ESL Toolkit
Tips, Hints, Links & Resources for Volunteer Tutors
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Compiled for the:
Refugee Response Team
Thompson-Okanagan & Kootenays
B.C. Refugee Readiness Fund is part of the WelcomeBC umbrella of services,
made possible through funding from the Province of British Columbia.
ESL Toolkit for Volunteer Tutors:
Resource List
Level:
Introductory English and
Low - Beginning Literacy Language Skills
Compiled by Emily Hardy and Alana Turigan with input from Tara Stewart
For the
Refugee Response Team – Thompson Okanagan & Kootenays
With Funding from the Province of British Columbia
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A Note to the Reader
This ESL toolkit is a compilation of a select choice of resources intended to guide
volunteer English language tutors. The aim is to supplement the need for tutors in
quickly finding resources, which are not only sources of quality information, but are also
sources directed at the appropriate level; beginning / introductory and low-literacy
learners. In essence, this is a compilation of resources and is not a curriculum.
The resources have been compiled into several sections, so that specific items
may be found quickly and easily. Please see the table of contents on the following page
for all categories. The layout is formed by category, title, picture, and will be followed by
a link. You may click the link under each picture (or title) to be directed to the
corresponding information; a web page, website, or directly to a downloadable PDF.
The majority of the resources in this package are available for free. However, we
have included a select few, which we feel are extremely effective / essential, that are
available for purchase. Links to the publishers of materials that need to be purchased
are provided. Furthermore, in some cases materials might be found for sale online; for
example, at amazon.ca.
Lastly, we strongly recommend that all volunteer tutors go through and
understand the section “CLB Can Do” to gain an understanding of what is expected of
learners at this low level in the areas of: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.
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Contents
A Note to the Reader
Canadian Language Benchmark Information
CLB Can Do List
CLB Adult Literacy Learners (ALL).
Tutoring
Activities and Lesson Ideas
Donna Bowler
Book Recommendations
Additional Websites / Resources
Appendix (links provided in kit – PDFs attached)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks: ESL for Adult Literacy Learners (ALL)
• Tutor Training Kit
• Adult ESL Literacy Resource Survival Guide for Instructors
• Hands On: A Collection of ESL Literacy Activities
• Making it Real: Teaching Pre-literate Adult Refugee Students
• Personal Hygiene
• Success in TESL Handbooks: Hallowe’en, Christmas, Literacy Boards &
Literacy
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Canadian Language Benchmark Information
CLB Can Do List
PLEASE READ: Detailed explanation of what types of tasks and skills are expected of
learners at the beginning levels for each language skill set; listening, speaking, reading,
and writing.
Click the link below each image to access the document.
http://www.language.ca/documents/CLB_Can_Do_Statements_L_01.pdf
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http://www.language.ca/documents/CLB_Can_Do_Statements_S_01.pdf
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http://www.language.ca/documents/CLB_Can_Do_Statements_R_01.pdf
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http://www.language.ca/documents/CLB_Can_Do_Statements_W_01.pdf
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CLB Adult Literacy Learners (ALL).
This PDF provides extensive information regarding instruction in lower level language
learners. Especially in regards to Literacy needs and teaching approaches as well as
containing a thorough explanation of CLB levels and requirements; within all language
skill sets (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
http://www.language.ca/documents/CLB_Adult_Literacy_Learners_e-version_2015.pdf
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Tutoring
This section is for resources available for tutors to improve their instruction skills; self-
study.
http://www.reginalibrary.ca/literacy/tutor_training_manual.pdf
http://www.listn.info/site/wp-content/uploads/pdf/literacy_guide.pdf
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Activities and Lesson Ideas
This section contains activity and lesson ideas focused on developing language skills.
http://en.copian.ca/library/learning/handson/handson.pdf
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http://www.camdencountylibrary.org/sites/default/files/files/Making_It_Real%20-
%20teaching%20refugees.pdf
PDF for personal hygiene with pictures, matching vocabulary, fill in the blank spelling
practice, and prompts for speaking about habitual routines.
