This group provides an opportunity for adult educators and learners to organize materials dedicated to supporting Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Adult English as a Second Language (Adult ESL) teaching and learning. Adult educators and learners are encouraged to join this open community to share high-quality, high-interest materials for adult learners with low literacy levels preparing for the GED, new career opportunities, increased participation in their children’s education, English language learning, and other important skills. We strongly encourage you to tag each resource you use and evaluate as “Adult Basic Education” or “Adult ESL” so others will also be able to find these adult learner-appropriate material.
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
This website contains helpful information for citing and referencing sources in academic writing, according to the APA Style, 7th Edition, the most recent edition. The site includes information on how to format, properly cite and do references. You'll also find How-to Resources and Frequently Asked Questions.
Free access:
http://bowvalleycollege.libguides.com/apa-style
The Can Do Statements are easy-to-read posters, intended for instructors to post in classrooms and for learners to access individually. The statements are based on the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) and provide a description for what learners can do at each benchmark from 1–12, in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The statements present key information from the CLB document in accessible language, informing students about what they have accomplished and what skills they must still develop.
You need to "Add to Cart" in order to download, which means registering to order.
By Drew Smith (hard copy and Kindle e-book)
This study guide is based on the Canadian citizenship study guide and has been adapted for CLB 4–5 learners. The contents align with the official study guide and provide multiple-choice comprehension questions followed by review exercises. Presented in a format that is easily accessible for language learners who are preparing for their citizenship test. The text can be used in a classroom setting or for self-study. Worksheets and an answer key are included. The book also provides a link to additional video quizzes for the citizenship test.
ISBN-10: 1519121296
ISBN-13: 978-1519121295
Available for purchase through Amazon:
https://www.amazon.ca/Canadian-Citizenship-Made-Easy-English/dp/1519121296
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 Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is an American organization that bridges the academic world with applied language education. Projects and resources (some free) include language planning and policy, adult language instruction, testing and assessment, refugee and immigrant integration.
For reference use, this link at the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks provides an overview that relates the CLBs to immigration and citizenship. There are also links for details on language proof for citizenship and the CLB 4 competency framework for listening and speaking, in addition to various government information pages for settlement, education, training and employment.
Free access:
http://www.language.ca/resourcesexpertise/for-immigration-or-citizenship/
For reference use, this link at the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks provides an overview that relates the CLBs to immigration and citizenship. There are also links for details on language proof for citizenship and the CLB 4 competency framework for listening and speaking, in addition to various government information pages for settlement, education, training and employment.
Free access: http://www.language.ca/resourcesexpertise/for-immigration-or-citizenship/
For reference use, this link at the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks provides an overview that relates the CLBs to immigration and citizenship. There are also links for details on language proof for citizenship and the CLB 4 competency framework for listening and speaking, in addition to various government information pages for settlement, education, training and employment.
Free access:
http://www.language.ca/resourcesexpertise/for-immigration-or-citizenship/
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 is a validated assessment tool for exit tests that assess learning outcomes of adult ESL learners in intermediate to advanced levels, CLB 5-10. The tests cover three areas: employment, community and academic. It is available on order for $60 (plus HST).
CLB Bootcamp is a 10-hour self-study course divided into three modules:
- CLB Basics covers an introduction to the Canadian Language Benchmarks. It includes the theoretical framework, the revised CLB document and the CLB ESL for Adult Literacy Learners document.
- Planning and the CLB provides instruction in needs assessment, and how to use a task-based approach to planning modules and lessons.
- Assessment and the CLB covers on-going learner assessment and provides an introduction to Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA).
Free access (through the CCLB E-learning Portal): http://learning.language.ca
“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.
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
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.
The E-Learning Toolkit, developed by Bow Valley College, provides a collection of resources and information to assist administrators and ELL instructors to develop methods and strategies for using digital and online technology. The toolkit will be useful in planning, facilitating and evaluating online language learning, to foster engagement, accessibility and enhance communication.
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/
Edmodo is an educational platform and global network that permits teachers to share content, distribute assignments and assessments, as well as manage communication with learners and others, and connect with other educators globally. Edmodo is integrated with Google Apps for Education and Microsoft OneNote and Office. Instructors can form groups, assign homework, schedule quizzes and manage learner progress with the platform.
Free access:
https://www.edmodo.com/teachers
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/
The English Language Learning (ELL) Training Network was developed by CEIIA, Bow Valley College’s Centre for Excellence in Immigrant and Intercultural Advancement. Designed for ELL practitioners, the Network provides information, resources and tools for instructors, a resource finder, PD workshops and webinars, network for professional learning, blog posts and social media links.
