Products & Papers

Bright Ideas: A Growing Body of Useful Information

Bright Ideas ESL-Civics Curriculum for Very Beginning Learners (Word)
15 Curriculum units that include strategies and step-by-step instructions for teachers of very beginning ESL learners, as well as learning materials for students.
This paper looks at some of the key issues that impact how the elderly learn English and how programs can build effective ESL programs for older immigrants.

Describes basic strategies for teaching ESL to the elderly. Emphasizes the use of visual materials and engaging learners through field trips and projects.

This is a single PowerPoint slide that describes what students need to be able to learn effectively.

This paper describes some of the shortcomings of standardized tests and suggests some alternative approaches.

A paper listing basic principles of how adults develop language and literacy skills. Learning opportunities are related to the principles.

A historical look at citizenship activities in Illinois and the U.S., and discussion of pertinence to the present.

A piece from 1998 that discusses project-based learning, its history and functional context.

Suggestions and materials for teachers to use to encourage students to talk about their problems related to English. Includes some short scenarios.

This is an illustrated transcript of the video of the same name. It is to be used by students to follow along with the tape. Check it out as an example of a tool to use with videos.

This Teacher’s Guide is to be used in conjunction with the video, Coming to America, and the accompanying Student Guide.

This is the student guide to be used with the video, Coming to America. To review this video, go to the Videos page. Note: this draft file is nearly 4 MB in size – lengthy download for dial-up connection.

PowerPoint presentation on how to prepare students to use English before, during, and after a field trip.

This project targets underserved, elderly (60+) refugees who will arrive or already live in northeastern Illinois.  It links them to Older Americans Act (OAA) services and places them on the path towards engagement and citizenship, which are keys to a quality life and income security.

Kansas – What Works in ESL Literacy v4 by Heide Spruck Wrigley