Learning a new language can be difficult, especially for beginners! These resources help teachers plan lessons that inspire skills and confidence for English language learners. Visit VITAL’s Tutor Resources for more tools, tips, and training.
Teaching Beginning English
CURRICULUM GUIDES
Beginning levels texts organized by topics relevant to newcomers of the United States: friends and families, numbers, time, around town, food, health and work. Language practice includes 4 types of dictation activities, vocabulary, discussion, and writing. Book + CD
Presents a guide to basic English language skills including vocabulary development, grammar, reading, writing, and pronunciation. Lessons involve daily life skills such as time, money, health, food, transportation, housing, and more. The answer key provides a brief explanation of the activities.
This self-study series uses graphics and pictures instead of wordy explanations, making vocabulary and grammar easy to remember. Includes course book and practice books for levels 1-4. Audio download available
A 4 level series of high interest readings that integrate life skills, communication and grammar. The format builds practical English skills following a progressive sequence of skill development.
This 4 level series offers a balance of language and skills, with ample practice to build confidence. Introduces grammar concepts sequentially. Includes student book, workbook, and teacher's guide. Book + CD.
ESL students will live, laugh and learn with this series. Fifteen engaging stories in each book portray diverse characters in interesting daily life situations. Reading comprehension, dialogue, pronunciation, and writing activities included. Life Goes On series (4 levels). Teacher’s guide and Audio download available.
Each book in the series tells the story of a single character that is new to the U.S. Chapters include exercises that build comprehension, vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills. Novel Scenes series (4 levels). Teacher’s guide and Audio Download available.
4,000 English words and phrases with meaningful, real-life contexts presented within 12 thematic units, including Everyday Language, People, Housing, Food, Recreation, and more. Topics such as job search, career planning, and digital literacy equip students with the language they need for everyday success. Use with Oxford Picture Dictionary Workbooks (3 levels).
A 4 level series of conversation practice that incorporates reading, writing, and listening skills. Includes pronunciation exercises and communication strategies.
Engaging and amusing low-level stories that students love to read. Everyday life themes are consistent across levels, making these books ideal for multilevel classrooms. Includes discussion starters, listening activities, dialogue practice, and comprehension exercises. That’s Life series (4 levels). Teacher’s guide and Audio download available.
Easy-to-read stories follow an immigrant through her daily life in the U.S. Each lesson features phonics instruction, sight words, listening, speaking, and comprehension exercises. What’s Next series (4 levels). Teacher’s guide and Audio download available.
Basic English language activities that develop listening, reading, writing and cultural literacy skills. Texts include news reports, menus, forms, and other realia adapted to low reading levels. Each unit includes a complete lesson plan and homework. What’s Up series (3 levels)
This learner friendly picture dictionary introduces essential words with illustrations and simple lesson plans. Prepare students for success using English in everyday life, in the community, in school, and at work. Use with Word by Word Literacy or Vocabulary workbooks.
This workbook builds language skills with listening, vocabulary, writing, and comprehension Activities. Use with the Word by Word Basic Picture Dictionary. Book+CD
HANDBOOKS
An ESL resource guide that introduces new teachers to basic techniques and strategies for teaching adults with little to no English experience. Includes tips for getting started, planning your first meeting, assessing language skills, sample lesson plans, sequence of skills, and more.
This go-to guide for ESL instructors covers the basics on English language and American culture learning. The step-by-step format provides instruction for teaching adult English language learners in group and one on one settings. Include 50+ ready-to-use activities for teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.