Learners with little to no exposure to English need to build a foundation of basic vocabulary and listening comprehension skills. These resources provide a structure for sequential skill building for early-beginner English language learners. Visit VITAL’s Volunteer Resources for more tools, tips, and training.
Compiled by:
Bethany T.
CURRICULUM GUIDES
VITAL 372.465 Chr
Increase basic literacy skills with these systematic phonics lessons designed especially for adult and adolescent English learners. In addition to sequential skills presentation and word lists, each level includes more than 20 decodable stories to practice phonics skills in context.
VITAL 428.24 Eng
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.
VITAL 428.24 Fol
Series: English in Action
English in Action is a four-level, standards-based integrated language learning program that prepares adults for work and academic success. The third edition of English in Action features authentic and high-interest content from National Geographic to promote critical thinking and 21st century skills.
VITAL 428.24 Mor
Series: Get Started
Get Started: Foundations in English provides true beginners with the skills needed for confident communication. Learners build a solid foundation in the grammar, vocabulary, and skills needed to achieve everyday communicative tasks like greeting people and asking for directions.
VITAL 428.24 Ric
Series: Interchange series 1-4
The Interchange philosophy is that English is learned best when it is used for meaningful communication. Follow the sequential format for building language skills while engaging in practical conversational language. Interchange series 1–4. Use with Interchange Teacher’s Guide and Workbook (4 levels). Book and CD.
VITAL 428.24 Mac
This guide provides comprehensive instruction for teaching listening, speaking, and writing skills at the pre-literacy level. Step-by-step scripts are easy for new ESL teachers to follow. Use with Laubach Way to Reading. (4 levels).
VITAL 428.24 Lif
Series: LifePrints series
Develop listening and speaking skills through realistic conversations that center on familiar situations. Help build skills for communicating with health providers, getting and keeping a job, and discovering neighborhood services and resources. Literacy level activities are appropriate for pre-literate adults. LifePrints series (4 levels). Teacher’s Guide and audio download available.
VITAL 428.34 Sas
This comprehensive guide aims to teach survival English and basic literacy skills. Literacy Plus A is for students who are pre-literate in their own language and do not know English. Literacy Plus B is for students who are literate in their own language but not in English. Use with Literacy Plus Teacher’s Guide. Book and CD.
VITAL 428.24 Fet
Series: Pathways
This academic English program prepares students to work effectively and confidently in an academic environment. Carefully-guided lessons develop the language skills, critical thinking, and learning strategies required for academic success.
VITAL 428.34 Con
Series: What's Next?
This guide features easy-to-read stories about every day life in the U.S. Each lesson builds phonics skills sequentially, and includes exercises in phonemic awareness, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension. What's Next? series (2 levels). Use with What's Next Teacher's Guide.
VITAL 423.17 Mol
This workbook teaches the alphabet and basic vocabulary, reading, and writing for pre-literate adults. Use with the Word by Word Basic Picture Dictionary. Book and CD.
HANDBOOKS
VITAL 428.24 Col
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.
VITAL 374.012 Tea
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. Includes 50+ ready-to-use activities for teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.