Our Approach
English At Large programs provide a ladder of support to meet the needs of local English language learners, to provide an accessible pathway to knowledge and understanding that helps them achieve their potential and engage fully in life in the United States.
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 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 cultural 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 have full access to the English At Large resource library, as well as the free professional development workshops offered through EAL and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Learner Success
By improving their knowledge of English and U.S. Culture, English At Large learners have been able 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
We thank our sponsors
Follow us on Twitter
#Thankyou to our state reps who answered the call to support Amendment #1254 for EAL! Thank you @richhaggerty @mciccolo @seangarballeyMA @RepKenGordon @Rep_Robertson @RepBradJones @mikeday4rep @TamiGouveiaMA @RepStanley for your actions to protect local services!
Excited and grateful to receive a #SustainingGrant from the @cummingsdotcom Foundation! Thank you for being a partner in helping local #immigrants reach their full potential and achieve their life goals!
Help protect life-changing services for local immigrants! Call your state rep to support Amendment #1254 for English At Large! Call script and rep contact list here: https://t.co/ZWp4088cf4
EAL Conversation Group facilitators lead groups for intermediate speakers, helping them build confidence and understanding. #Thankyou for creating safe spaces for learners to practice their English, build networks, and learn more about life in the U.S. #volunteerweek
We have to #thank the hundreds of local #volunteers who serve with #community #nonprofits that provide critical funding to support our programs! #Thankyou for inspiring the #philanthropy that makes our work possible! @TheZakimFund @cccchest @abunitedway @FFMW #volunteerweek
EAL Volunteer tutors serve 150 learners each year and provide more than 4,000 hours of service. #Thankyou for empowering your learners to achieve their life goals! #volunteerweek #makeadifference #learningbuildscommunity #lifechanging
Happy National Volunteer Week! https://t.co/woCVyzaP7h
Our Career Access Lab Program supports highly-skilled immigrants in their job search. #Thankyou CAL volunteers, for helping our learners reach their career goals! #volunteerweek #makeadifference #sharingskills
Our volunteer interns help us plan and run programs and training events and work on special projects. #Thankyou for helping us promote our services and to engage others in our work! #community #interns #volunteerweek
Our volunteer board helps guide our mission and works to raise funds to support our services. #Thankyou for your leadership and service! #volunteerweek #makeadifference
Did you know that students at #Tufts University volunteer with English At Large as teachers in our Beginner English Program? Thank you for helping local immigrants learn the words they need in daily life! #volunteerweek #learningbuildscommunity
Conversation Starters: News You Need to Hear from English At Large! https://t.co/Hud0gTjSDY
Got book groups?
Today’s mock interview event was a great success! Thank you #volunteers for helping our learners build confidence and enter the US workforce
Time is Running Out! You Have Just Hours Left to Bid High for Community Services https://t.co/0uS7E4ZbPd
We are heading into the final stretch of our online auction! You have just 24 hours left to make your winning bid and support local services! https://t.co/DUiIq3QVas
A notice to our volunteers and learners: many of our partner libraries are closing tomorrow due to the #winterstorm. Please check before traveling to attend programs. #BeSafe
"This banquet of writing is a triumphant celebration of American multiplicity." Pick up #TheGoodImmigrant for 26 unique and powerful perspectives on the immigrant experience: @washingtonpost #ReadAcrossAmericaDay
Pay tribute to those who serve and support local immigrants! This #StandsWithImmigrants print celebrates @EvaMillona @MIRACoalition and @TheZakimFund Your #HighBid supports local services! https://t.co/aEBq53bGRV
Our Auction closes in less than 24 hours! Did you set your max bids? Make sure you don't get outbid on your must-have items! #BidNow #BidHigh https://t.co/CWCN64Fj2j
Join us on Facebook
More pictures from our successful CAL Networking event! Big thanks to our wonderful volunteers and to Waltham Public Library for supporting these learners as they enter the US workforce!
Happening now: Career Access Lab (CAL) learners are practicing their elevator pitches at our annual networking event!
Thank you Reps Rich Haggerty Michelle Ciccolo Sean Garballey Ken Gordon Brad Jones Tami Gouveia, State Representative-Elect, 14th Middlesex State Representative Michael Day and Reps. David Robertson, and Thomas Stanley for supporting Amendment #1254 for English At Large!
So so excited, proud and grateful to receive a #SustainingGrant from the Cummings Foundation! For us, this truly is a sustaining gift - one that will ensure that EAL services remain available in local communities to those who need them most! Thank you Cummings Foundation for keeping the good going!!
Congratulations! Wonderful to see you all recognized for the special work you do!!
We're so appreciative of your work -- congrats!
Wonderful news!
Congratulations!
Our New American Integration Program AmeriCorps Member also serves at local citizenship clinics throughout the year! Thank you Na'tisha for your service! Thank you Project Citizenship for addressing this important need in our community!
Attention English At Large Supporters: Take Action Now to Protect Life Changing Services in Your Community!
Call Your State Representative Now to Support Amendment #1254 to support English At Large! Call script and state rep contact information can be found here:
www.englishatlarge.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/EAL-Call-To-Action-April-2019.pdf
EAL Conversation Group facilitators lead groups for intermediate speakers, helping them build confidence and understanding. #Thankyou for creating safe spaces for learners to practice their English, build networks, and learn more about life in the U.S. #volunteerweek
We have to #thank the hundreds of local #volunteers who serve with #community #nonprofits that provide critical funding to support our programs! #Thankyou for inspiring the #philanthropy that makes our work possible! The Lenny Zakim Fund CC Community Chest AB United Way Foundation MetroWest #volunteerweek
The Ymca International Leaning Center and the Woburn Public Library are teaming up to offer free Citizenship Classes! For more information or to register email woburn@ymcaboston.orgThe YMCA ILC and the Woburn Public Library are joining together to present Free Citizenship Classes starting Saturday, April 27 at the Woburn Public Library! To register or for more information call 781.935.6499 or email international-woburn@ymcaboston.org
EAL Volunteer tutors serve 150 learners each year and provide more than 4,000 hours of service. #Thankyou for empowering your learners to achieve their life goals! #volunteerweek #makeadifference #learningbuildscommunity #lifechanging
Our Career Access Lab Program supports highly-skilled immigrants in their job search. #Thankyou CAL volunteers, for helping our learners reach their career goals! #volunteerweek #makeadifference #sharingskills
Our volunteer interns help us plan and run programs and training events and work on special projects. #Thankyou for helping us promote our services and to engage others in our work! #community #interns #volunteerweek
Our volunteer board helps guide our mission and works to raise funds to support our services. #Thankyou for your leadership and service! #volunteerweek #makeadifference
Did you know that students at Tufts University volunteer with English At Large as teachers in our Beginner English Program? Thank you for helping local immigrants learn the words they need in daily life! #volunteerweek #learningbuildscommunity
Ready to make a difference for local immigrants as they launch their career? Join us at our upcoming networking event and meet our CAL learners!
We were treated today to a tour of the brand new Woburn Public Library! Volunteers and Learners take note- This beautiful building offers great space for tutoring sessions and small group meetings, as well as books, laptops and more! The staff are friendly and accessible, so be sure to check out this amazing community resource.
Happening now: Career Access Lab Mock Interview event. Many thanks to our volunteers! Your feedback and support helps our learners build confidence and secure their dream job in the US!
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