Other Resources

Crossroads Café. Video series. This video series of 26 episodes -- produced by INTELCOM in collaboration with Heinle & Heinle publishers and several states -- is supported by integrated print materials at several levels and a "wraparound version" for adult English language learners at lower proficiency levels. Without the wraparound video, the videos and materials are most appropriate for intermediate levels. Many public libraries own sets of the series, so adults can learn with the materials at home. http://www.intelecom.org

Hands-on English. Published six times a year, this publication provides classroom activities (often reproducible) for teacher and tutors of adult ESL. Available from Hands-On English, PO Box 256, Crete, NE 68333 or contact http://www.handsonenglish.com.

The New Americans. Video Miniseries. These videos were produced by ITVS. Also available is a series guide and activity book for use with adult learners. This series describes the lives of immigrants and refugees by following them from their native countries and refugee camps (Nigeria, the West Bank, and the Dominican Republic) to their new lives in the United States. http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/newamericans/

On Common Ground. This 15-episode video series by INTELECOM (1999) aims to engage learners' interest in a variety of civics-oriented themes such as the separation of powers, freedom of speech, and equality. Each half- hour drama deals with one such theme and is followed by a short historical documentary. Because of the level of language used and the depth of cultural knowledge required, the videos are suitable for high- intermediate or advanced learners only. Workbooks are available for classroom work. http://www.intelecom.org

ESOL Starter Kit. The online version of this kit, produced by the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center, provides an overview of the information most often needed for those beginning to teach adult ESL. Sections provide information on such topics as intake, adult ESL resources, adult learning principles, second language teaching, the four language modes, and curriculum development. Links to online resources and sample lesson plans for reading, writing, listening, and speaking are included. http://www.aelweb.vcu.edu/publications/

Verizon Literacy Campus offers free, short, self-paced online courses on adult literacy and family literacy. Click on online courses. http://www.literacycampus.org/