Getting Started with abc English

Overview

Literacy Instruction

Language Instruction

Sample Lesson Outline & Use Cases

More Resources & Learning

Language Instruction

• The best way to develop vocabulary and language patterns is to practice within authentic, relevant contexts. For example, some common topics for language development that are relevant to adult or adolescent language learners include family, school, health, food, money, daily activities, shopping, clothing, community, transportation, and employment.
• In general, plan to spend a shorter chunk of time each day teaching Systematic Phonics, and a larger chunk of time teaching topic-based Language Development. In other words, a basic formula for a 2-hour class is:
  • 30 minutes of Literacy Instruction (using Systematic Phonics lessons) plus
  • 90 minutes of Language Instruction (using topic-based Language Development resources)
• For students at the Low-Beginning speaking level, some topic-based Language Development resources in the abc English Online Library include: 
  • Easy English Patterns
  • Vocabulary
  • Easy English Grammar
  • Reading Skills Stories
• For students at the High-Beginning speaking level, see the High-Beginning sections in: 
  • Reading Skills Stories
  • Easy English Grammar 
• The abc English resources can also be used as a supplement to another core language curriculum. This is especially recommended for Intermediate learners and beyond. You can read about some other core language curricula here.
• Finally, the abc English collection includes a few extra categories of resources for specific purposes: 
  • Preparing for the US Citizenship Test
  • Home Language Literacy
  • English for Work
• abc English is a growing collection of resources. You can expect to see new Language Development resources added over time. 
• Continue reading to see examples of how to fit the Literacy and Language resources together into a lesson routine that works for your unique students and program. 

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