Tabletop English: a video ‘look-inside’
Practical issues with printable resources A couple of weeks ago, I showed the new Tabletop English resources to a wonderfully enthusiastic librarian (who will also be storing the printed resources for teachers). This experience reminded me that there is a LOT there. Of course, there’s no need to print and laminate everything at once, or at all. (If you don’t … Continue reading
The Initial EAL Workbook: An interview with author Assunta Crupi-Pogliano
Assunta Crupi-Pogliano has just launched her resource, The Initial EAL Workbook, designed for learners doing the Course in Initial EAL, and coming to grips with learning and with literacy. It’s an amazing 205 page book – that’s 195 pages of worksheets, covering all 67 of the performance criteria in the six units of the Course in Initial EAL. It features charming … Continue reading
Reflections on being a language learner
I wrote last time about my experience of volunteering in Greece; part of the excitement was living in a country with an unfamiliar language AND script. I knew I wouldn’t learn much Greek, but was hoping to put myself in the position of some of my learners, when they encounter the English script for the first time. Of course, in some … Continue reading
Oz Phonics: apps for early literacy
Today I’m talking to Diane Philipson, the content writer behind Oz Phonics, and Steve Cossey, the app manager/developer. If you teach pre-literacy or early literacy ESOL learners – and have access to iPads – you may have used OzPhonics as another way to review simple sound-to-spelling patterns. I’ve used the apps with adult learners, who like them a lot. I like … Continue reading
More CPSWE materials for prelim (literacy) learners
After my last post on materials for preliminary (CPSWE) learners here in Australia, I had some more suggestions; big thanks to Judy, Manjit, Lesley, Jakki and Natalie. (If I’ve missed anyone’s suggestions, please let me know.) I’ll update that post too. (UPDATE: I’m now teaching Initial Course and Course in EAL, but of course the resources listed here are just … Continue reading












