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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English learners! Be safe and have fun this summer with these tips from the YMCA. Have a great weekend!
Conversation Starters - News you need to hear from English At Large! https://conta.cc/3ndrQK5
English learners! We use bags to hold many things. But what is a mixed bag? Find out in today's video from VOA English in a Minute! http://ow.ly/ZB0650JEH3a
English learners! This week's idioms will help you see the light!
English learners! Did you know that your local public library has tools and resources to help you gain new skills and improve your English? And even better - you can get a library card for FREE! Visit your local library to learn more!
English At Large offices are closed today in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Learn more about the importance of this day here: http://ow.ly/PbfN50Jzux4
English learners! Today's video lesson with Bob the Canadian will teach you 8 mean English phrases that you should never say - but that are important for you to learn! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itbFvLiqoVw
English learners! Today we are sharing a 15 minute morning pronunciation practice from Accent's Way English with Hadar. Regular practice will raise your skills and confidence! http://ow.ly/2e1I50JxuVJ
English learners! We will go out on a limb here and share these great plant idioms. Once you understand these common phrases everything will be coming up roses!
English learners! Today's video is Part 2 of the American vs. British vs. Canadian Accent Battle from English with Lucy. Don't forget to try the free quiz included in the comments! http://ow.ly/s6cM50Jweh1
English learners! Today we are re-sharing this fun video from English with Lucy that shows some differences between American, British and Canadian English. Enjoy! http://ow.ly/u8KP50JwcTC
English Learners! Can you name these 71 things in English? Try this Master Quiz from http://ow.ly/ehmy50JiNLJ.
http://ow.ly/BUaO50JiNLI
English learners: Have you visited one of our National Parks? Learn about the National Park Service in the U.S. in this video lesson by Voice of America!
http://ow.ly/E1YP50JgZVx
Conversation Starters: News you need to hear from English At Large! https://conta.cc/3m1n2ap
https://conta.cc/3NFXawv
English learners! It's time to chill out, let your hair down and indulge yourself? This week's idioms are all about relaxing!
English learners! Stressed? Burnt out? This video lesson from http://ow.ly/ophp50JfN1r (Australian English) features useful idioms to describe how you feel.
http://ow.ly/ly3X50JfN1s
English learners! Do you live in a house or an apartment? You will learn words to talk about where you live in this video from ESL Gold: http://ow.ly/6xNe50JfMCi
English learners! Today's video from Bob the Canadian has some great tips to help you to stop translating in your head! http://ow.ly/yx2Z50Jct0Q
Do you want to make a difference in your community? Do you have a passion to support our immigrant neighbors and friends? English At Large is now seeking community volunteers to join our Board of Directors! Learn more here: http://ow.ly/X9pW50JcanI
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English learners! Be safe and have fun this summer with these tips from the YMCA. Have a great weekend!
Conversation Starters - News you need to hear from English At Large! conta.cc/3n9Vlwr
Conversation Starters - News You Need to Hear from English At Large
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Celebrating our learners, volunteers and our community! Greetings! Happy Summer! Our staff and volunteers are happy and busy, working together to deliver in-person programs this summer in Acton, ArlinEnglish learners! We use bags to hold many things. But what is a mixed bag? Find out in today's video from VOA English in a Minute! ow.ly/Y8IX50JEH3b
English learners! Did you know that your local public library has tools and resources to help you gain new skills and improve your English? And even better - you can get a library card for FREE! Visit your local library to learn more!
English At Large offices are closed today in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Learn more about the importance of this day here: ow.ly/uuYb50Jzuxb
English learners! Today's video lesson with Bob the Canadian will teach you 8 mean English phrases that you should never say - but that are important for you to learn! www.youtube.com/watch?v=itbFvLiqoVw
English learners! Today we are sharing a 15 minute morning pronunciation practice from Accent's Way English with Hadar. Regular practice will raise your skills and confidence! ow.ly/g1SQ50JxuVK
Last Friday, we celebrated the achievements of 34 Adult Learners, who worked with their volunteer tutors virtually during COVID-19. Congratulations to our Tutoring Program Graduates! View pictures from the event as well as the tribute video here: www.englishatlarge.org/2022-learner-graduation-event/
English learners! We will go out on a limb here and share these great plant idioms. Once you understand these common phrases everything will be coming up roses!
We are proud and grateful to be a Community Endowment of Lexington grantee!Congratulations to our 2022 Grantees! Celebrating with them at the Lexington Community Center last night was wonderful. These nonprofits and town agencies will provide amazing programming to Lexington residents throughout the year. Thank you to them and all our board members: current, new and outgoing. For more info on CEL, including volunteer opportunities see www.foundationmw.org/give/town-funds/community-endowment-of-lexington/
English At Large is now accepting referrals for our Program for Afghan Learners (PAL). This 6-week, intensive Beginner English Program for Afghan Refugees is scheduled to start the week of July 11th.
Congratulations Sarah A.! We can't wait to try the new flavor!It's official, we have a winner! Thank you to everyone who participated in this contest, whether by submitting a creative flavor or voting.
The winner is.... Sarah A. from Acton! The winning flavor is called BLACK HOLE! Dark chocolate base, marshmallow swirl, caramel swirl, iridescent edible glitter. This flavor will be created at West Side Creamery and available for purchase soon - stay tuned for that announcement!
A portion of the proceeds will go directly to English At Large , a local non-profit organization that provides important free, accessible important resources to adult immigrants.
We can't wait to try it out!!
English learners! Today's video is Part 2 of the American vs. British vs. Canadian Accent Battle from English with Lucy. Don't forget to try the free quiz included in the comments! ow.ly/YbTp50Jweh0
English learners! Today we are re-sharing this fun video from English with Lucy that shows some differences between American, British and Canadian English. Enjoy! ow.ly/QKRk50JwcTE
English learners! We have openings in our Summer Book Group starting soon at the Andover Public Library! Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmqvL65FkkOaCotkxctryrWDVh6fYlON-q3C086K97YjBqKQ/viewform
Time to vote on your favorite flavor to support English At Large!Thank you to everyone who participated in our 3rd Annual Ice Cream Flavor Contest! We received over 50 flavor submissions with some VERY creative ideas and names that are truly out of this world. After an extensive internal voting process, we have narrowed it down to the final THREE flavors.
Now it's up to YOU to pick the winning flavor! Please vote for your top flavor choice below and spread the word! Final voting ends on TUESDAY, JUNE 7th at 5pm. One vote per person, please!
The winning flavor will be created at West Side Creamery and available for purchase for a limited time. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to English At Large , a local non-profit organization that provides free, accessible, high-quality services to adult immigrants across Greater Boston.
Vote here: forms.gle/pou3aVukYCDT5vwT6
English Learners! Can you name these 71 things in English? Try this Master Quiz from ow.ly/Yh9k50JiNLG.
ow.ly/73ut50JiNLH
English learners: Have you visited one of our National Parks? Learn about the National Park Service in the U.S. in this video lesson by Voice of America!
ow.ly/bNXW50JgZVw
Interesting! I want to discuss the volunteering opportunities that are available at your place. Can someone help me to connect with the Volunteer Manager/ Executive Director to discuss the same?
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