Our Approach

English At Large programs provide a ladder of support to meet the needs of local English language learners. Our volunteer-delivered services create an accessible pathway to knowledge and understanding for our learners, empowering them to join in their communities and to achieve their life goals.

Our Approach to Learning

EAL programs help learners gain the skills and confidence they need to move forward in their new lives in the United States.  Some of our learners strive to join the workforce to provide for their families; others seek to navigate the American education system for themselves or their children.  Newcomers need language and cultural knowledge in order to communicate with their doctor, at the bank, or in a store.

Our approach to learning goes beyond teaching English.  While knowing the language is a vital step in adapting to this new life, it is but just the first step toward achieving life goals.  EAL programs connect newcomers with volunteers who are active members of their community, and who generously share their life experience with their learners. Volunteers and learners develop trusting relationships that create a fruitful climate for learning.  As newcomers undergo the process of adjusting to a new culture, English At Large learner programs can open gateways to understanding and achievement, and promote stronger, more inclusive communities.

Our Approach to Tutoring

Every English At Large learner has unique personal and language objectives.  Our tutors provide individualized instruction, guidance, and support to help learners reach their goals.

Most EAL tutors are not ESL teachers; they are members of the community who are passionate about imparting their knowledge and life experience to help newcomers acclimate.

EAL tutors are trained in the Language Experience Approach (LEA), a learner-centered teaching method and diagnostic tool which provides a starting point for language and cultural instruction. The learner is given a speaking prompt, and the tutor transcribes the response, word for word.  This learner-generated text contains context and vocabulary that is familiar and relevant to the learner.  The text can then be used for a variety of learning activities, and provides opportunities for side-by-side development of the four language skills:  speaking, listening, reading and writing.

EAL tutors employ a variety of other teaching tools, including textbooks, internet resources, and real-life materials, such as PTA newsletters, employee handbooks, citizenship exam questions, and workplace communication documents.

Tutors receive ongoing encouragement and support from EAL staff, and have full access to the English At Large Resource Library. Professional development, offered by EAL staff and through our partnerships with other providers and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, helps ensure that our tutors have the resources they need to support their learners’ success.

Learner Success

Our learners seek to improve their understanding of English language and U.S. Culture in order to:

  • secure a job or advance their career
  • enroll in college or university
  • improve family communication
  • become active at their child’s school
  • volunteer  in their community
  • learn how to use public transportation
  • vote in an election
  • pass the U.S. Citizenship exam

 

English At Large

800 West Cummings Park, Suite 5550
Woburn, MA 01801
tel : 781.395.2374
email : info@englishatlarge.org

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13 hours ago
English At Large

English Learners! What is the difference between "how much time" and "how many times"? Do we say "how long" or "how long time"? In this essential English lesson, Emma will helpyou understand! ... See MoreSee Less

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2 days ago
English At Large

English Learners! Walking or hiking is a great way to enjoy your community and maybe even meet new people. Let's learn English with Bob the Canadian on a hike! ... See MoreSee Less

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5 days ago
English At Large

We are thrilled to acknowledge the generous support of the Servicesure Charitable Foundation! This $5,000 grant will sustain our programs and services across our shared service area, making a difference for hundreds of local immigrants! #learningenglish #learningbuildscommunity #whereeachrelationshipmatters ... See MoreSee Less

We are thrilled to acknowledge the generous support of the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation! This $5,000 grant will sustain our programs and services across our shared service area, making a difference for hundreds of local immigrants! #learningenglish #learningbuildscommunity #whereeachrelationshipmatters
6 days ago
English At Large

English Learners! Today's video from Clear English Corner will help you Improve Your English Listening in 3 simple steps! ... See MoreSee Less

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7 days ago
English At Large

English Learners! Today's list of common idioms will have you over the moon! ... See MoreSee Less

English Learners! Todays list of common idioms will have you over the moon!
1 week ago
English At Large

English Learners! Today's video is Part 2 of yesterday's lesson from Bob the Canadian: How to describe food in English! ... See MoreSee Less

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1 week ago
English At Large

English Learners! Today's video lesson from Bob the Canadian will help you learn words and phrases to describe food. We all love food, so it is one of the most common topics when learning a language. In this English class two teachers try food from around the world, and comment in a natural way about what they are eating. You'll learn to describe spicy food, crunchy food, unique food, sweet food, salty food, and many more types of food. Yum! ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago
English At Large

English At Large Offices are now closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Staff will return to the office on Tuesday, November 28th. We wish our entire EAL community a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful for you! ... See MoreSee Less

English At Large Offices are now closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Staff will return to the office on Tuesday, November 28th. We wish our entire EAL community a very Happy Thanksgiving.  We are grateful for you!
2 weeks ago
English At Large

English Learners! This week we celebrate American Thanksgiving! So let's talk turkey with this list of common idioms all about Thanksgiving! ... See MoreSee Less

English Learners! This week we celebrate American Thanksgiving! So lets talk turkey with this list of common idioms all about Thanksgiving!
2 weeks ago
English At Large

English Learners! How are you feeling? We hope you are well. Bob the Canadian feels like he is coming down with something. What does that mean? Today's video will help you learn English vocabulary to describe when you are sick! ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago
English At Large

English Learners! Howya doin? Today's video from Clear English Corner with Keenyn Rhodes requires that you listen carefully and practice common American phrases used daily in English conversation! ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago
English At Large

English Learners! Verb tenses can be confusing. Today's video from English with Lucy will help you learn the 5 tenses that make up 90% of English! ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago
English At Large

English Learners! Today's video from Bob the Canadian will help you understand common idioms about work. Time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago
English At Large

English Learners! Bring or Take? Come or Go? Remember or Remind? Watch and learn the difference between 12 basic verbs, used in everyday English. ... See MoreSee Less

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4 weeks ago
English At Large

English Learners! Today we observe Veteran's Day, an American holiday which honors the service of our veterans. This video from EnglishClass 101 will give you the history and meaning of this important day! ... See MoreSee Less

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4 weeks ago
English At Large

English Learners! Today's video lesson from LinguaMarina will help you learn and practice vocabulary in the kitchen! ... See MoreSee Less

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4 weeks ago
English At Large

Volunteer Conference afternoon session: Professional boundaries for volunteers with Alexandra Papagno! ... See MoreSee Less

Volunteer Conference afternoon session: Professional boundaries for volunteers with Alexandra Papagno!
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