My Language Learning Journey from Beijing to South Dakota (Part Three) - Verbal Reductions

Spoken reductions in American English can be a big obstacle for learners. Reductions exist in all languages. Introducing your learner to reductions can help them to improve their listening skills.

No Two Learners Are Alike: Understanding the Individual Needs of Your Learner

Every learner has different needs, skills, and learning style. Understanding this will help you tailor your tutoring to help your learner reach success.

Is your Learner a Parent with Children in School?

A useful and comprehensive curriculum, from English for New Bostonians, for adult English language learners with kids in school.

Teaching Your Learner the Importance of Small Talk

Tips on helping your learner adjust to some of the American norms of casual conversation.

Documenting Immigration: "Welcome to Shelbyville" and "I Learn America"

"Welcome to Shelbyville" and "I Learn America" are two documentaries that explore the lives of American immigrants as they join their new communities and begin their new lives. 

How to use LEA Transcript to Teach Learners More Than Just English

This post gives some tips about how to use LEA transcripts to help learners understand more about living in America. In this example I explain how to use a photo prompt to teach about public transportation.

My Language Learning Journey from Beijing to South Dakota (Part Two) - Getting Used to Reductions

Every language uses reductions. For me, understanding my art professor's reductions made it difficult for me to understand his lectures. So I recorded them, and listened to them repeatedly, until I understand what reductions he was using, and where. 

My Language Learning Journey from Beijing to South Dakota (Part One)

From a learner's perspective: How our 24-year-old intern Shiyi Zhang, who just received her master's degree from Suffolk University, took the first steps towards becoming bilingual.

Using Dialogue Journals to Identify Writing Strengths and Weaknesses and Much More

Dialogue journals are way to teach learners how to write. Not only do they help you build a relationship with your learner, but they also help highlight their strengths and improve their writing. 

Why Won't My Learner Speak more English At Home?: Part III

Even though it may be hard to get your learner to speak more English at home, there are plenty of ways to help your learner get real-world practice with their English during your tutoring sessions. This post outlines a few of those possibilities.