Introduction to teaching ESOL literacy learners course

Are you teaching ESOL literacy learners but not sure where to start? On this course, you will:

✔ gain a solid foundation in teaching adult emergent readers and writers (theory and practice)

✔ know exactly where to start with non- or low-literate learners.

✔ plan simple, effective lessons with confidence

✔ explore the ‘Language Experience Approach’ - a proven and practical method for supporting learners with limited literacy skills

✔ build your confidence in understanding who your learners are and how to meet their unique needs effectively.

This course is Ideal for teachers or volunteers new to this specialist field (or those wishing to refresh and update their knowledge).

Introduction to teaching ESOL literacy learners course

Are you teaching ESOL literacy learners but not sure where to start? On this course, you will:

- Gain a solid foundation in teaching adult emergent readers and writers, with clear guidance on both theory and practice.

- Explore the ‘Language Experience Approach’, a proven and practical method for supporting learners with limited literacy skills.

- Build confidence in understanding who your learners are and how to meet their unique needs effectively.

This course is Ideal for teachers new to this specialist field or experienced teachers wanting to refresh and update their knowledge.

Many ESOL teachers (and volunteer teachers) find themselves in a situation where:

• learners can speak some English ... but can't read or write it

• they're unsure how to plan lessons at this level

• traditional ESOL materials just don't seem to work!

• they feel like they're 'guessing' what to do next ...

This is completely normal!

Teaching learners with little or no literacy requires a different approach

- and most training doesn't cover it in a practical way.

'Introduction to teaching ESOL literacy learners' course gives you a clear starting point.

You'll learn how to:
• understand the difference between language and literacy development
• structure lessons for learners with no or limited literacy
• use simple, effective activities that build confidence and progress
• support learners without relying on worksheets or complex materials

Everything is designed to be immediately usable in real teaching settings.

This course is ideal for:

✔ ESOL/ESL teachers (new or experienced)
✔ volunteers supporting adult ESOL learners
✔ teaching assistants and support staff
✔ organisations working with refugees, migrants or adult ESOL learners

This course may not be suitable if:

✖ you only teach advanced or fully literate learners
✖ you are looking for highly theoretical or academic training

What you will get:

• short, focused video lessons
• practical teaching strategies and examples
• simple lesson planning guidance
• downloadable resources
• lifetime access

Format: online, self-paced

Duration: approx. 3 - 4 hours total

Video tutorials

over an hour of video tutorials (in bite sized chunks!), plus video transcripts

5 modules

Module 1: Introduction and course overview

Module 2: Key concepts (4 lessons)

Module 3: Practical starting points and key approaches (3 lessons)

Module 4: Resources, links and glossary

Module 5: Course summary

Downloadable resources

downloadable PDFs, tasks and activities to work through and

a Course Workbook to record your thoughts and reflections

Quizzes

6 engaging quizzes - assess your learning as you progress through the course

Easy access on all devices

access the course wherever you are - on your PC, laptop, tablet or mobile

Lifetime access

no time limit on completing the course - access it in your own time and at your own pace

Completion certificate

awarded on 100% completion of the course

Support

friendly help 24/7 from a teacher-educator - just an email away!

Testimonials from recent course participants

This programme was very engaging and accessible and it provided plenty of food for thought. The additional resources were vey useful and encouraged a deeper reflection on practice from both the learner and tutor perspective. It provided tips and activities that can immediately be applied in practice. The lessons were well-paced for both beginning tutors and those looking for a refresher course. I'm really looking forward to completing the other modules too. Thanks a million.

(Catriona, ESOL lecturer)

I undertook the course as a refresher as I dip my toe back into the world of ESOL after a few years gap. Just what I needed!  Loads of helpful and practical pointers; really up to date - even had a go at using AI to help me generate an exercise of my own. The Language Experience approach with videos seeing it in action was spot on- yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Thank you!I undertook the course as a refresher as I dip my toe back into the world of ESOL after a few years gap. Just what I needed!  Loads of helpful and practical pointers; really up to date - even had a go at using AI to help me generate an exercise of my own. The Language Experience approach with videos seeing it in action was spot on- yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Thank you! (Helen, ESOL teacher)

The course provides a strong theoretical framework from which to understand the challenges faced by ESOL literacy learners.  There are some excellent activities to try out in class and I can attest to their efficacy.  I really enjoyed the opportunity to observe the teaching practice of different ESOL teachers.  I learnt a great deal from that.  Judy presents in a clear, calm, engaging manner and is both passionate and extremely knowledgeable in this subject area.  A very worthwhile course - thank you.

(Laura, ESOL teacher)

Very inspiring course!  It provides practical ideas and tools, and also links to useful resources, videos, and websites.  The course content is well-organized with clear guidance on both theory and practice. I really appreciated the module referring to the Language Experience Approach. 

(Isabella, ESOL practitioner)

For organisations and learning providers:

If you support staff or volunteers working with ESOL literacy learners, this course can provide a useful and practical foundation. Discounts available for group access - please get in touch to discuss your organisation’s needs: email [email protected]

email: [email protected]

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