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
Conversation Starters: News You Need to Hear from English At Large! https://t.co/BoURTaQTiD
This is a great way to support our partner libraries!
Woburn Library on Twitter
“Like putting books in order? You might consider volunteering at the #woburnlibrary! We're looking for someone (you, maybe?) to help us shelve...
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Like putting books in order? You might consider volunteering at the #woburnlibrary! We're looking for someone (you, maybe?) to help us shelve at our temp. location on Monday mornings. Apply online: https://t.co/HnjWhBRCRt Please RT? Thx! @michaelmulrenan @SCIWoburn @BGCWoburn
TUNE IN! Bill Cummings will be featured this Friday, 10/12 at 7:30 PM by @WCVBon a @Chronicle5 segment about local people who are living their dreams.
Happy to offer this 8 week citizenship course a the Woburn Public Library with partners @EnglishAtLarge and #ymcainternationallearningcenter. If you know anybody who needs this course, please pass it along. RT? Thx! @SCIWoburn @WoburnSchools @WoburnWelcomes @CardoSoWhat
Monday is observed as a holiday in #Massachusetts. Because our library partners are closed, Monday EAL programs are cancelled as well. Have a great weekend!
Woburn Library on Twitter
“The library will be closed on Monday, 10/8, for Columbus Day.”
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The library will be closed on Monday, 10/8, for Columbus Day.
Bring your passion for education and supporting the potential of local immigrants to work! EAL is now hiring a Programs & Database Manager! https://t.co/tRhHut1Vqk
Conversation Starters: News You Need to Hear from English At Large! https://t.co/e85pETZ9Hb
Join us in Woburn to to meet the people making a difference in your community with English At Large! https://t.co/cIpH7s3x1a
Wednesdays 10:30a-12p @BurlPubLib & @EnglishAtLarge offer #FREE conversation groups practice speaking #English https://t.co/Bgm2xED6OI conversation-groups or 781-395-2374
Over half of the seats at the dinner table are gone, so get 'em while you can. #WoburnUnites #woburnlibrary #WelcomeToWoburn #YMCAInternationalLearningCenterWoburn @SCIWoburn @EnglishAtLarge Register: @cummingsdotcom @WoburnSchools @michaelmulrenan PLS RT
#WoburnUnites Through Cultural Connections Dinner
Location: United Methodist Church | 523 Main St., Woburn, MA Hi! You have reached the LONGTIME RESIDENT REGISTRATION PAGE.The goal of #WoburnUni
bit.ly
EAL to host Fall Community Gathering in Woburn https://t.co/qz1ZbyRCTc
Thank you to @BosBizJournal for shining a spotlight on corporate philanthropy in MA as a means to encourage even more charitable giving. https://t.co/8ZE8hAO888
We still have seats available for our Fall Conversation Groups. Register today! https://t.co/YyHjnTcBFA
Newest #WoburnUnites event! Less than 50 seats available! #woburnlibrary @DTCnow @YMCA_Boston @richhaggerty @SCIWoburn @WoburnBA @WBUR @WoburnSchools @WoburnWelcomes @woburnhistory @winpublib @RobbinsLib @carymemlibrary @FriendsofWPL @michaelmulrenan https://t.co/LbmwMQ2XMU
It’s Primary Day! Your vote is your voice in our democratic system of government. Check with your local clerk’s office for polling locations.
Our offices are closed today!
Register today to secure your spot in one of our Fall Conversation Groups!
https://t.co/d51ToEIEQI
Conversation Starters: News You Need to Hear from English At Large! https://t.co/XGWABE21oM
Want to actively support the continued growth and success of immigrants in your community? Share your passion, leadership and experience with EAL. We are recruiting volunteers and interns. Work with us! https://t.co/ET44aqjOs5
Registration for our Fall Conversation Groups is now open! Learn more about this program for #English language learners and enroll in a group here: https://t.co/turxr5sBvJ
Join us on Facebook
Today we observe #ColumbusDay or #indigenouspeoplesday as a holiday. Our partner libraries are closed, and our Monday programs are cancelled for this week. Enjoy the day!