http://www.listn.info/site/wp-content/uploads/pdf/phm.pdf
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Canada Weather Lesson
http://www.language.ca/documents/Stage_1_CLB_1_Canada_Weather.pdf
Food Lesson
http://www.language.ca/documents/Stage_1_CLB_1_Food_Making_Tea.pdf
Health Lesson
http://www.language.ca/documents/Stage_1_CLB_1_Health_Medical_Clinics.pdf
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Donna Bowler
Success in TESL is a wonderful resource for teaching basic English Language Skills
and Literacy learning. You have the option to order hardcopies of the materials, or
download PDFs at a lower cost. In addition, corresponding audio files are available as
free downloads; directly from the web page. They even provide an example weekly
lesson plan in some packages. Success in TESL also has , which are great to reinforce
language skills. Another bonus is once you are signed up they will send you additional
free PDF materials!
http://www.successintesl.com/about/
Please Note: Only several content units are shared here; there are many more
available. The packages shown below are our best picks, which are appropriate
for these ESL levels. Activity Pages / Worksheets are photocopiable by all
teachers at one purchasing address.
Please click on this link for pricing: http://www.successintesl.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/02/2015-price-list.pdf
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Some materials are available in both a “Teacher’s Guide / Student Workbook”
combination. PDF versions are available at a fraction of the cost!
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Some materials are already fully made for you and available for purchase. This is a
significant time saver and the games can be used again and again.
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Look! Some materials are available for FREE!
PDF versions of workbooks and packages are available at a fraction of the cost!
Click this link for a full list of all materials available as PDF versions:
http://www.successintesl.com/20/14/05/pdf-version-of-all-our-books
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Book Recommendations
If you can only get your hands on one book for this level we both highly recommend the
Oxford Picture Dictionary. This resource is truly an essential in any ESL classroom or
tutoring situation. Working with different units from the dictionary are not only wonderful
for increasing learner’s vocabulary sets, but are also great for sparking conversation.
There are even ‘practice questions’ located at the bottom of the pages.
https://oupcanada.com/catalog/9780195431162.html
We suggest purchasing several copies of the Picture Dictionaries for each site, which
tutors could sign out as needed. Ideally, one Picture Dictionary per tutor would great.
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Another book that is a good starting point for literacy skills is Literacy Plus B: Language,
Lifeskills, Civics. Students can begin learning how to write the English alphabet; using
proper stroke order and enforces muscle memory practice sheets. The writing skills are
developed along with context based units, which include conversation and vocabulary
focus. There are audio cassettes and a teacher’s guide available, but while very helpful
are optional.
http://www.longmanhomeusa.com/product/product-detail-components/?sid=Entry-
Level%2FLiteracy&pid=F-0HR&tab=B
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Additional Websites / Resources
A few extra ideas for worksheets. You may have to do a quick search of your topic to
see if there are any applicable activities for your topic / subject. Use the printable
worksheets to supplement your tutoring.
https://www.worksheetworks.com/english/writing/handwriting.html
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http://www.onestopenglish.com/esol/absolute-beginners/unit-1/
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http://agendaweb.org/
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http://eleaston.com/quizzes.html
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Printable cards: http://teflgames.com/opcbegin.html
“Opposites” activity instructions: http://teflgames.com/match1ops.html
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Advanced Resources
Learn English Feel Good
Printables, Worksheets etc
http://www.learnenglishfeelgood.com/esl-printables-worksheets.html
Print & Go ESL
Short Stories for Adult Learners, appropriate for
Levels 1-2.
http://www.elcivics.com/esl-ebook-worksheets.pdf
BC TEAL
Offers links to additional resources, with a
specific focus to support Syrian refugees.
http://bctealrtp.edublogs.org/about/
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