The Book Next Door
Australian ESL materials for adults and young adults

How do ESL Extras support pre-employment English? This is a question I expect to have to answer, with the new AMEP contract coming soon – and of course it’s already an issue for anyone who teaches on the SEE program. (For anyone outside Australia reading this, these are national government programs providing language and literacy training. The Adult Migrant English … Continue reading

2016 Dec 08

Reading ‘The Coat’: ideas for CSWE II and III learners

I had an illuminating session recently talking to some CSWE teachers – both those who’ve been using ESL Extras and those who’d just heard of them. One of the things we talked about was why students might be motivated to read, when there are so many competing demands on their time… So what would make reading of value? I know … Continue reading

2016 Nov 04

‘Welcome to Hope Street’ in the CPSWE / CSWE I class

CPSWE level book Welcome to Hope Street

Life isn’t neat. It’s all very well to know that Welcome to Hope Street is for prelim (CPSWE) learners, but what about when you have a mixed level class, with much more capable CSWE I beginners, who need to work on different learning outcomes. Can you use the book, but give them extension work? This was the question asked by … Continue reading

2016 Sep 13

It’s out! Extra Easy Puzzles for ESOL learners

At last, Extra Easy Puzzles is ready, and coming to a language bookshop near you. It’s at Beginner C level – aimed at learners in a beginner class, who are doing really well, or reaching the end of their beginner status. The sample pages are here on the website. If you want to read about why I wrote this book, I … Continue reading

2016 Aug 23

How well do ESL Extras travel?

ESL Extras in NZ

How well do learning materials travel? One of the reasons I love using Australian materials is their relevance to learners’ lives. At beginner levels especially, it’s much easier to show where Melbourne is on a map than to have to explain references to London landmarks, or British history. Is that a problem in reverse, though? I write with adult and … Continue reading

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