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/
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.
eNunciate is a project created by Department of Linguistics at the University of British Columbia. The site will be useful for teachers interested in a review of the International Phonetic Alphabet. The Pronunciation Station will allow allow them to see videos using ultrasound to demonstrate both consonant and vowel production. The site also consists of self-directed modules for learning articulatory phonetics of Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin, German, French and Spanish; as well as a collection of research and case studies on ultrasound based pronunciation instruction.
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.
In this excerpt (chapter nine) of his 2003 book entitled English as Global Language, David Chrystal describes how there are no precedents for a language with the same degree of global presence as English currently enjoys (apart from Latin which dominated in a ‘smaller world’). He presents statistics outlining the number of speakers of English as a first, second or third language across the globe, the reasons for the emergence of English as a global language (politics, economics, American film and music etc.), and the future of English’s position as a global language. It should be noted that this chapter is available for free on Crystal's website, along with many other of his publications. This chapter constitutes solid professional development for teachers interested in understanding the impact of the English language on the international stage.
Storybooks and related activities in five languages: English, French, Arabic, Tagalog and Chinese. Designed for parents and children to read and develop literacy skills together.
Free access:
http://familyliteracyfirst.ca/
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
This 58-page guide is designed to assist newcomers with settlement information on arrival, and contains lots of useful information. Written in clear language for intermediate English readers, there are 10 chapters covering health, housing, employment, education, citizenship, legal services and consumer information. There is also practical information on the weather, finding healthcare, cell phone services and recreation suggestions, plus links to community services and organizations.
Free access:
http://settlement.org/downloads/First_Days_Guide_EN.pdf
- 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
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.
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.
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+)
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
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
Literacy, Stages 1 & 2 are developed through the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership. There are currently 13 workbooks. Each workbook covers Lit-CLB 1, CLB 2-3 and CLB 4-5.
Topics include:
- Physical Activity
- Dental Health
- Mental Health
- Canada’s Food Guide
- Reading Food Labels
- Diabetes Prevention and more
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
Learning for Life, is an excellent step-by-step manual for delivering literacy classes. Topics include:
- Program considerations
- Classroom strategies
- ESL Literacy levels (4)
- Materials
- Teaching ideas
- Literature review of ESL Literacy
- Annotated bibliography
- Webliography (30% links no longer available)
There is a strong need for program administrators and instructors to have professional development opportunities available to meet the needs of Literacy learner.
This tool allows individuals to use personal information and a drop-down menu to create an individualized settlement plan, using headings such as first weeks, first months, immigration services, culture, laws and rights, working, housing, language, health and citizenship. Each topic has links to resources. Users can print out their personal settlement plan to track their progress.
Free access:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/lctvac/english/index
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.
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
The text is written at an advanced level. The document contains seven chapters that cover what’s needed for arrival in Ontario, Canada’s history, geography and levels of government, plus healthcare and education systems, and programs and services for newcomers. There are brief review questions at the end of the chapters, and spaces for personal notes and to-do lists.
Free access:
http://settlement.org/downloads/ontario_day_to_day/English_Anglais/OD2D_Workbook_(En).pdf
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
Post TESL Certificate Training (PTCT) is specialized training for instructors to advance their knowledge and skills in high priority content areas such as materials development, technology in the classroom, language for the workplace, and higher level language training. PTCT is for all instructors who teach English as a second language to adults.
For information about admission requirements of PTCT courses and to sign up, you will need to contact the course providers directly or visit their websites.
PTCT course graduates who hold a valid TESL Ontario certificate of accreditation are eligible for the TESL Ontario Certificate of Achievement. To receive this certificate, contact TESL Ontario.
Free online practice tests for independent study or classroom use.
Richmond Public Library: https://www.yourlibrary.ca/citizenship/
Citizenshipcounts.ca: http://citizenshipcounts.ca
Government of Canada Discover Canada study questions: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/questions.asp
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 open access journal is published twice yearly by the University of Hawaii. Issues as far back as 1983 are available for free online. Recent article topics include: Constructing Diagnostic Reading Instruments, Lexical profiling and Teaching Vocabulary.
