ESL Library Suggestions and Selected Book Descriptions
This is not a complete list, but a sampling of the resources available in the Council's library.
ESL A1: General Texts
Emergency English: A Handbook for Tutors
The Emergency English Workbook: Everyday English
Lifeskills 1 Workbook
New Horizons in English
ESL A2: Coping Skills
Foundations: This is a low-beginning textbook with a variety of activities that include matching, crosswords, word searches, and opportunities for students to talk/write about themselves. It could serve as a wonderful supplement when working on such topics as housing, health, emotions, and weather.
Lifelines 1, 2, 3
Looking at American Signs
A New Start
ESL A3: Pronunciation/Intonation
Holiday Jazz Chants: This is the holiday version of the ever-popular Jazz Chants series. These are perfect for breaking routine and introducing an important aspect of American culture. Use them in conjunction with ESL Teacher’s Holiday Activities Kit (ESL A9) to create the perfect holiday lesson plan.
Pronunciation Contrasts in English Listening Comprehension
Before Book One: Listening Activities for Pre-Beginning Students of English
Improving Aural Comprehension Listening In and Speaking Out
Whaddaya Say? Guided Practice in Relaxed Spoken English
ESL A5: Grammar
Intermediate Grammar--From Form to Meaning and Use: This text is ideal for students with a good knowledge of grammar, but a need to iron out some of the trickier points. The explanations are clear and easy to understand. Exercises include not only sentence completions, but use reality-based charts and forms to ensure true comprehension of the grammar point. The corresponding teacher’s manual offers lesson ideas and includes quizzes and an answer key.
Practicing American English: Pattern Drills for Oral and Written Practice
Side by Side
ESL A6: Writing/Composition
10 Steps: Controlled Composition for Beginning and Intermediate Language Development
ESL A7: ESL Literacy
Read All About It: According to the author, Book 1 is for high-beginning and Book is for high-beginning to low-intermediate. These texts contain interesting readings and a variety of activities to work on all aspects of vocabulary building and reading comprehension.
ESL Literacy Kit--First Steps in Reading and Writing
A Handbook for ESL Literacy Lifeskills 1--First Words
Starting to Read (follows First Words)
In Print--Beginning Literacy Through Cultural Awareness
Language Experience Approach to Reading and Writing
Longman ESL--Literacy Passage to ESL Literacy
Many Literacies--Modules for Training Adult Beginning Readers and Tutors
Sounds Easy series (phonics)
ESL A8: Workplace ESL
English That Works--Work Safely
The Working Experience 1-3
ESL A9: Tutor Resources
English as a Second Language--From Theory to Practice
Games and Butterflies--I Speak English
Teaching Adults--An ESL Resource Book Teacher
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages--A Guide for the Volunteer
ESL A10: English Through Music
If You Feel Like Singing (American folk songs)
ESL A11: Dictionaries/Phrase Books
The New Oxford Picture Dictionary: This new version of an old favorite incorporates grammar and usage on the student page. The teacher’s manual holds an abundance of ideas and tips—great fun to use. Don’t forget to practice using The New Oxford Picture Dictionary Beginning Workbook and the Intermediate Workbook.
Classic Classroom Activities (The New Oxford Picture Dictionary Program): Although these were obviously designed with the classroom in mind, many of these activities can be used one-to-one with minor adjustments. While workbooks provide great practice, they are more structured. Activities like these allow the student to use and manipulate vocabulary and language skills.
What Are Those Crazy Americans Saying? (idioms)
ESL A12: Skills Development by Language Group
Citizenship: Passing the Test. This is a beginning-level introduction to the vocabulary and ideas encountered in the citizenship test. Not intended to fully prepare a student for the test, it is a way to introduce the concepts that will be studied in more detail as a students’ English skills improve. There is also a corresponding teacher’s guide.
ESL A13: Conversation/Vocabulary
Getting Along With Idioms: Unlike many idiom books, which may introduce words in lists or as dictionary entries, this text allows you to readily adapt lessons to the topic you are currently working on with your student. If your student is studying to get a driver’s license, for example, there is a lesson specifically addressing that topic with phrases such as run over, back up, and slow down. A dialogue is followed by exercises to reinforce the student’s understanding of the word/phrase and its usage.
Idioms in American Life: Jazz Chants
Live Action English--Picture It
Reply Requested (advanced)
ESL B1: Cross Cultural
American Cultural Encounters
Culture Shock: What It Is and What to Do About It
Culturgrams (culture sheets on 102 countries)
ESL C: Readers/Stories
Coming to America--The Electric Elephant and Other Stories
The Family from Vietnam--Family Life in the USA
The Magic Village (Guatemala)
The Race (Columbia)
The Trip (China)
Personal Stories 1-3--Stories from the Heart
Stories to Tell Our Children
Fitting in Series--Honorable Grandfather (Taiwan)
Woman's Work, Man's Work (Mexico)
You’re Not My Father (Laos)
Line by Line (correlated in grammar to Side by Side)