This is the curriculum of the Queens Library Adult Learner Program. It is used as a standalone class at the library, but designed so that you can pick individual lessons appropriate to your class, or follow the full curriculum.

Notes about the curriculum

The objectives of this curriculum are to increase Beginning English Language Learners’ English, and to improve their knowledge of health. You may notice that there are some differences in approach from a typical ESOL curriculum. There is minimal emphasis on grammatical functions, except as they relate to the health topic. Additionally, in order to properly address the health aspects of the curriculum, certain vocabulary is needed that normally would not be introduced at the beginning level. To facilitate this, there are times when the plan will suggest that you allow learners to work with native language dictionaries, or work with other students who speak the same language.

Tips for working with materials

• Encourage learners to bring a three ring binder to keep all their handouts, as you may want to have them refer to information from previous lessons’ materials.
• Try to recycle vocabulary — and concepts — frequently. Some of this recycling is built into the curriculum, but you may discover that your learners need more reviewing than is built into the lesson plans.
• If your class is very low level, you may need to supplement the materials with additional beginning activities.
• Some of the lesson plans also include background information on a health topic. These plans are marked with

Below is the list of lesson plans, accompanying student worksheets and audio files. You can download the audio files, or play them directly from your computer. Some lessons also have online activities for students. They are listed here as a reference for teachers; students can access them directly from the Student Activities page as well.

Items accompanied by this symbol require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.