The Benefits of Book Clubs for Adult ESL Learners

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Being able to read is fundamental when it comes to learning a new language, and being a part of a book club is a great way for ESL students to be exposed to new words and concepts. A book club offers adult ESL learners a variety of benefits, including the following:

Expansion of Vocabulary

With every book a student reads, they are introduced to new or unfamiliar words. While participating in a book club, they will be able to ask the instructor what each of these new words means and learn how they are used in context. When they read out loud, they will also be able to learn how the word is pronounced. The more words a person is exposed to, the more they will expand their vocabulary.

Improved Comprehension

There are words in the English language that have multiple meanings or sound similar to other words with different meanings. A book club can help students recognize what those words look like in print. After they have learned the definition of a word, by seeing that word used in a book, they’ll have a better understanding of how words are used to create meaning.

Improved Writing Skills

The more a student reads, the more they are exposed to how sentences are constructed, which can help them when it comes to their own writing. This is a skill that is used in many different areas of life, including the work place.

Improved Oral Skills

Not only can a book club help students learn how to pronounce words, but as they discuss the meaning of the story, this allows them how to formulate questions and express opinions about the work. They also learn how to listen to and appreciate others’ opinions while engaging in discussions.

Improved Reading Fluency

As students read more, their reading fluency will improve. This opens up exposure to more words and ideas, which can increase the rate in which they learn English.

Not Your Traditional Book Club

When it comes to book clubs for ESL learners, they aren’t structured like a typical book club. The students will all read the same book, but more often than not, they aren’t taking the book home and reading it on their own. They meet with an instructor at set times during the week and read the book together.

The purpose of this is to ensure that students not only hear the correct pronunciation of words and have unfamiliar words defined for them, but the meetings also help students understand what’s going on in the story and learn about the intricacies of the English language.

Reading is a fundamental part of any language, and book clubs create an environment that is inclusive and open for students to express themselves and learn the basics. These skills can then be taken into other areas of life, including the work place.

Not only will reading help when it comes to safety signs or understanding the employee manual or other documentation, but students will also gain experience in expressing ideas and opinions, which can be beneficial when interacting with coworkers or supervisors.

Book clubs don’t necessarily feel like a traditional class, which can be incredibly important when it comes to learning English. Sometimes, things need to feel “fun” for a person to truly comprehend the lesson. By participating in a book club, students are exposed to the world in words, and this can help them learn a new language and express themselves in every aspect of life.

Taste of Columbus Funds Update Technology for the PVLA

One of the reasons why we were so excited to get Taste of Columbus money was to be able to use the funds to update the technology here at the PVLA.

Now, don’t get us wrong: we have some great technology in our classrooms. When CCC remodeled the space, they made sure we had top-of-the-line screens and desktops so that educational information could be displayed to students.

And those systems are amazing!

 However, we also needed some technology that was a bit more personal. In particular, laptops.

The laptops that the PVLA had were acquired several years ago using grant funds. They had been refurbished and were mainly used to keep students connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. While they served their purpose at the time, they were starting to show their age.

In fact, several of them had to be recycled because they died and couldn’t be brought back to life.

In addition, some of the sites and apps that we access on laptops have also been updated, and the old computers didn’t have what was needed to keep up with the changes.

Students Get the Most Out of Technology

With Taste of Columbus funds, the PVLA was able top purchase six new laptops for students—and they are fancy! They will allow students to access everything they need to be successful in their education.

These computers can be used by any and all students who come into our space. They can’t be checked out, but they can be used on-site. Whether an individual needs to study for the citizenship test, wants to get some extra ESL practice by watching videos or playing games, or needs to take a test, these new laptops can do it all.

These computers can (and more than likely will) be used when it comes to one-on-one employability skills. Students will have the opportunity to get online to search and apply for jobs that will support them and their families.

One of our new laptops is currently being used in the Conversational Spanish class to enhance lessons.

Technological Success

Here at the PVLA, we are proud and excited to be able to offer our students up-to-date technology to aid in their learning. Our classrooms may have some great technology, but being able to supplement that with laptops that offer a more personal experience can’t be beat.

We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the funds from Taste of Columbus, and we’re so honored and proud to know that the people of Columbus supported us in our endeavors. You’ve made a difference in students’ lives, and we can’t thank you enough.

