New Grant from Tyson Foods Expands PVLA Class Offerings

The PVLA is super thrilled to announce that we have received a $4,000 grant from Tyson Foods, which will be used to offer an Introductory ESL class to students.

What Are Introductory ESL Classes?

Introductory ESL classes give adult students the foundation they need to learn the English language. Once they have the basics, they can then move onto higher level English classes, citizenship classes, or GED classes to obtain the skills and knowledge they need to accomplish their goals.

The 1-hour weekly class is designed to provide basic information such as teaching students the alphabet, numbers, colors, and how to introduce themselves, among others. The classes are centered around 12 lessons, which are taught on a continuous loop throughout the year.

The class is free, and students can join at any time.

The basic ESL class is geared toward individuals who have no or low English skills, but anyone is welcome to join to improve their English-speaking abilities. Classes are held on Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Family Resource Center (3020 18th St, Suite 4, Columbus, NE).

Why Are Introductory Classes Necessary?

You may be wondering why the PVLA would need to offer an Introductory ESL class, especially when we have other English classes and partner with CCC to offer even more English classes.

One of the reasons why this class is necessary is because of CCC shifting to semester enrollment. We already did a blog post that talked about the benefits of this schedule change, but to remind you of some of the highlights, they include:

• Ensuring that lessons are taught in a logical, sequential manner so that students learn more
• Less stress on the instructor because they have a better idea of whom to expect in class from week to week
• Enrolling students for a semester can improve class attendance, which is essential when it comes to learning a new language

There are a few downsides to semester enrollment as well, including that students who walk through our door after the enrollment period have to wait to get into a CCC ESL class.

But that’s where the PVLA comes in, particularly with the Introductory ESL class.

Individuals can still come to the PVLA and start their journey to learn the English language. They also get exposed to what is expected of them in the classroom. This can be incredibly helpful if it’s been a while since they’ve been in a school setting or need to know how the language learning will impact their work and life schedule.

Learning the English language may be necessary, but it can also be intimidating. When signing up for CCC classes, a student has to commit a lot of time and effort—and while that commitment pays out in the long run, it can be challenging.

If an individual starts with an Introductory ESL class, it can increase confidence and ease fears, ensuring success now and into the future.

Building a Strong Foundation

Having a strong foundation is necessary when it comes to building practically anything. When it comes to language skills, knowing the basics is essential to move on to bigger and better things. By offering an Introductory ESL class, we are empowering our students to obtain the basics they need to build upon—whatever that might look like.

Whether a student decides they want to attend higher level ESL classes, obtain their citizenship, learn how to converse in English, or obtain their GED, they have to start somewhere, and the Introductory ESL class gives them that starting point.

This class wouldn’t be possible without the support of Tyson Foods, and the PVLA is honored and excited to partner with them to provide a new class for our students.