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 following English teacher blogs and websites have been recommended by our members:
Patrice Palmer is a veteran Canadian English language professional. She specializes in teacher self-care.
Free access:
https://www.positiveupside.ca/
TheJoyOfESL: Kelly Morrissey is a respected Canadian educator and blogger, with lively discussions on activism, links to other sites, and well developed literacy resources available.
free access:
https://joyofesl.blogspot.com/
EnglishwithJanice: Ontario teacher and tutor, Janice's website offers resources for children and adults and includes pronunciation, business writing, listening for different levels and more.
free access:
https://www.englishwithjanice.com/
Larry Ferlazzo is an American educator whose blog contains a treasure trove of materials and tech suggestions.
free access:
http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
Susan Alyn's Inspiration Lane (American) contains readings content that changes daily. The website can be projected on a whiteboard and can be translated into several languages.
free access:
http://inspirationlane.blogspot.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/
The goal of this resource (developed by BC TEAL and CLB aligned), is to support male students to discuss men's health issues and address barriers to physical and mental wellness in a safe environment.
The resource aims to draw on the knowledge and experiences of refugee men to facilitate access to health services, and address stigma around mental health issues, feelings of isolation, and cultural differences around expectations of men in home countries and Canada.
The document has four sections: Pathways to Wellness, Addressing Health Issues, Connecting to Community, Building Relationships. It includes a teacher's guide, lesson plans with clear illustrations. Lesson plan topics include: mental health, nutrition, talking to a doctor, male roles, and fatherhood.