Access Forward: Free training modules for people with disabilities:
http://accessforward.ca/
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Housing for Newcomers PDF available in eight languages:
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/consumers/home-buying/newcomers
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/
CLEO Resources and Publications: Ontario laws related to housing, family law, criminal, employment. Posters and documents in several languages:
http://www.cleo.on.ca/en/resources-and-publications/resources-and-publications
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 Commission of Ontario: Video lessons on rights and responsibilities related to housing:
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/learning/human-rights-and-rental-housing
Human Rights Legal Support Centre, Province of Ontario, provides information in 10 languages:
http://www.hrlsc.on.ca/en/welcome
Job Bank, Government of Canada. Extensive searchable database:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home-eng.do?lang=eng
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/
Ontario Labour Market: Job trends and outlooks:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/job-trends-and-outlook
Settlement.org Guides are available in 10 languages:
1. Daily Life
http://settlement.org/ontario/daily-life/
2. Find Services Near Me
http://settlement.org/findhelp/ontario/
3. My First Days
http://settlement.org/firstdays/
Settlement.org: Housing information in 30 languages:
http://settlement.org/ontario/housing/
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
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/
Dental Health: Posters and educational materials promote brushing, flossing, fluoride, early dental health. The site is sponsored by the North Carolina Health and Human Services: https://www2.ncdhhs.gov/dph/oralhealth/education/index.htm
Dental Services: Healthy Smiles Ontario provides free dental services for Ontario children under 17 for low-income families without dental coverage:
www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/dental
EatRight Ontario: Toll free: 1-877-510-5102. Speak to a registered dietitian for free. Website has personalized menu planner for diabetes, toddlers and families: https://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/MenuPlanner.aspx
Healthcare Connect: Toll free: 1-800-445-1822. This service connects Ontarians with doctors accepting new patients.
Helpline for Mental Health and Addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling:
http://www.connexontario.ca/
LanguageGuide.Org is an online picture dictionary with images, audio and text and activities. http://www.languageguide.org/english/vocabulary/
OHIP: Public information on the health care system, services forms, card renewal, change of address forms:
www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public
Telehealth Ontario: Toll free: 1-866-797-0000. This is a confidential service connecting callers to a registered nurse who gives health advice. Translation support available.
211 Ontario: Call 2-1-1. This number provides free information about Ontario government services and community programs, in over 100 languages.
Vaccinations and Immunization: Information about publicly funded vaccinations and immunization in Ontario: www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/immunization
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
Making It Clear presents concise guidelines for teaching pronunciation to CLB levels. (No activities provided.) It contains a list of recommended resources.
The Settlement.org website provides information to newly arrived immigrants and refugees in Ontario. It lists common questions and answers with relevant links. The main headings are “First Days” and “Services Near Me.” Information is presented in Q & A format at an intermediate level of English. Topics covered include immigration and citizenship, housing, health, education, legal services, community and daily life. Information includes getting a driver’s licence, finding a doctor and dentist, the Canada Child Benefit, Employment Standards information, a guide to elementary and secondary schools.
The website information has been translated into 40 languages, plus there is a forum where users can have their specific questions answered. There is also a sidebar listing events by date.
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:
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) posts engaging talks on scientific, academic and cultural issues to its website. Speakers from around the world deliver talks in a lecture-style format. New lectures are posted on a weekly basis. The lectures range from 5 to 18 minutes and longer, and have transcripts and subtitles available in more than 100 languages. Learners can use the talks for independent study. Instructors can use the search feature to find talks on appropriate themes, and build lessons around talks to target specific language skills and academic skills, such as note taking.
TEDEd: Instructors can open an account and develop their own lesson plans or access lessons developed by other teachers. Learn English with TED Talks: TED Talks/National Geographic Curriculum for English Learners. The integrated skills curriculum for adult learners is called Keynote. It is divided into 6 levels. The content integrates TED Talks and National Geographic photos into lesson plans. Also available: National Geographic English learning textbooks on a variety of topics including Grammar, Pronunciation, and Business English. There is a cost.
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.
This document reports on research conducted with LINC students at Bow Valley and NorQuest Colleges in Alberta, exploring the effectiveness of LINC programs in meeting learners’ language needs as well as settlement and integration needs.
The 2010 edition of this Canadian ESL classic has updated research, plus teaching methods for developing language skills, with learner samples and illustrations. Chapters cover first days, placement and assessment and teaching content areas. Also contains anecdotes, case studies and lots of practical advice. Purchase online.
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.
This 146-page guide provides detailed information for refugees and immigrants. It may be valuable as an instructor resource or as a class reference – text is written at a high level, which may be challenging for Stage 1 learners. Although it is not the official citizenship preparation guide, the document refers readers to the Discover Canada document. It contains attractive photos, charts and sidebar stories of newcomers’ achievements in Canada.
The 15 chapters include:
- A brief overview (Canadian history and geography)
- Rights and freedoms
- Canadian law and justice
- Employment and income
- Education
- Housing
- Healthcare in Canada
- Money and finances
- Transportation
- Communications and media
- Community connections
Also provides some practical information on such things as etiquette on public transportation, bundling of Internet services and protecting personal identification.
Free access:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/pub/welcome.pdf
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
