ESL: The English Learner Movie Guides

http://www.eslnotes.com/ The English Learner Movie GuidesEach individual guide is a detailed synopsis of a popular movie that consists of the following
:a summary of the plot
a list of the major characters
an extensive glossary of vocabulary and various cultural references that even advanced ESL learners would often not understand
questions for ESL class discussion

I really like this site, and it can have a lot of uses in a variety of ESL classes and especially for tutors. Movies range from the classics: Wizard of Oz, To Kill a Mockingbird etc. to more contemporary flicks such as When Harry Met Sally or Legally Blonde. The plot summaries are great, but one of the best aspects is the glossary and cultural reference sections. I can see students and tutors studying the plot, vocabulary and other references, and then watching the movie together. What about using It's a Wonderful Life before the holidays? A wonderful tool for speaking and listening activities. Lots of possibilities here.

ABE/GED, ESL: Ways to get Started Writing

http://www.litwomen.org/perspectives/2007/prompts_wp2.doc Women's Perspective

This is a lesson plan to get students started with writing. There are pre-writing exercises, and writing prompts.

Fun and Interesting Websites

I probably should have come up with this during the summer, but here is a Filamentality Hotlist of fun and interesting websites: http://tinyurl.com/yrdv77

This has sites for travel (getting refunds on airline tickets, or Europe on the cheap), shopping (bargains and coupons), tech tools (need a fix?), entertainment (what's a good TV program?) recipes (want to know a secret recipe?) and other things that make the Internet so much fun to have around. Just click on the underlined name of the Website and your browser will take you to that site. If I find more I'll add to it, but it isn't all about academia...sometimes you just need some entertainment. Of course, Websites come and go, but these are all 'hot' today.

Podomatic: World News for ESL Learners

http://esl.podomatic.com/ World News for ESL Learners

World News in Slow and Clear EnglishFor English as a Second Language (ESL) listeners.
The English is spoken very clearly at about 80% the speed of regular news announcers.

Contact InfopodMail: esl@podomatic.comCan also be used to find and create podcasts. Excellent for early listening levels.