These classes are free and you do not need to live in Woburn to attend. Register today to enroll.
So many of our learners can relate to this! www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMZsDaTxaKoRicky learns that "ough" in English can be rough, tough and he's had enough. Sorry about the sound. 🙁
Our Lexington Conversation Group learners recently enjoyed a demonstration of the scanner-translator at Cary Memorial Library as part of a Scavenger Hunt activity. Libraries across our service area host EAL Programs and offer great resources for English-language learners! www.facebook.com/pg/EnglishAtLarge/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10155657210627470&__xts__%5B0%5D=68...
These classes are free, but you must register to reserve your seat. You do not need to live in Woburn to participate!Do you know anyone interested in taking a citizenship class? Several organizations in Woburn are working together to offer free citizenship classes on Saturday mornings at the Woburn Public Library starting late October. We need at least 10 people who are interested. Please message us or call 781.935.6499 if you are interested. Please share this post!
Big thanks to Michael Wick at the Burlington Public Library for signing on as an EAL Community Ambassador! Are you engaged and knowledgeable about happenings in your community? Volunteer just a few hours a month to keep us connected! Full job description here:
www.englishatlarge.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/EAL-Town-Ambassador-Job-Descripton.pdf
It's here! This awesome banner will help us promote our programs and engage our community in service. Big thanks to Laura Hall, our summer intern who designed this banner for us!
Looks great, so glad I got to work on this!
Way to go, Laura!!!! Congrats!!!! Awesome job!!!!! xoxoxo
We are so excited to welcome our 2018-2019 NAIP AmeriCorps Member Na'tisha Mills to English At Large! Na'tisha will be facilitating the Career Access Lab Program during her year of service. Meet Na'tisha: www.englishatlarge.org/staff/
We had a very busy summer for library card signups. Can we top it this September?? I THINK WE CAN. #woburnlibrary #LibraryCardSignUp
Registration for our Fall Conversation Groups closes this Friday, September 14th! We still have seats available in groups running in several different communities - Register today to claim your spot! www.englishatlarge.org/conversation-groups/
conversation groups | English At Large
englishatlarge.org
We still have a few spots left in our Fall Conversation Groups. Groups begin in the next 2 weeks - register today and let the learning begin! www.englishatlarge.org/conversation-groups/
Our thanks to the Temple Isaiah - Lexington, MA Sisterhood for supporting important local programs that invest in the potential of immigrants in Lexington and surrounding communities. The Sisterhood supports English At Large through financial and in-kind donations as well as through volunteer service - a true partner in our work!
Our offices are closed today in observance of this holiday established to honor the American worker.
An amazing opportunity for someone to work with us!Give back to your immigrant and refugee community through service at one of our host site partners in Woburn, MA! Applications are still open for full-time positions at English At Large and YMCA International Learning Center - Woburn, among others. Apply today to join the 2018-2019 NAIP cohort: miracoalition.org/apply-to-naip-americorps
Our Fall Conversation Groups are filling up fast! Register today to secure your spot in a group starting in September. www.englishatlarge.org/conversation-groups/
We were so fortunate to have the talents of two college interns this summer, who helped us catch up on administrative tasks, completed some marketing projects and led a summer book group and a conversation group. Thank you, Laura and Laura, for your great work and community spirit. We will miss you!
Bring your passion and experience to the table to support local programs for immigrants in your community! EAL is now recruiting volunteers to serve in a variety of roles to help lead and sustain our future growth! www.englishatlarge.org/work-with-us/
Our Conversation Groups serve local immigrants who want to learn more about U.S. culture and meet other English language learners! Registration for our Fall Groups is now open! www.englishatlarge.org/conversation-groups/
conversation groups | English At Large
englishatlarge.org
Looking for hands-on, substantive work experience and a chance to make a difference? We still have slots available for NAIP 2018-19. Teach English, help immigrants adapt to life in the U.S., help aspiring citizens apply... Learn more & apply today! bit.ly/apply-naip.
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