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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5 hours ago
English At Large

English learners! This beautiful weather may give you a case of spring fever, but we encourage you to spring into action and find ways to use these common spring idioms. Doing so will put a spring in your step! ... See MoreSee Less

English learners! This beautiful weather may give you a case of spring fever, but we encourage you to spring into action and find ways to use these common spring idioms. Doing so will put a spring in your step!
1 day ago
English At Large

English learners! Do you have the time? Today's lesson from Bob the Canadian will help you learn several phrases to use when talking about time! ... See MoreSee Less

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5 days ago
English At Large

Please note: our offices are closed today to allow our staff to enjoy some well-deserved PTO. We will be back in the office on Tuesday, May 30th. Have a great weekend! ... See MoreSee Less

Please note: our offices are closed today to allow our staff to enjoy some well-deserved PTO.  We will be back in the office on Tuesday, May 30th. Have a great weekend!
6 days ago
English At Large

English Learners! Why do English words have silent letters? Find out with today's lesson from MMMEnglish! ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago
English At Large

English Learners! We still have openings in several of our summer Conversation Groups, including those running at the Burlington Public Library and Billerica Public Library! Register today to claim your spot: www.englishatlarge.org/conversation-groups/ ... See MoreSee Less

English Learners! We still have openings in several of our summer Conversation Groups, including those running at the Burlington Public Library and Billerica Public Library! Register today to claim your spot: http://www.englishatlarge.org/conversation-groups/
1 week ago
English At Large

English Learners! A sure sign of spring is birdsong. We also have many American idioms about birds. We hope you take to today's list like a duck to water and feel as happy as a lark! ... See MoreSee Less

English Learners! A sure sign of spring is birdsong.  We also have many American idioms about birds. We hope you take to todays list like a duck to water and feel as happy as a lark!
1 week ago
English At Large

English Learners! Do you know how to use the words “thing” and “stuff” naturally in English? Today's video lesson from English with Emma can help! ... See MoreSee Less

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1 week ago
English At Large

English learners! We are back with our daily lessons on how YOU can improve your English! Today's video from Bob the Canadian gives you 5 challenges to "Spice Up" your English learning. Enjoy! www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN1CoE59Br0 ... See MoreSee Less

English learners! We are back with our daily lessons on how YOU can improve your English! Todays video from Bob the Canadian gives you 5 challenges to Spice Up your English learning.  Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN1CoE59Br0
2 weeks ago
English At Large

English Learners! Here is Part 2 of the video lesson that explains silent letters in English words from MMMEnglish! ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago
English At Large

Attention college students! We are still accepting applications for our Summer Internship Program! Interviews are taking place now, so apply today! www.englishatlarge.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EAL-Summer-2023-Internship-Job-Description.pdf ... See MoreSee Less

Attention college students! We are still accepting applications for our Summer Internship Program! Interviews are taking place now, so apply today! http://www.englishatlarge.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EAL-Summer-2023-Internship-Job-Description.pdf
4 weeks ago
English At Large

We are meeting some wonderful people at our Woburn Volunteer Fair! We are here until 7:30. Stop by and say hello! ... See MoreSee Less

We are meeting some wonderful people at our Woburn Volunteer Fair! We are here until 7:30. Stop by and say hello!Image attachment
4 weeks ago
English At Large

Join us tonight at our Volunteer Fair to learn more about how YOU can make a difference with English At Large! ... See MoreSee Less

Join us tonight at our Volunteer Fair to learn more about how YOU can make a difference with English At Large!
4 weeks ago
English At Large

We are expanding our team! Are you a highly-organized, detail-oriented professional, with strong administrative skills looking for a part-time position? Consider applying today! www.englishatlarge.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EAL-Job-Opportunity-Program-Assistant-2023.pdf ... See MoreSee Less

We are expanding our team! Are you a highly-organized, detail-oriented professional, with strong administrative skills looking for a part-time position? Consider applying today! http://www.englishatlarge.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EAL-Job-Opportunity-Program-Assistant-2023.pdf
1 month ago
English At Large

Have you ever thought about volunteering in your community? Stop by and see us at our Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, May 3rd! We are currently in need of volunteers in @WoWoburn, Massachusetts and surrounding communities. YOU can make a difference for a local English learner as a volunteer with English At Large! ... See MoreSee Less

Have you ever thought about volunteering in your community? Stop by and see us at our Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, May 3rd! We are currently in need of volunteers in @WoWoburn, Massachusetts and surrounding communities.  YOU can make a difference for a local English learner as a volunteer with English At Large!
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