 English Language Learning
The English Language
Learning (ELL) program
at Early Childhood Resource and Training Center offers instruction
in English reading, writing, listening and speaking as
well as basic computer skills to ELL adults who are
childcare providers or who are interested in becoming childcare providers. ELL
courses are offered at beginning and intermediate levels. Class sizes
are small and instruction is tailored to fit specific needs of
learners. For a current schedule or other information on the ELL
program, contact:
Fatima at (612) 721-0112 x 110
Our Courses
ELL courses are offered at two
levels: beginning and intermediate. Learners are given an hour long placement test to determine their
level. All courses are sensitive to different learning styles
and linguistic and cultural differences. All courses are geared toward
adults who will be working with children.
The
Beginning level course is intended for learners
who do not know how to read or write in English or their
native language, and/or have little or no knowledge of spoken
English. Participants in this course will learn the alphabet, numbers,
basic vocabulary and sentence structures and basic
communication strategies. Lessons follow themes such as families, neighborhoods, shopping and emergencies.
The Intermediate level
course is intended for learners who have taken beginning English or who
have a basic command of the language. Participants in this course will
gain skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing at
an intermediate level using different tenses and learning
irregular verbs. Lessons follow themes such as finding a job, renting an apartment and
working in a child care center.
The ELL program also offers a
basic computer skills
course intended for learners who have little or no
knowledge of computers. This course focuses on opening and closing
programs, word processing and the internet. Learners at all levels
of English proficiency are welcome to attend this course.
Program Background
ECRTC's English Language
Learning program provided approximately 1300 hours of instruction to a
total of 66 learners from June 2003 to June 2004.
Instruction was provided by three staff members, one intern and
two community volunteers. ECRTC is a Minnesota Literacy Council
associate program.
Our Success Stories
ELL participant Fathia has been with the program since June of
2003. She is from Keren, Eritrea, and came to the United States in
2001. In addition to the English she is learning, Fathia speaks
Arabic, Tigrinya and Bilen. In the past year her English has
improved by two student performance levels. Fathia is working
towards the goal of improving her English in order to attend the
Impact Entry Level course at ECRTC and obtain employment.
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