California Distance Learning Project (CDLP)

http://www.cdlponline.org California Distance Learning Project

This free site offers great listening to stories coming from the news, for Adult Basic Education and Intermediate to Advanced ESL learners. Some stories also have a video component. Possible life skills topics include: working, law and government, family, school, health and safety, housing, money, science and technology, services, going places and nature. Some are generic while others have some relevance to California, namely Sacramento County.

In addition to just listening to the story, read at a moderate speed by a native speaker, learners can go over hearing key vocabulary words, mastering their spelling and then utilizing hasic comprehension in a multiple choice format. Some lessons also have a matching game, a what did you learn activity, a writing activity and additional links to other Web sites.

(originally reviewed on the AELC Instructor Blog (http://wccniuesl.blogspot.com) in 2005, this current review is by AELC instructor Robin Bosworth)

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.

Practical Money Skills for Life: Banking Skills

http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/resources/tutor/statements/

Does your student need practical skills for banking? This site has a lot of useful information, and can help a student understand the terms and skills needed for banking. There are also several games that students can play to learn the necessary skills.