CCC ESL Instructor Position in Schuyler

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You may have seen that CCC Adult Education is currently looking for an ESL instructor in Schuyler. If you haven’t, here’s the post:

Bachelor’s degree required with at least 1 year of related experience preferred.

Individual must possess a working knowledge of reading, writing, and English grammar at the high school level. Previous teaching experience preferred but not required. Must be able to work as a team, have good interpersonal skills, and be computer literate. Individual must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills and a genuine interest in adult learners.

Individual will be responsible for planning, organizing, and instructing English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to adults 16 and older.

Classes will develop English language skills through Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

Classes are held Monday and Wednesdays from 10:00am – 1:15pm and/or 4:30-7:45pm Schuyler.

You can apply on Indeed.

Things to Keep in Mind About This Position

You aren’t required to work both shifts on Monday and Wednesday. If the morning shift works for your schedule, then apply and make that clear in your application.

*UPDATE: An instructor has been hired for the evening shift, but CCC is still looking for a morning instructor.  

Should the evening classes work better than the morning classes, then apply and specify that you only want to work in the evenings.

This isn’t a full-time position, but it still comes with some perks. If you’re looking for a few extra hours and want to do something that will change people’s lives, then this might be the perfect job for you.

You don’t need to be bilingual to teach.

While you have to put together lessons and plan your classes, you don’t have to develop curriculum. CCC supplies that in the form of Burlington English, along with training on how to use this resource.

The Benefits of Being an ESL Instructor

Teaching ESL can be incredibly satisfying. There’s nothing better than watching your students learn new concepts. Some of the other reasons to consider this position include the following:

Develop a Relationship with Students

If you like people, then becoming an ESL instructor will help you meet and connect with a variety of people from places around the world. You’ll be able to develop relationships and learn about different cultures. You’ll develop a bond and watch your students grow, which is absolutely amazing.

Impact People’s Lives

Learning English is a skill that will take individuals to new levels in their life. Whether they are applying for jobs or want to explore higher education, knowing English is imperative—and you can help them in that journey. You can literally change people’s lives by providing the language foundation that they need to grab their piece of the American pie.

Earn Some Extra Money

Whether you need a few extra dollars to make ends meet or you just want a little extra spending cash, you can earn that by teaching ESL classes in Schuyler. It doesn’t matter if you only teach in the mornings, the evenings, or both, you’ll get between 7.5 to 20 hours of work each week, and with a starting salary of $20/hour, that can start to add up quickly.

An Experience Unlike Any Other

While the job description says that CCC is looking for individuals who have some teaching experience, they are also willing to work with anyone who has a passion for helping others. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, send your application in today. Not only can you change students’ lives for the better, but yours will be impacted as well.

The Road to Success is Paved with Snacks

Adults come to the PVLA to learn English as a second language, to become U.S. citizens, to obtain their GED, or to get one-on-one skills training to find a better job.

The majority of our students have families to care for, as well as work full-time jobs. Many either attend class and then go directly to their job or come directly from work to class.

When a person is hungry, this increases fatigue and irritation. Hunger also has an impact on the amount of information the brain can retain. Fueling the brain and body is essential, which is why having snacks available for our students is incredibly important.

You can help an adult student achieve success by becoming a Snack Sponsor. Whether you want to donate money or products, you can make a student’s day brighter and better, and you can ensure they stay strong while studying.

As a Snack Sponsor, you will receive recognition in the Snack Corner with a sign announcing your generous donation. If you have flyers or business cards you want to share, we will display those as well. We will also post your name on our Facebook page and forever be grateful for your support.

Sponsorships are for one month at a time, with a minimum donation of $260, and will provide our students with chips, granola bars, water, Gatorade, and any other treat the budget will allow for. While donating the entire amount is always appreciated, it’s not necessary. Any amount you can give is beneficial.

The path to success starts with snacks—and knowledge. Help an adult learner achieve their dreams by becoming a Snack Sponsor today! 

You have the option of making your payment online or sending a check or money order to:

Platte Valley Literacy Association
3020 18th St, Box 3
Columbus, NE 68601

If you prefer to donate products but don’t know what to get, you can check out PVLA’s Spark Good Registry on Walmart.com. Pick some items from the list, pay for them, and they will be shipped directly to us. After making your purchase, make sure to send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com so that we can give you the recognition you deserve.