We love high quality content-based instructional resources, so are excited to share a recent addition from the University of Minnesota Duluth! This free 16-module curriculum for intermediate / advanced ESOL and ABE/pre-GED learners integrates U.S. History and Civics, Language Proficiency, and Digital Skills instruction. (Some intermediate ESOL learners may require additional support.) The quality and practicality of the curriculum reflect the expertise of the educators who developed them. The lessons were refined through pilot testing before being released this spring.
Here are some things I especially appreciate about it:
- Accessible for teachers and students:
- Fully online (includes teacher slides, student e-book online text, audio, activities for group work and individuals, practice exercises, etc.)
- Variety of other formats (PDFs and adaptable Google Docs & Slides) to meet your classroom needs, whether in-person, virtual or hybrid.
- Use one, two, or all modules:
- Follow the modules in sequence, or explore them individually and return to specific topics as needed. As you review the curriculum, consider what background knowledge may be new to your students and whether earlier modules could support students’ understanding.
- Each module is designed for approximately 6-8 hours of instruction (in-person, online, or hybrid). The modules are:
- High Interest:
- In my experience, many ESOL learners are eager to learn more about the history of their new country and how the U.S. government works, especially when the content is connected to issues that affect their daily lives.
- The lessons build on learners’ experiences and prior knowledge through creative activities that provide accessible entry points to the content.
- Engaging exercises such as readers’ theater, expansion writing, and short group projects build critical thinking skills while bringing the content to life.
- Repeated encounters with the anchor texts:
- Listen to a recording and follow along to get the gist; Read aloud as a class (vocabulary and comprehension work); Read aloud in pairs to build fluency; Read and listen again to review content before applying knowledge and extending learning through project work
- Vocabulary work built into each lesson
- The lessons model structured, explicit vocabulary instruction and review.
- Words are selected with an emphasis on high-frequency and academic language, helping learners build the language needed to access educational, economic, and civic opportunities.
- Digital skills
- Module 1: A dedicated introductory module covers foundational digital skills, including understanding apps, using email, and communicating through WhatsApp.
- Modules 2-16: Learners continue to develop and practice digital skills, with varying levels of integration into language and content instruction. I especially appreciate that the curriculum addresses responsible digital citizenship, helping learners use technology in ways that protect both themselves and others.
- Concise Teacher Guidance
- The developers clearly listened to those who piloted the lessons. The resulting teacher guidance is concise, practical, and easy to navigate. Short is sweet. On that note, have fun exploring the resource!
Note: you can navigate to the previous and next sections of the curriculum at the bottom of the web page. At first I missed this handy feature:
