and activities needed to write a resume, to have a successful interview and the competencies and to acquire the skills needed to keep a job in Canada. Topics include a broad range of areas that instructors may need some support in teaching:
- Workplace culture
- Business talk
- Telephone tips
- Getting along with others
- Business etiquette
- Office politics
- Networking
- Meetings
The text communicates core information and the workbook supports that learning. Each unit is organized in the same pattern and there is an answer key in the back.
Available to purchase:
Book $45.50
Workbook $23.50
ISBN-13: 9780195432183
Publisher: Oxford University Press
