There are lots of different ways to learn English. And depending on the student, different methods work better than others.
One of the great things about EELC is that there is a choice of means to learn English so each learner can discover which way works best for them.
- There are grammar classes for the students that need to know the rules first when learning a language.
- There are conversation classes for students that want to practice their speaking skills or work on their pronunciation.
- The computers allow students to watch videos online and practice their listening skills.
- There are the books to practice the reading side of language learning. Reading can also help strengthen vocabulary and grammar.
Reading is a great way to learn language. However, it is advised to read text in which the learner understands between 70-95% of the vocabulary. This is often a challenge for adults who are beginner language learners.
Language learners are often advised to read children’s books. While the vocabulary and grammar is easier and at the right level, reading children’s books can be boring or embarrassing for adults.
Ecole Emmanuel has a useful tool for overcoming this challenge: ‘Levelled Readers.’
Levelled readers are similar to abridged books. They are books at the maturity or content level that would interest and engage adults but their vocabulary and grammar is at a level perfect for a beginner language learner.
Level one books have very simple vocabulary and the syntax of the sentence is straightforward, often using simple sentences.
Level two is a bit more advanced.
The books continue to increase in difficulty until you get to
level 6 books, which are just a step below young adult and adult books.
These books are a great resource because they help the student help themselves. They are scaffolded at different levels so a student can find the level that best suits them, one where they understand the content and are able to learn new vocabulary from context and the helpful glossary at the end of the book.
Over the years, EELC has expanded its ‘level reader’ collection. There are non-fiction books, biographies, abridged classics, and all kinds of fictional books within the collection, so everyone will find something that will interest them.
Over the years, students have been encouraged to provide reviews of the library books they have read. The hope was to have students encourage each other to read and have some writing practice. The books most often reviewed by students were the levelled readers! It just goes to show how practical and helpful these levelled reader books are.
Ecole Emmanuel is looking forward to September, when the language centre will officially reopen in its new location in Al Sabieh where a range of amazing books will be available for students again!
Kerith Trust 