Volunteer with ESOL

Summer 2013 ESOL Volunteer Opportunities

ESOL Conversation Partner
Establish a relationship with an adult ESOL student (already enrolled in our program). Contact the student and arrange for a mutually convenient time & place (e.g. library, Starbucks) to meet. At the first meeting, just spend time getting to know the student and what their needs are in terms of improving their English. Do they need help with writing or pronunciation, with job applications, with interviews? Do they want to study the Bible? Are they preparing for a certain test (citizenship or vocational accreditation)? Or would they prefer to simply chat about magazine/newspaper articles? We have resources that are good starting points for reading and conversation.

We pair interested students with same sex conversation partners and ask that the conversation buddy commits to meeting with the student at least 4 times over the summer. 

More information and conversation starters are available from Christine, or in this document here.

Summer ESOL Teacher/Assistant Teacher
The ESOL Summer ministry is a chance for a more relaxed classroom where students focus on conversational skills. We divide the students by levels: pre-conversational and conversational. No textbooks are used and students do not have to attend every class to improve their English. If we have enough students (and volunteers) we will divide into three levels. Students may change levels at any time.

Summer classes are a chance for new teachers to step in and teach a single class or two over the course of May & June. Each class is an independent topic (chosen by the volunteer, with help from Christine) and involves a mix of introducing new vocabulary, conversation questions, and a fun game. Teachers may design their own class or follow a specific model recommended by Christine.

Assistant teachers work one-on-one with students during exercises and help model good pronunciation. Many (although not all!) assistant teachers observe and help early on in the semester and then transition to leading a class.

This summer, ESOL classes will be held:
Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11am and
Wednesday evenings, 7:30-9pm
at First Christian Church
6165 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22044
Classes will run for 9 weeks: May 1 – June 26

More information and detailed class ideas are available from Christine, or in this document here.

Volunteer Post-class Questionnaire here.

Christine Jones
ESOL Coordinator
571-282-0808 or esol@tfcanglican.org