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
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English learners! As you learn English, have you ever wondered why it is hard to understand native English speakers, but you have very little trouble understanding English teachers like Bob the Canadian? In this video, Bob has tips that can help! http://ow.ly/vh4R50GqYVl
English learners! Today's video will help you understand passive and active voice in English! http://ow.ly/K0Jd50GqYue
English learners! Are you a people person? Or an early bird? Do you know someone who is larger than life or the life of the party? This week's idioms describe people and personalities! Which one describes you?
English Learners! Sharpen your GRAMMAR skills with a short daily video from the ELLLO website. You can choose a video based on your English level! http://ow.ly/XLwo50GpsPy
English learners! Do you have a child receiving special education in the public schools? We have a program that can help you understand your role and support your child's success. @WoburnSchools @WalthamSchools @ABschools @BurlingtonMASchools
English learners! Today hundreds of runners are participating in the Boston Marathon. In today's video from the BBC you will learn how these athletes train to finish the race: One step at a time! http://ow.ly/ajd650Gpsx5
English learners! On Monday, many communities will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, which honors the cultures and histories of the Native American people. Learn more here:
Indigenous Peoples' Day — October 11, 2021
Native American people are honored and celebrated on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
ow.ly
English learners! Today's video from Accurate English will teach you 20 common English expressions through a conversation with real people!
20 Common English Expressions with a Native Speaker
Learn 20 English Expressions with a native speaker - Conversations with real peopleNorth Lake Tahoe Boat Rental: <a ...
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English learners! Now enrolling: Caregiver English! https://conta.cc/3lgDns2
English learners! What does it mean to weather a storm? Have you ever rained on someone's parade? Do you feel under the weather today? Learn 10 common weather expressions in this short video from English with Emma: http://ow.ly/DTtU50Gmgua
English learners! Do you want to speak more clearly and improve your English pronunciation? This short video from MMMEnglish has great advice and a worksheet you can use to get started! http://ow.ly/KLow50GlnXm
English learners! What does it mean to have a "gut feeling" about something? Does it make your stomach ache? Find out by watching this video from VOA's English in a Minute! http://ow.ly/1ex250Glnvg
English learners! Now that the weather is cooler, you may be thinking about doing some baking. In today's video, Let's Learn English Baking Cookies with Bob the Canadian! http://ow.ly/5XDt50GkhCl
Purchase a reusable bag at @StopandShop Woburn during the month of October to support local programs delivered by English At Large!
English learners! Have you ever gotten a wake-up call? This expression can be used in many situations. Find out more about this expression in this short video from English in a Minute. http://ow.ly/LsAX50GiQ6e
English learners! Today we are sharing a video lesson from Bob the Canadian featuring idioms and tiny things! http://ow.ly/ML9q50GiPGv
English learners! Today's video from Voice of America English at the Movies will help you learn a new expression used in the latest Marvel Movie! http://ow.ly/1pQI50Ghguc
English learners! Are you interested in learning some American slang? Today's video from FluentU will help you learn 23 American English slang words that we use all the time in the United States!
http://ow.ly/jeJm50Ghg5o
English learners! What are you doing this weekend? Fall is farm season in Massachusetts! Here is a list of family friendly farms that you may want to visit: https://bostonkidfriendly.com/farms-petting-zoos-near-boston/
English learners! Do you struggle to understand fast-talking English speakers? This video from MMMEnglish can help! Watch to the end and take the quiz, and download the pdf in the comments for more practice! http://ow.ly/jOZS50GdSqz
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English learners! As you learn English, have you ever wondered why it is hard to understand native English speakers, but you have very little trouble understanding English teachers like Bob the Canadian? In this video, Bob has tips that can help! ow.ly/pnK250GqYVk
Shopping for your watch parties? Stop and Shop in Woburn has everything you need! And when you purchase these bags, you support English At Large! Go Sox! Go Pats!
English learners! Today's video will help you understand passive and active voice in English! ow.ly/CuWZ50GqYud
English learners! Are you a people person? Or an early bird? Do you know someone who is larger than life or the life of the party? This week's idioms describe people and personalities! Which one describes you?
English Learners! Sharpen your GRAMMAR skills with a short daily video from the ELLLO website. You can choose a video based on your English level! ow.ly/FohW50GpsPx
The Stop and Shop Community Bag Program continues throughout the month of October!
English learners! Today hundreds of runners are participating in the Boston Marathon. In today's video from the BBC you will learn how these athletes train to finish the race: One step at a time! ow.ly/ObO650Gpsx4
We are proud to partner with this outstanding organization in support of our immigrant neighbors and friends! The Lenny Zakim Fund
English learners! On Monday, many communities will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, which honors the cultures and histories of the Native American people. Learn more here: ow.ly/BYZj50GndcW
Indigenous Peoples' Day — October 11, 2021
ow.ly
Native American people are honored and celebrated on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.A reminder that you can make a difference, help save the planet and support EAL - all with your purchase of this bag at the Woburn Stop and Shop!
English learners! Today's video from Accurate English will teach you 20 common English expressions through a conversation with real people! ow.ly/5f2e50GncGB
English Learners! Is your child receiving special education services through the public schools? Are you feeling anxious or confused about the process, or how you can support your child's success? Our Caregiver English Program can help!
English learners! What does it mean to weather a storm? Have you ever rained on someone's parade? Do you feel under the weather today? Learn 10 common weather expressions in this short video from English with Emma: ow.ly/cBlU50Gmgu9
Running to the Woburn Stop and Shop on your way home? Don't forget to pick up a new shopping bag to support EAL!
English learners! Do you want to speak more clearly and improve your English pronunciation? This short video from MMMEnglish has great advice and a worksheet you can use to get started! ow.ly/KBsW50GlnXn
English learners! What does it mean to have a "gut feeling" about something? Does it make your stomach ache? Find out by watching this video from VOA's English in a Minute! ow.ly/VVb350Glnvf
Purchase a bag at the Woburn Stop and Shop and support English At Large!Shopping at the Stop and Shop in Woburn? Purchase a reusable bag and support English At Large!
English learners! Now that the weather is cooler, you may be thinking about doing some baking. In today's video, Let's Learn English Baking Cookies with Bob the Canadian! ow.ly/sGoQ50GkhCm
Shopping at the Stop and Shop in Woburn? Purchase a reusable bag and support English At Large!
English learners! Have you ever gotten a wake-up call? This expression can be used in many situations. Find out more about this expression in this short video from English in a Minute. ow.ly/P3XY50GiQ6d
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