The following resources were compiled specifically with LVGH tutors in mind. As always, tutors should not hesitate to contact a Program Manager or the Director of Programs for help identifying other resources not included here.
Liz’s Language of Music
A member of the LVGH Community for more than 20 years, Liz Aiken was a Basic Literacy tutor, Board Member and most of all, an inspiration to all who knew her. Liz loved reading, travel, her students, and music, especially jazz. The lesson plans below were created in her honor, with the hope that every time an LVGH tutor teaches one of her lessons, her legacy will live on.
CASAS Prep Goal Series
Financial Literacy
Computer & Internet
In today’s world, digital literacy goes hand in hand with English literacy. Our students need to have basic computer skills in order to find, apply for, and hold jobs, take the GED test, pursue higher education, stay connected with family in their home country, and so much more. Check out the Weblinks page for lots of online activities you can do with your students, plus job search help and other useful resources for your class.
Digital Literacy Lesson Guides and Resources
Each lesson is designed to take 30 minutes to complete in the computer lab. Student and tutor guides are available in paper form for making copies at our Literacy Center as well.
Click here for a guide to the basic computer skills that LVGH students should master for each class level.
For internet skill training on your own, we recommend Comcast’s Internet Essentials Learning Center. This site provides helpful information and tutorials about general internet use, from using the web to finding jobs to using email and social media. It is perfect for those who need just a little help feeling comfortable using the internet. Through the Comcast Internet Essentials, many of our students may also qualify for discounted (~$10/month) home internet service and discounted computers – more details are available on Comcast’s website.
Career Pathways Lesson Guides & Resources
LVGH Class Level Profiles (ESOL & Basic Literacy)
These class profiles provide snapshots of the skills students at each level should know before they move onto the next level.
While tutors are encouraged to use these profiles to help them plan level-appropriate lessons and activities, remember that each student moves at his/her own pace, and your class is not expected to cover all items on the profile in any set amount of time.
Classroom Resources & Materials
English for Everyone – Printable English worksheets on reading comprehension, spelling, matching, vocabulary, and more.
Masters in ESL – An exhaustive list of 115 resources for teaching and learning ESL.
Newsela – Great source for finding news articles. The difficulty level of each reading can be altered to fit your class.
Over 1,000 Writing Promts for Students – Writing prompts organized by topic.
Pics4Learning – Copyright-friendly photos for projects in an educational setting.
Puzzlemaker – Make your own word search.
ReadWorks – Find free lessons and reading passages by level. Create an interactive classroom for your students with the digital version!
Vidtionary – A video dictionary! Short videos define words in a visually meaningful way.
National, State, & Regional Resources
2-1-1 Community Services
Capital Region Education Council (CREC)
Lincs – Resources and courses focused on how to work with and teach adult learners.
National Institute for Literacy
New England Literacy Resource Center
Proliteracy – Great resource for additional online (free) training.
Healthcare Resources – Reduced cost of medical care and other resources.
