The Second Session of Introductory ESL

Thanks to a grant from Tyson, the PVLA was able to offer an Introductory ESL class. The first 12-week session was held from March 21st to June 20th, and the second session just ended on October 2nd.

On average, 5 students attended each class, with the largest class having 8 students total. Most of these students were attendees from the first session, which means they enjoyed the lessons so much, they were willing to come back for more! Attendance consistency is so important when it comes to learning a new language, and these individuals were committed to their studies.

Some of the things students learned included telling time and the calendar. Students were also exposed to numbers. They also practiced previous lessons they had learned, such as getting to know one another and conversing in English.

What the Future Holds

From now until the end of the year, there will be no more Introductory ESL classes. However, we plan on getting them started again in 2025. The hope is to be able to offer an evening class as well as the afternoon class to ensure we reach as many students as possible.

Overall, this class has been incredibly successful. The students have been excited to attend, and they learned a lot. By securing more funding, we’ll be able to expand the program and make a bigger impact.

We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings!

The First Session of the Introductory ESL Class Comes to a Close

 

It started with a $4,000 grant from Tyson Foods.

Then, on March 21, 2024, the first Introductory ESL was held, and 10 students signed up.

As the 12 weeks progressed, 8 students attended on a regular basis, and 6 of them will be transitioning into the English classes offered by CCC.

Overall, the class was an incredible success.

The Expectations

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to language learning is that success is not measured by leaps and bounds. Learning a new language is incredibly difficult, especially as an adult, but it’s not impossible. Here at the PVLA, when we look at success, even small advancements are a reason to celebrate.

When it comes to the Introductory ESL class, success is measured by the student’s ability to spell their name using the English alphabet and fill out forms in English. It may not seem like much, but it’s a huge step in the learning process—and these first students reached their goals and more.

The other purpose of the Introductory ESL class is to give students an idea of what to expect in the classroom. It’s possible that many of these adults haven’t been in a classroom for a long time (if ever). Knowing how to learn is beneficial and ensures current and future success. It also prepares students for the next step, which may be more classes.

The Final Day

On the final day of class, the Introductory ESL instructor tried to make it educational yet entertaining—and she was successful in her endeavors. Not only did the students get to show off how much they had learned about the alphabet, but they also got to enjoy some delicious food.

Here are some pictures from that final day.

If you’re wondering what they are doing, they are coming up with words based on the last letter of the word before it. For example, if the instructor gave them the letter D to start, the first student had to think of an animal that started with D. So, if the student wrote down D-O-G, the next student would need to come up with a word that started with G.

The purpose of the exercise is to get them thinking about the alphabet and using vocabulary skills. They had a lot of fun in the process.

The Next Session

If you ask us, the first session of the Introductory ESL class was a huge success, and we can’t wait for the next session to begin.

And we are having a next session!

It begins on July 18, 2024. Once again, it will be on Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Columbus Family Resource Center (3020 18^th St, Suite 4).

For anyone who’s interested in signing up or has questions, please send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!) or call 402-562-1463.

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.