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
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.
Can Learn English is a Canadian content, "Canadian English" website hosted by a Canadian teacher named Dana (a TESOL trained and qualified teacher). You'll find a YouTube channel with well-produced videos, a Facebook page, podcasts, free E-textbook, and also an Academy: Online courses with academic lessons referenced to the CLBs. Intended for intermediate/advanced learners: Choose from a variety of courses starting at $10.
From the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks, the topic of this sample CLB Literacy -2 module is weather. Scroll down to find and download Digital Literacy Lesson Plan Sample. It provides lesson planning for using a website to check weather, also includes 4 pages of handouts and suggestions for 9 activities.
This simple website is designed for those who are having difficulty understanding numbers. The lessons contain practice with two figure numbers to nine figure numbers, as well as practice with telephone numbers, months and dates, decimals and percentages and more.
An easy to navigate website is good for independent practice and can be used with children. Contains grammar, listening and reading activities from very easy to intermediate levels.
This YouTube quiz plays 22 different audio clips of native speakers of regional varieties of Englishes (British, New Zealand, Australian, Canadian, Singaporean, Jamaican, Welsh, Indian, South African, Irish etc). It is a really effective way to demonstrate to students that native speakers of English can sound very different from one another, and that there are many unique varieties of English spoken around the world, (even within different regions of the same country). Have your students take the quiz for fun, or better yet, have them watch you take the quiz!
Bow Valley College and Conestoga College have developed tools for creating PBLA rubrics.
Many teachers have found Conestoga's LINC Assessment Generating Tool helpful. The tool includes a complete list of competency statements, indicators and profiles of ability, all in one place. Also included - a guide to question levels by CLB, features of communication, and sample assessment tasks for instructional reference. You must have a Tutela account to access this resource.
Bow Valley College has developed clear, easy-to-use assessments and templates for Portfolio-Based language Assessment (PBLA). Their toolbox contains:
- Tool 1: Assessment Templates
- Tool 2: Instructor Administered Templates
- Tool 3: Learner Reflections
- Tool 4: Self-Assessments
This web resource is maintained by teachers in the LINC ASSIST Community Services Centre, in Edmonton, Alberta. Its purpose is to provide resources and an implementation guide for teachers using PBLA in their own LINC classrooms. The site is easy to navigate.
The "PBLA" section will take you to resources and examples of how to implement PBLA. "Teaching Resources" links to a variety of theme and skill-based resources. Some resources are Alberta-based and designed for ASSIST settings. Also note, Word docs on the website cannot be viewed on mobile devices.
The TESL Journal Archives contain a treasure trove of links to a wide variety of resources. The links are separated into groups for students and teachers. You'll find games, podcasts, quizzes, pronunciation guides, speaking, spelling, and professional development materials. (Be aware that there are several broken links.)
Free access:
This British storytelling website contains audio and text for each story. The intended audience is children; however, the stories are universal and applicable to English learners of all ages. The site includes myths and tales from around the world, plus audio chapter books including the Wizard of Oz and Sherlock Holmes. Suitable for intermediate and higher level students.
There is a large collection on Tutela relating to literacy. While the full collection has not been reviewed, it is an excellent starting point for developing literacy curriculum and assessment.
Topics:
- Literacy Tools and Templates
- Listening Assessments
- Speaking Assessments
- Reading Assessments
- Writing Assessments
- Literacy Goal Setting
- Module and Lesson Planning
- Literacy Webinars
Free to join. Free access nationally. Must register before accessing information. Search Tutela Collections.
Register at:
https://tutela.ca/
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
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:
