Southern Ontario Cooperative of ESL Ministries

A Christmas Greeting

2011-12-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

A Christmas Greeting

Christmas is such a wonderful time to remember and to celebrate…especially, of course, the Birth of Jesus with all the wondrous and mysterious historical details. Maybe our ‘ordinary reality’ is not all that ordinary after all!

Recently someone said: “We all get a bit homesick at Christmas time - even if we are ‘home.’ We get homesick for our childhood homes. We get homesick for our own homes filled with our children. We get homesick for homes we never had. We get homesick for the homes we left behind” (L. Sweet). It’s true, and even Christmas can have a tinge of sadness about it, especially in our overly-commercialized world. In any case, each memory has its own emotional hues and tones, some reminding us to be childlike, some reminding us that indeed we need a Saviour ‘to take away the sins of world,’ indeed our sins too. And of course, many of the immigrants around us also remember and perhaps they too are also homesick.

Let’s remember that in fact ‘Jesus came to his own, and his own people did not receive him’ (John 1:11). And yet, His rejection, being despised and forsaken, and even being ‘homeless’, was part of the glorious wisdom & love of God announced by the angel:

"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:10-12)

“A Great Joy”! And so we know that the sadness is not ultimate, though waiting can be difficult, as the children especially know at this Christmas time.

I enjoy singing “Joy to the World”; it is so rich, and well…joyful! I especially like the lines “Let every heart prepare Him room” & “He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found”. What might that mean for you and me? Of course we want to spend special time with Him in private and public adoration and instruction; and we want to be hospitable. Perhaps we can especially prepare room in our hearts and lives for our friends & neighbours who may be lonely and homesick. Many of these would, of course, be the immigrants and ESL students amongst us.

There is, though, another benefit of remembering at Christmas time, together with whatever ‘homesickness’ we might experience. Actually we are also homesick for THE HOME YET TO BE, are we not? The coming of Jesus is not only past, but He is also coming again, and we long for the fulfillment of all He has promised which he will bring at His return.

Jesus was born, yes; Jesus lived and ministered and died for us, yes; Jesus lived a perfect life and died a perfect death, yes; Jesus rose again from the dead, yes. But Jesus also said, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14). Indeed, we are exiles and pilgrims now; this is not our home, and the past homes we might be homesick for are actually only signs of the eternal home prepared for us. Remembering Christmases past can help us to refocus with hope on things to come.

So we can also pray for ourselves:

“O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!” (Ps 39), and

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Ps 90)

May you be blessed, refreshed, humbled before the wonders we remember, and empowered anew to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Tom McCormick

http://learningfundamentals.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Focus.jpg (you’ll enjoy this one; it might even be a good ESL lesson)

ESL Teachers needed in Mexico

2010-09-16T11:10:00.002-05:00

URGENT!
ESL Teachers needed for New ESL Ministry in Mexico!
For details click here

An Easter Message from the SOCEM Board (2010)

2010-03-18T09:07:00.002-05:00

Greetings,

Lately it feels like spring: the rain, the warm breeze, the fresh shoots that are springing up. Easter is coming in just over two weeks. It is a privilege to serve our risen Lord Jesus together. This time of year so many remember not only the glorious resurrection of our Crucified Lord and Saviour, but also the agonies of the Cross. It is very humbling to confess the truth: "We'll never know how much it cost, to see my sins upon the Cross." Truly we cannot repay such a wonderful gift, though our gratitude does issue in praise, adoration, the willingness to do His will, and hearty obedience.

The ESL ministries we offer to our neighbors is a small but very real token of our appreciation for the merciful loving-kindness of our Heavenly Father, the humble obedience of the Son, even to death on the Cross, and the ever present comfort and faithful ministry of the Holy Spirit of Promise.

Whether your program is starting up, in transition or in full swing, let us encourage you with the thought that our Lord's death and resurrection did prefigure transformation, i.e. the possibility of real changes. Therefore, as Paul exhorts us after a glorious passage on this theme, "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain." (1 Cor 15:58)

May your heart break anew with the revelation of the truth of the Gospel, and thrill again and again at our glorious Hope, both Christ within us and Christ, coming again. May you know Him more and more deeply and personally, and may we each and all be found faithful and busy doing the good pleasure of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, making the Saviour known in word and deed.

Blessings in Him this Easter!

The SOCEM Board

P.S. Our latest SOCEM Newsletter, "The ESL Link" is out. Click here

Conference on Engaging East Asians

2010-01-19T23:06:00.004-05:00

Many ministering in ESL may be interested in attending this conference. Click on the poster below to get the main details.Click here to get the full details including information about the presenters and a downloadable copy of the poster.

“Fun with Grammar” available for FREE download

2009-11-13T09:40:00.001-05:00

Good News!

AzarGrammar.com has made the entire “Fun with Grammar” book available to download. There are also lots of other free lessons available on the site as well.

Here is the link to download the entire 354 page book in PDF.

Spread the word!

Find-a-Bible Website

2009-08-02T20:44:00.002-05:00

Are you looking for a Bible in the language of one of your students? Help is here. The Forum of Bible Agencies International (IFOBA) recently launched this new website that gives easy access to scripture in more than three thousand languages. Find-a-Bible is the first centralized global resource that provides access to the many scripture products available around the world. With just the name of a language, a user can now access a simple search to find existing products in that language. Just click on the title above to go to the website.

ALPHA for ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages)

2009-07-09T18:23:00.006-05:00

Have you heard of Alpha ESOL? It is a new ministry designed to ‘reach the world at your doorstep’. Alpha ESOL is a simplified Alpha course in English which is designed to reach all cultures in your community who have questions about faith and Christianity, but would find classic Alpha in English too difficult. Through the simple format, slower pace, and multiple discussion times, guests have a chance to understand and experience the Christian faith.

Click here for registration and more information about the Alpha ESOL track at the Greater Toronto Equip and refresh Alpha Conference.

A Review of The Hope ESL Curriculum CD

2009-06-09T18:51:00.002-05:00

This is an interactive ESL curriculum using the Hope film as its basis. The Hope Film is an overview of the Bible from Creation to the growth of the early church with narrators introducing each topic as scenes from feature films complement their explanations. The language is very clear and easy to understand. The ESL software CD includes the entire film plus interactive English listening and speaking exercises. The software is mainly for intermediate/advanced students working on their own, in pairs, or in small groups, but it can also be adapted for classroom use with an LCD projector to project the image onto a large screen. The curriculum is divided into 14 lessons. In my classes I have typically used the curriculum in the following way:

We begin by playing “Go Fish” using picture cards made from the scenes of the film we will be watching later in the class. Files of pictures are included on the CD for each lesson. I print out the pictures and make a deck of “Go Fish” cards for each group. In groups of three to five, the students deal out four or five cards to each player and put the remaining cards in the “fish” pile. Next, they take turns going around the group asking questions about each others’ picture cards in order to find the cards that match the cards they have in their hands. If the person asked the questions has a matching picture card, she hands the card over, but if she doesn’t have a matching picture card, she tells the questioner to “go fish”, and the other person has to take an additional card from the fish pile. The first person to match all the cards in his hand wins the game. At the end of the game, each person holds up her matching pairs and describes the pictures to the group.

Following the game we go to the “Watch It” part of the lesson and watch the film segment the first time.

For the second viewing of the film segment I hand out the script of the film with missing words and a word bank. They watch and listen and fill in the missing words. We take up the exercise and watch the segment a final time to give them a chance to read and follow along with the script of the film.

After we have watched the film segment we discuss some questions about what we have seen and heard.

If the group had difficulty understanding the film we go to the “Get It” part of the lesson and there the students can see and hear each sentence of the film script again. There is also a word bank in this part that lists the key words with their definitions and also a sound bite for pronunciation practice. Additionally, students can listen to native speakers giving descriptions of the various scenes from the film and get more information about the scenes.

My favourite part of the lesson is the “Own It” part. This part has five interactive games and quizzes. A laser pointer is useful for this part since it can be passed around the class easily as students take turns pointing to the right answers on the screen. The first game is called “Match the Picture” and up to fifteen pictures from the film segment are placed in a grid on the screen. A narrator describes one of the pictures and a student has to point to the picture described. We go around the class until all the pictures have been described. The next game is called “Order” and a list of six or seven phrases appear on the screen in a jumbled order. The narrator says the sentence and a student has to point out the correct order in which the phrases were spoken. The “Keyboard” exercise is basically spelling practice. After a keyboard appears on the screen, the narrator repeats a phrase or sentence and then repeats a key word from the sentence and tells the player to type the word using the keys on the screen keyboard. In all the activities, correct responses are rewarded with a happy beep and incorrect responses with a low buzz. Next on the list of “Own It” activities is the “Quiz”. Multiple choice questions appear on the screen and students choose the correct answer, a, b, c, or d. The final activity is called “Journey”. A scene from the film appears on the screen and then a command like, “Click on the eye of the camel” is given and a student then points to the eye of the camel to complete the task.

The “Use It” part of the lesson includes more activities, mainly for pairs and small groups, as well as discussion questions and selections from the Bible that relate to the chapter from the Hope film.

The “Other” part of each lesson has many more activities like crossword and word search puzzles which students can do individually on their computers at home or in a computer lab.

The authors of the CD have granted permission to copy and distribute the CD. Since we cannot do all the activities in class, I always give my students copies to take home for practice.

I highly recommend this innovative curriculum. You can order a free copy of the latest edition from www.englishgift.org

Colin Brewster

SOCEM

An Easter Lesson Message from our President

2009-04-03T12:08:00.006-05:00

Hi all, here are the draft versions of studies you may want to use these days. They are drafts, so suggestions would be most welcomed. If you would like "Easter 2" (the next lesson), let us know.

Good Friday pictures (from which the pics in the lesson were taken) are available for other uses too, here and here.

(Webmaster addition:Don't forget to look at our Easter lessons page as well. There are some new additions!)

Just a reminder: the monthly SOCEM prayer meeting will be April 7th at 7:30 at TICC, 190 Railside Road.

Free Bibles for Christian ESL programs.

2009-03-04T13:24:00.005-05:00

Good news! We give thanks to God and to the Canadian Bible Society for this offer of free Bibles for Christian ESL programs.

As you will see in the message below from the Canadian Bible Society, these Bible are free of charge when the (minimal) Canadian Bible Society conditions are fulfilled. Follow the instructions given for contact information with the Canadian Bible Society to obtain these Bibles.

For further information or clarification, contact Ruth at any of the addresses given below.

(You may, of course, share this news widely amongst Christian ESL programs.)

SOCEM

The Scriptures for Newcomers to Canada has been approved as a National Initiative by the Canadian Bible Society. The Bibles are available right now. To get free Bibles for your Church based ESL program contact your District of The Canadian Bible Society [see website noted below for the contact information for your District].

Each request for free Bibles is to be written & made by either the Teacher of the class or the Administrator of the program, providing the name and address of the host church; name of the teacher and the number of students registered along with the contact name & number of the person at the church who administers the program.

We hope that this program will allow you to bring God's word to many, many new Canadians.

Ruth Stewart
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
--------------------------------
Canadian Bible Society
10 Carnforth Road
Toronto, Ontario M4A 2S4
TEL: 416.689.3437
FAX: 416.757.3376
www.biblesociety.ca

http://www.biblesociety.ca/districts/index.html (for District offices)

An Invitation for your ESl Students!

2008-11-15T19:53:00.002-05:00

From Tim Stevens:

Click on the picture to enlarge it

Gathering V Enrichment

2008-10-25T16:50:00.003-05:00

Pictures from Gathering V Enrichment

SOCEM Prayer Meeting

2008-10-02T20:09:00.004-05:00

Our first Tuesday of the month prayer meetings will continue on Tuesday, Oct. 7th, 7:30 TICC , 190 Railside Road.

Everyone is welcome.

Gathering V Enrichment October 25, 2008

2008-09-30T20:31:00.022-05:00

Dear Friends,

The Southern Ontario Cooperative of ESL Ministries wishes to invite you to Gathering V Enrichment on October 25th, 2008 at Hilltop Bible Chapel in Etobicoke. (see map)

We look forward to a great day of fellowship, encouragement and learning as we gather, for we share the common passion of proclaiming the love and salvation of God through the practical ministry of helping newcomers improve their English skills. Above on the right is the program for the day. (Click on it to see it more clearly) I know you will not want to miss these workshops. On the left is a poster you are welcome to print and post in your church or give to others who might be interested in attending.

As usual we want this opportunity to be available to as many people as possible so the cost will once again be only $10.-

(admission is free for participants at last week’s Gathering V Getting Started in ESL Ministry)

Please help us plan and prepare for the day by registering online here. Having accurate numbers will help us in assigning rooms for workshops, buying refreshments and even in making photocopies of handouts.

Looking forward to seeing you,

Colin Brewster

For the SOCEM Committee

A Great Day

2008-09-27T17:28:00.002-05:00

Well Gathering V Getting Started in ESL Ministry has come and gone. It was a great way to spend a drizzly autumn day: learning, sharing, growing and we had a few laughs too. Thank you to all the wonderful participants and session leaders, and a big thank you to Andrew and Hilary for their gracious hospitality. We look forward to another great day on October 25th for Gathering V Enrichment.

Gathering V Getting Started Course

2008-08-21T21:17:00.004-05:00

ESL Cooperative: Gathering V

September 27 + October 25, 2008

Hilltop Bible Chapel

243 La Rose Avenue, Etobicoke

Phone:416-249-1411

Map

Greetings!

click on poster to enlarge

We trust you had a refreshing summer and that you are enthusiastically looking forward to some wonderful opportunities in ESL ministry! The 5^th Gathering of the Southern Ontario Cooperative for ESL Ministries has been designed to equip you to serve more effectively in your Church-based ESL program, and to meet and encourage others who are engaged in similar programs. We welcome you to attend "Gathering V".

As was announced previously, we are offering two programs on two separate dates: September 27th for the Getting Started in ESL Ministry Course and October 25th for the general Gathering (poster and details to come later).

This letter is going to focus on the Getting Started in ESL Ministry Course on September 27th. Information and online registration for the general Gathering in October will be posted at a later date.

The Getting Started course is for people who are thinking of getting involved for the first time in an ESL Ministry in their Church. They do not need to have had any teacher training prior to this time. Willingness to learn and a heart for people are the only prerequisites. They will be introduced to such topics as: Biblical foundations for starting a church-based ESL ministry, Language Teaching and Learning Principles, Helping People improve their Grammar and Speaking, How to begin an ESL Ministry, and How to Lead a Conversation Lesson. Participants will be given access to over 150 different lessons that they can use with students to direct their English Conversation class ministry, and they will be trained how to use them. Below is the program for the day:

Getting Started in ESL Ministry September 27th

9:05 - 9:10 Welcome

9:15 - 9:35 Session #1: Biblical Foundations for Starting a Church-Based ESL Ministry

9:35 – 10:00 Session #2: Language Teaching/Learning Principles I – an introduction to different learning styles

10:00 – 10:30 Session #3: Tips for Helping People Pronounce English Sounds

10:35 – 10:55 Coffee break

11:00-11:55 Session #4: Helping people understand the form, meaning and use of English - practical techniques you can use to help your students learn to use English the way we do.

12:00–12:55 LUNCH

1:00 – 1:30 Session #5: Language Teaching/Learning Principles II - Language Learning Beliefs Questionnaire

1:35 – 2:00 Session #6: Pronunciation – Understanding English word Stress

2:05 – 2:30 Session #7: An introduction to SOCEM's Quick Start Guide to Starting an ESL Ministry

2:35 – 3:40 Session #8: Helping people practice their English – How to lead a conversation class using the SOCEM ESL Conversation Guides

3:45 – 4:00 Closing & Prayer

Please click on the link below to register online. Registering online now will assist us in making the correct number of handouts, etc.

We look forward to seeing you on September 27th!

Colin Brewster

for the SOCEM Executive Committee

Cost: Payable at the door – cash only please.

$15.00 (cost includes a handbook of notes from all the sessions)

An optional lunch will be available for an additional $5.-

Click here for online registration:Register for Getting Started in ESL Ministry

A Report from the second Scarborough ESL Network Luncheon

2008-05-21T07:59:00.003-05:00

The second Scarborough ESL Network Luncheon was held on Saturday May 10, 2008 at Agincourt Pentecostal Church. It was an intimate gathering of 12 people, with four different churches represented. We started at around 10:00 a.m. with a typical ESL warm-up activity: “Find someone who…” during which we mingled, chatted and laughed. After a time of worship and a brief introduction of SOCEM, Carolyn presented an excerpt from an article entitled “Beginning to Work with Adult English Language Learners: Some Considerations” (online version available here.) Those in attendance appreciated the practical tips in “instructional approaches”, and participated actively in the group discussions surrounding the points in this article that followed the presentation. After that, we were divided into different, smaller groups for sharing and prayer regarding our respective ESL ministries. These prompts were used:

A. Briefly introduce yourself, your church, the ESL class you lead and how you got involved in ESL ministry.

B. The most rewarding thing in my participation in ESL ministry is...

C. One of the challenges I face in this ministry is...

D. Our ministry serves God by...

E. Our students really enjoy...

F. One of my hopes concerning ESL ministry is…

This small group sharing time was enjoyable and encouraging whereby all shared freely about their experiences and prayed for one another. With people from different churches represented in each group, such sharing and prayer was especially valuable. The atmosphere was relaxed and everyone was talking a lot. Relationships were being built and we were truly “networking”! One concern that was shared, for example, involved how to share the gospel appropriately in an ESL class, or how to touch the students’ hearts and minds for Jesus while teaching English, a question that concerned all of us.

At 12:30 p.m. we enjoyed a delicious Chinese lunch ordered from a nearby restaurant, with all contributing to its cost. During and after the lunch we continued to talk, while some went to browse at the resource table where different teachers had brought in the books and materials they used for their classes. Almost all stayed until 1:45 p.m. before we dismissed.

As organizers, we were very encouraged by the involvement and eagerness the attendees showed. Even though we were small in number, we had a good mix of age, background and churches and we seemed to be fulfilling a need for support, encouragement and equipping in ESL in churches in the area. Comments from the attendee’s surveys included: “Very encouraging!”, “Enjoyed the time of prayer. Good to share and encourage teachers” and “So good to hear and share with people about every level of ESL teaching”. A request came from one church to join together for further ESL teacher training. We are hoping to keep in touch as a core group and expand our network to include more churches.

Jennifer Tong and Carolyn Chubb – SOCEM Board

Summer ESL Teachers Wanted at First Alliance

2008-05-11T16:43:00.003-05:00

If you have a heart to serve the Lord and to connect with immigrants then this is a great summer ministry for you. First Alliance Church will be conducting an 6-week summer ESL program beginning in July 2008. We are looking for 2 college/university students to teach. The student must be a follower of Jesus Christ and will have finished one year of college/university and expect to enter into another full year of college/university. This is a full-time ministry position with a stipend of $9.25/hr for a 40 hour work week. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Albert Lu at lu@firstalliancechurch.org or at 416-494-3269 x28. Deadline to apply is June 6^th.

Call to Prayer

2008-04-29T21:42:00.000-05:00

Please join us for a time of prayer for ESL ministries. We will be meeting at Toronto International Celebration Church (190 Railside Road near Lawrence and DVP) on Tuesday, May 6th from 7.30pm-9pm. See you there!

MAP

THE HOPE ESL CURRICULUM GUIDE

2008-04-09T09:05:00.005-05:00

The Hope is a top quality DVD covering the history of redemption with the subtitle: the story of God's promises for all people. Friends in Australia have developed an ESL curriculum CD ROM based on the DVD. We hope to have some copies soon, so check back often. In the meantime click on the resources tab on the hope website to see some excellent study guides.

Click here to see extracts from the ESL curriculum CD ROM.

ESL Easter Lessons

2008-03-13T16:18:00.002-05:00

Easter is less than two weeks away! Check out our "ESL Easter Lessons" link on the right. All the Easter resources have been contributed by those lovingly and diligently serving their students in churches.
If you have more ideas, we'd love to post them here too, so please tell us very soon what you do in your ESL classes at Easter! Others will benefit from your great ideas!

Enjoy this song that captures the joy of Easter!

Prayer Meeting

2008-02-29T18:14:00.002-05:00

Please join us for a time of prayer for ESL ministries. We will be meeting at Toronto International Celebration Church (190 Railside Road near Lawrence and DVP) on Tuesday, March 4th from 7.30pm-9pm. See you there!

MAP

Intercultural Network Canada

2008-02-20T21:02:00.002-05:00

Check out this informative service:
Intercultural Network Canada is dedicated to "helping you reach your
intercultural world". They offer tools, strategies, opportunities and tips at their
website. Click here to go to the site

Come to Pray

2007-12-31T10:41:00.000-05:00

Please join us for a time of prayer for ESL ministries. We will be meeting at Toronto International Celebration Church (190 Railside Road near Lawrence and DVP) on Tuesday, January 8th from 7.30pm-9pm. See you there!

MAP

A Note from The Canadian Bible Society

2007-12-28T17:02:00.000-05:00

"The Canadian Bible Society exists to promote and encourage, without doctrinal note or comment, the translation, publication, distribution and use of the Scriptures throughout Canada and Bermuda, and to co-operate with the United Bible Societies in its worldwide work. Around the world, more than 140 Bible societies work together to make the Scriptures available in the “heart language” of people everywhere. Here at home, we seek to partner with local churches, ministries, denominations, and other parachurch agencies to reach every person with the life-giving Word of God, and to encourage its use.

There are 16 districts across the country that are the service arms of the Canadian Bible Society. Central Ontario District encompasses churches from Mississauga to Trenton, including the Greater Toronto Area, and north to Owen Sound, Bracebridge and Bancroft. Our District Director is Dr. Jeff Loach, and he is passionate about partnering with churches and organizations that are at ground level where people are in need of the Scriptures. Jeff loves to teach foundational Bible seminars, preach in worship, as well as distribute the Scriptures. Contact him to make a booking.

Our Bible Store sells every English version as well as 120 different languages of Bibles. If you need a copy of the Scriptures, we can help. The store is at 10 Carnforth Road, one block west of the intersection of Victoria Park Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East in Toronto. To reach the store, call 416-701-1761, or email torstore@biblesociety.ca. To reach Dr. Loach, call 416-689-3436 or email jloach@biblesociety.ca. We look forward to helping you and yours grow deeply in God’s Word!

Bibles in the the following languages are available:

A Must See Video for Christmas

2007-12-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

Christmas Greetings from our President

2007-12-10T19:15:00.000-05:00

"The true light that gives light to every man was coming [has come!] into the world." Jn 1:9

Greetings this wonderful time of year!

May we wish you each and all the most blessed and merry Christmas this season, and may the truth and wonder of "the reason for the season" touch your hearts and those of your friends and students.

Let us remind you that there are many suggestions for ESL Christmas lessons here on our blog:

Tom McCormick

President, S. Ontario Cooperative of ESL Ministries

P.S. A little research re "Santa Claus" may be worth your while. The words Santa Claus originated as a mispronunciation of the Dutch Sinterklaas, which in turn is a contracted form of Sint Nicolaas (Saint Nicholas), who was a devout (4th century) Christian man famous for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting the three impoverished daughters of a pious Christian with dowries so that they would not have to become prostitutes. Reputedly he secretly tossed money from his inheritance through the window at night, it landing in the stocking of the father (hanging before the fire to dry).

Prayer

2007-12-01T18:55:00.000-05:00

Please join us for a time of prayer for ESL ministries. We will be meeting at Toronto International Celebration Church (190 Railside Road near Lawrence and DVP)on Tuesday, December 4th from 7.30pm-9pm. See you there!

MAP

Teacher Training Workshop

2007-11-14T20:10:00.000-05:00

ESL training will be available on December 1st, 2007, by experienced and qualified trainers for volunteers in church ESL ministry.
Please contact Mabel Wee at maywee@sympatico.ca or call 416 568 7833
For more details click here

Teacher Training Workshop

2007-11-08T13:39:00.001-05:00

Needs Assessment

2007-11-03T10:21:00.000-05:00

Click on the title above to go to a site that has some different needs assessment materials for different levels. It's rather good, and includes situation-specific goals especially in the intermediate levels...
You could use these to determine what your students need and expect from your ESL classes. Based on this knowledge you can choose and plan your lessons.

The link has also been added to our "More ESL Websites" link at the right.

Call to Prayer

2007-10-25T21:41:00.000-05:00

Please join us for a time of prayer for ESL ministries. We will be meeting at Toronto International Celebration Church (190 Railside Road near Lawrence and DVP)on Tuesday, November 6th from 7.30pm-9pm. See you there!

MAP

Job Fair At Don Valley Bible Chapel - Oct 20

2007-10-11T08:27:00.000-05:00

Click on the image to enlarge it

ESL Cooperative: Gathering IV

2007-09-15T10:27:00.000-05:00

October 13, 2007
Don Valley Bible Chapel
25 Axsmith Crescent, Willowdale, ON
M2J 3K2
Phone: 416- 491-6421

Greetings!
Many ESL programs have begun again this Fall. What wonderful opportunities we have! And what challenges. The 4th Gathering of the Southern Ontario Cooperative for ESL Ministries has been designed to equip you to serve more effectively in your Church-based ESL program, and to meet and encourage others who are engaged in similar programs. We welcome you to attend “Gathering IV”.

Click here to see a detailed program for this event. Please print the schedule, read it and bring it with you to the Gathering. Online registration is now closed. However, we will accept registration at the door, though we will not be able to guarantee workshop handouts/materials for those who register at the door.

Please note that the “Getting Started in Teaching ESL” workshop runs both morning and afternoon. If you choose this workshop, then you should not sign up for any other workshops. If you have already taken the Getting Started/Beginners' course, or are experienced in ESL teaching, then choose one workshop for the morning and one for the afternoon. Registering online and choosing your workshops now will assist us in assigning rooms for workshops and in making the correct number of handouts, etc.
We look forward to seeing you on October 13th.
Colin Brewster
for the Interim Executive Committee

Cost: Payable at the door – cash only please.
$10.00 for a full day that includes 2 practical workshops
$15.00 for a full day in our Getting Started in Teaching ESL Workshop (cost includes a copy of our “A Quick Start Guide to ESL Ministry” plus other handouts)
An optional lunch will be available for an additional $5.-

For a Map & Directions to Don Valley Bible Chapel

Use The Jesus Film to Teach English

2007-09-13T17:39:00.000-05:00

This is a fantastic resource for low beginner students. Take a look. Everything you need is provided: teachers guide, student handouts, plus lots more!
Just click the heading to go to the site.

Some Interesting English Pronunciation Links

2007-08-22T17:00:00.000-05:00

Pronunciation is important!
Here are some links to useful and interesting sites and documents that can help you help others with their English pronunciation:

http://international.ouc.bc.ca/pronunciation/
Includes complete Workbook and mp3 files for each unit to download.

don't miss this one...with x-ray video of the mouth

http://hctv.humnet.ucla.edu/departments/linguistics/VowelsandConsonants/index.html

http://hctv.humnet.ucla.edu/departments/linguistics/VowelsandConsonants/course/contents.html

http://hctv.humnet.ucla.edu/departments/linguistics/VowelsandConsonants/vowels/contents.html

http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/

http://pauillac.inria.fr/~xleroy/stuff/english-pronunciation.html

Jennifer's Free and nearly Free Summer Activities in the GTA

2007-07-05T16:56:00.000-05:00

THIS COMING WEEKEND (JULY 6-8)

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition - July 6-8, Nathan Phillip Square http://www.torontooutdoorart.org/index.aspx

Free fishing weekend - July 6-8, no licence required http://www.familyfishingweekend.com/Welcome.cfm

MUSEUMS

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) - free admission one and a half hours before closing each night (excluding special exhibitions); half priced admission for Friday nights (4:30-9:30 p.m.) (all exhibitions) http://www.rom.on.ca/index.php

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) - free admission Wednesday nights (6-9 p.m.) for permanent collection http://www.ago.net/navigation/flash/frameset.cfm

Bata Shoe Museum - free admission Thursdays 5-8 p.m. http://www.batashoemuseum.ca/

Textile Museum of Canada - Wednesday nights 5-8 p.m. Pay-what-you-can admission http://www.textilemuseum.ca/index.html

The Gardiner Museum (of Ceramics) - newly expanded in summer 2006, free admission Fridays 4-9 p.m., and all day on the first Friday of every month http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/abtmain.aspx?TopNavImage=0

GARDENS

The Gardens of Casa Loma - free access on some Mondays in July to October, and Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to dusk http://www.casaloma.org/Gardens/Dates/

Toronto Music Garden - with free concerts most Sundays (4 p.m.) and Thursdays (7 p.m.) http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/noflash/perfarts/musicgarden.php#performances

OTHERS

"Fresh Wednesdays", Nathan Phillip Square - Farmers' market and free concerts (noon-2 p.m. starting July 11) http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/wednesdays/index.htm

"Tasty Thursdays", Nathan Phillip Square - food sampling (small fee) and free concerts (noon-2 p.m. starting July 12) http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/thursdays/index.htm

Free Festivals at the Harbourfront Centre: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/wr/

The Beaches International Jazz Festival: http://www.beachesjazz.com/

For kids: http://www.kidsummer.com/index.asp

Printable e-coupons for discounted admission to a variety of places in Toronto and Ontario: http://www.attractionsontario.ca/index.cfm?DSP=Chapter&ID=19

Great Stuff! Thanks for sharing this with us Jennifer.

Gathering IV

2007-07-01T15:44:00.000-05:00

Warm summer greetings to all!

The executive committee of SOCEM (Southern Ontario Cooperative for ESL Ministries) has been at work through the spring and we are pleased to announce some preliminary details concerning our fourth gathering. Please mark October 13, 2007 on your calendar. Our location will be Don Valley Bible Chapel in the Don Mills/Finch area of Toronto. We will offer the all day "Starting Out in ESL Ministries" course for volunteers new to ESL ministry, a challenging keynote address and as always a wide variety of workshops both morning and afternoon for those more experienced in ESL ministry. It's going to be a great day of learning, fellowship and celebration of the Good News we have to share.
Stay tuned to the blog for more details about the Gathering IV program and how to register online. For now, mark your calendar!

Literacy and Evangelism International -Tutor Training Workshop

2007-06-29T14:53:00.001-05:00

WORKSHOP #29
Date:This Saturday, September 22nd. 9-4pm
Place: Ferndale Bible Church.

Peterborough, ON.

This training is to equip those interested in starting up an ESL ministry as well as those who are already involved in any kind of ESL outreach and would like to assist newcomers to Canada to adapt, survive and function better in their daily activities.

The methodologies of how to use Literacy and Evangelism International's curricula for ESL and literacy will be demonstrated. In addition, an explanation of the Rosetta Stone computer-assisted language learning resource is included.

For more information contact Mabel Wee at maywee@sympatico.ca

GTA West-End ESL Ministries Luncheon

2007-05-02T14:03:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, April 28^th, 21 people from 5 churches got together to share our ideas, questions and enthusiasm concerning ESL ministries. This mini-conference was hosted by High Park Baptist and attended by representatives from Knox Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Fellowship Chapel, Oasis Dufferin, and St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

We began our day by getting to know one another through a common ESL classroom exercise. After a time of worship we divided into small groups to discuss the different features of our various programs and to share successes and problems. This discussion was shaped by the following sentence completions:

1. Our ministry serves God by..

2. Our ministry serves our neighbours by …

3. Our students really enjoy …

4. Some challenging aspects of volunteering in this are..

5. Some problems with students are …

6. The most help we could get as volunteers would be…

After lunch, Marion Chang held a workshop on how to teach pronunciation incidentally during conversation. We heard two different speech samples from ESL learners. After listening through the samples several times, we discussed where and when we would correct, and what would be the best ways to provide feedback.

We closed our meeting with prayer following a list of prayer and praise items that had come out of our earlier discussion.

We thank God for His leading and encouragement throughout our time together. Many thanks are due to all participants for their great enthusiasm and willingness to share ideas. Thanks also to go to High Park teachers for hosting.

Fun for Advanced Students

2007-04-27T16:18:00.000-05:00

Try this out with your more advanced students...
My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned; I couldn’t concentrate.
Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn’t hack it, so they gave me the ax.
After that I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn’t suited for it.
Next, I tried working in a muffler factory but that was exhausting.
Next was a job in a shoe factory; I tried but I just didn’t fit in.
I became a professional fisherman, but discovered that I couldn’t live on my net income.
I managed to get a good job working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.
So then I got a job in a gym, but they said I wasn’t fit for the job.
I finally got a job as a historian until I realized there was no future in it.
SO I RETIRED, AND I FOUND I AM A PERFECT FIT FOR THE JOB

Spring Outing Suggestions

2007-04-25T10:20:00.000-05:00

Spring has Sprung!!

It's nice to see that temperatures are warming up and that the cold winter months have come to an end! Now it's the perfect time to celebrate new life with our ESL students.

The Toronto ESL Co-op has put together some valuable spring/summer trip suggestions for you. Did you ever consider taking your ESL students to Edwards Gardens in Toronto or the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington?? Or did you hear about the Summer Music Garden of Toronto? Many great spots offer ESL group tours which are worth checking out. These trips provide great cultural learning experiences and give more opportunities for relationship-building. Perhaps think of joining with the seniors group of your church for a garden trip. Alternatively, if you are interested, the ESL Co-op could organize a garden outing for several churches and their ESL students. Please let us know if you are interested by emailing us at: eslministries@gmail.com

Click HERE and take a look at the information and perhaps new ideas with 'spring' to mind'!!

Blessings,

Carolyn

Phrasal Verbs

2007-04-24T16:46:00.000-05:00

Hi ESL associates,

If you haven't noticed, one of the areas that many ESL students struggle in is "phrasal verbs". Here's an excellent site that captures some of the more often-used ones. (Just click on a letter in the alphabetical menu on the left of the web page and it will give you a list of phrasal verbs beginning with that letter) Hope you will find it a good place to start.

God bless.

C. Y.

Job Fair For Jobs at the ROM

2007-04-19T16:56:00.000-05:00

Let your students know about this.

Click on the image to see it full size

Holy Week ESL Lesson

2007-04-01T20:49:00.000-05:00

Here is an Easter lesson for intermediate and advanced students.

Tracy

Movie and Discussion

2007-04-01T20:44:00.000-05:00

In our ESL conversation group we watched and discussed the movie hosted by Larnelle Harris called "The Passion - The Last Days of Christ". (This is not the Mel Gibson movie.) It is part of The Visual Bible series with Bruce Marchiano playing Jesus. The video runs for 45 minutes. I wrote discussion questions and prepared information on the historical and cultural background to help my ESL students understand the context of the events. The movie divides the last days of Jesus into six parts - The Triumphant Entry, The Last Supper, The Garden, The Betrayal, The Crucifixion and The Resurrection. I played each section and then stopped the tape to discuss what had happened. Please see the two page handout with all the discussion questions.

In addition, as an ESL group we will attend the Easter Drama and Music Production at our church.

- Carolyn

A Call To Prayer!

2007-03-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

Please join us for a time of prayer for ESL ministries. We will be meeting at Toronto International Celebration Church on Tuesday, April 3rd and again a month later on Tuesday, May 1st from 7.30pm-9pm. See you there!

An Idea for Presenting the True meaning of Easter to ESL Students

2007-03-19T22:06:00.000-05:00

Resurrection Eggs!

For many years now I have used the commercially made 'dozen eggs' children's tool to teach the Easter Story to my students.

Each of the 12 'egg' cups in the egg carton contains a small symbol from the Biblical account eg. a stone to represent the stone rolled over the tomb; a wine cup; a piece of rope, etc. All these are presented in a certain order and can be used with or without the reading of the appropriate scripture, depending on the group you are teaching.

These kits can be made at home or purchased at a Christian bookstore, costing between $15.to $20. Blessings carries these Ressurection Eggs and I'm sure Mitchell's does too.

Sylvia
Oshawa and Ajax ESL teacher

For more details see links below:
http://www.christian-homemaking.com/resurrectioneggs.html

http://www.rainbowcastle.org/resurrectioneggs.html

Do your students have English-speaking friends?

2007-03-17T21:26:00.000-05:00

During a trip to Stratford, while were strolling downtown, we came across a company of three: a Canadian woman, a Chinese woman and her son in his early teens. They had come together in a car and obviously the Canadian woman was showing her Chinese friends around this cultured town. The Canadian woman was explaining things (including English usage and the nativity story) as they went into Ten Thousand Villages where we were. I was deeply moved, and wished that we could see more of this friendship happening between our ESL students and established members of our society.

Here is a link to a community program already in place where Canadians can volunteer to befriend newcomers by meeting together once or twice a week, just to talk, go places and help with practical needs:

http://www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?faq_id=4000522

This host program does not involve money or living arrangements but simply aims to provide emotional and social support to newcomers to Canada, which can make a huge difference in their early days (up to the first year) in this new country.

As ESL teachers, here is what I think we can do:

a) We can point students to the existence of this and similar programs and encourage participation.

b) We can initiate friendship-building opportunities in our churches where there is a mix of newcomers and Canadians.

c) And, just as important, we can keep stressing to our students the importance of new, cross-cultural friendships outside the classroom, which will not only help them immensely in their language learning but will also benefit them in their settlement process, and enrich them personally for the long term.

- Jennifer

Just an Idea

2007-03-13T15:43:00.000-05:00

Hi ESL Associates,

Have you ever considered taking your students to the Toronto Passion Play?

http://www.torontopassionplay.com/performances.htm

Just an idea. God bless.
-C.Y.

Share your great Easter ideas

2007-03-11T21:43:00.000-05:00

The Lenten season is well on its way and Easter is getting very close. We'd like to invite you to share your great Easter ideas with other churches. Some are just starting out in ESL ministry and others are in need of fresh ideas at this time. Let's gather our resources together and learn more about effectively ministering for His Glory!

Let us know .....

What programs do you run for your ESL students at Easter?

What class activities do you do to explain the Easter story to your ESL students?

What materials do you use? Could you attach a copy of the handouts you use?

If you agree, we'll share your ideas with others in order to help those proclaim Life-giving messages of our Lord and Saviour this season. Please send your emailed responses to: eslministries@gmail.com

Thanks for your interest and for sending your ideas! May God richly bless you this Easter season.

ESL Co-op

Job Fair

2007-03-01T14:38:00.000-05:00

Pass on to your students:

Christian ESL training course

2007-02-14T19:21:00.000-05:00

This Saturday at Inniswood Baptist Church in Snowbelt BARRIE, from 9:30-12:30, Feb. 17th

Will be the second available time for Christian ESL training.

Interested in ESL?

Interested in getting involved with immigrants and refugees?

Interested in home missions?

Interested in cross-cultural ministry?

Interested in overseas missions?

Interested in being a part of the harvest?

Here is an opportunity to wet your taste buds for cross-cultural ministry.

There will be two new speakers coming in:

Tom McCormick, SIM missions, will be discussing cross-cultural ministries, as well as the Southern Ontario Cooperative ESL ministry. Covering how a church can have accountability and support in the ministry. And how do we get started?

Nancy Thompson, ESL teacher at Base Borden, will be giving a lecture on grammar, sentence structure, and correlation between first language speakers and ESL learners.

Come and learn with us, as we prepare to serve God in this way!

A Call To Prayer!

2007-01-30T23:13:00.000-05:00

Please join us for a time of prayer for ESL ministries. We will be meeting at Toronto International Celebration Church on Tuesday, Feb. 6th. and again a month later on Tuesday, March 5th from 7.30pm-9pm. See you there!

Upcoming Training Workshop

2007-01-26T21:18:00.000-05:00

Reaching the Nations through ESL

Ministers Mabel Wee and Paul Terry Robinson

Next Training Workshop: Saturday, February 17^th, 2007, 9am-4pm

Matt. 28:18-20

Mabel and Paul Terry are co-labourers and co-ordinators of the Hope For Toronto-English Language Ministry, (HFT-ELM) a non-profit organization. Their base is the Toronto International Celebration Church (TICC), 190 Railside Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3A-1A3. They are graduates of Tyndale Seminary and Bible College. They also graduated from Literacy and Evangelism International’s (LEI) 2003 Summer Training Institute in Tulsa, OK. USA. They are LEI’s Associates, authorized to train teachers, lay-people, Christian workers and church-leaders to teach Literacy as well as English as a Second Language (ESL). Their tool is a uniquely-proven and complete, bible-based curriculum and methodology. Text-books, work-books and tapes are available.

Outreach for Mabel and Paul Terry is through spearheading one-day, seven-hour, training conferences. They walk the participants through a chapter of the ESL as well as the Literacy Curricula. A simple, seven-step Methodology is demonstrated with student, models. A Manual, (more than 200 pages) enabling the participants to launch into immediate ministry, is provided at the training. The fee for whole-day training is $45.00.

Participants need NOT be qualified nor experienced teachers. They just have to be able to speak English better than their students. ALL with hearts of compassion for SOULS are the best candidates. Mabel and Paul have trained four hundred teachers, representing fifty churches and 61 nations. Eleven churches have partnered with them. Their training spans Ontario and South-East Asia. This curriculum has been introduced in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Ghana; Brazil and Malaysia. Thailand and Europe will be next.

One church where they taught has grown to one hundred and fifty ESL students with thirty youths in their outreach program and 5 Sunday-school classes. More than 50 have been water-baptized. Their aim is to equip Christian workers and churches with a complete package by sharing skills needed to initiate, organize and grow a fruitful ministry in their community. This is a hands-on, step-by-step coaching from preparation to the start and maintenance of a new ESL ministry. On-going and struggling ESL ministries are strengthened by their sharing on “Do’s and Don’ts”, Cultural-Ethnic sensitivities and Leadership skills. Those interested please contact: maywee@sympatico.ca OR 416 568 7833 Mabel.

A Breakthrough for English in Europe?

2007-01-26T21:16:00.000-05:00

*The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.**

**As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5- year phase-in plan that would become known as "Euro-English".

In the first year, "s" will replace the soft "c". Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard "c" will be dropped in favour of "k". This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter. There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome "ph" will be replaced with "f". This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.**

**In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling** **kan** be expekted to reach the stage where! more komplikated changes are possible.

Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.**

**Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent "e" in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away.**

**By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing "th" with "z" and "w" with "v".**

**During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary "o"** **kan** be dropd from vords**kontaining "ou" and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensi** **bl riten styl.**

**Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru.**

**Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in ze forst plas.**

**If zis mad you smil, pleas pas on to oza pepl.*

A Report from ESL Ministries in Kitchener - Waterloo

2007-01-26T21:15:00.000-05:00

The KW regional gathering started with two of us who shared the task of phoning area churches and ministries to enquire if they had anyone interested in ESL ministry whom we could use as a contact person by email. We sent an email to introduce ourselves (using BCC for privacy) to all of our collected contacts (about 25) and heard back from 16 of them. We advertised the Fall SOCEM Gathering and had one person join us on the trip to Toronto and back. The trip itself proved to be a good opportunity to do some brainstorming and planning. Now we were 3!

We decided to try to hold a meeting so we chose a Monday evening in November and invited people. The only ones who could come were the three of us. We let it go for that time. In December, we decided it would be nice to meet in early January, so again we invited people for a time of discussion (with dessert and coffee thrown in), but this time gave a choice of 9 days/times to choose from. We ended up with a Monday evening with 7 of us present. There was a good mix of experienced and new people and of various church traditions.

We introduced ourselves and our ministries and talked through some ideas concerning the purpose of a KW ESL ministry group. We were able to share many ideas about opportunities in the KW area and how various ministries have met various needs. All appreciated the benefit of a cooperative effort in ESL. Certainly we need to be aware of each other's ministries and offer mutual encouragement. We decided not to meet very often but did set a date to meet again in April, hoping that more people could join us then.

Carol, Betty, and Bev

Sites for training short-term cross-cultural workers

2007-01-03T13:09:00.000-05:00

An open letter to the members of the Southern Ontario ESL Ministries Coop:

As you may be aware many short term missions are focused on teaching English as a foreign language. (Just check out the report from the Czech republic on this blogspot.)There is a demand for training venues before those short-term teams begin their overseas assignments. Are there any programs who would be willing to serve as practice teaching sites? Details of how this would work out can be negotiated.

As world Christians this would be an opportunity to participate in God's global plan. A little experience makes a big difference.

Please reply to Anita Cassidy: anitacassidy@sympatico.ca

In Christ,

Marion Chang

Directory of Church based ESL Classes

2006-12-14T23:55:00.000-05:00

We would like to have a directory of Church based ESL Classes on this site. Please email us information about your Church ESL classes or a link to your church website that includes the information.

Update: Bill 124 - Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act

2006-12-13T13:55:00.000-05:00

A note from Darcy MacCallum who presented this matter to us at Gathering III:

Great News: Bill 124, the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, has passed! Thank you for your help in promoting this significant piece of legislation. It is an important (and landmark) step toward facilitating the smooth entry of newcomers into the professional workplace.

ESL Christmas Lessons

2006-12-11T23:47:00.000-05:00

Click here or on the link to the left to access our page devoted to ESL Christmas Lessons

WHAT DOES YOUR ESL PROGRAM DO FOR CHRISTMAS?

2006-12-06T16:45:00.000-05:00

Season's Greetings!

We've received some wonderful ESL Christmas ideas. THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO RESPONDED!! Make sure you read over all the great ideas to see how various churches are celebrating with their ESL learners. We are still in need of more ideas so hurry to send them in. We want to share even more of those great Christmas ideas!!

Here’s what Foothills Alliance Church is doing:
(thank you Patti Love, Pastor of Intercultural Ministries for submitting this)

Each class is holding its own Christmas celebration, depending on the sense of community that has developed in that class over this semester.
For example, one of the classes is holding a potluck supper at the home of the teacher.
Another class is having a potluck lunch on their last day of class.
Another ESL class is having a party in class with Christmas baking and an explanation of popular Christmas traditions.
A fourth ESL class is having a traditional turkey dinner the week before Christmas in the home of one of the teachers.

All the learners in ESL classes have been invited to attend the church Christmas Drama production. Free tickets have been brought to the classrooms for distribution. As well, an ESL-sensitive summary of the story line of the Christmas Drama has been written and distributed, including a scene-by-scene description of the story development.
The ESL class members have been encouraged to view the Christmas Drama as a large listening comprehension exercise.
Next year we hope to plan an after-production dessert party to assist in debriefing the ESL attenders of the Christmas Drama production..

A special class called "Christmas in Canada" has been planned for two Sundays early in December. This class has been advertised in the community as an informative time that will include questions and answers about common Christmas traditions, a presentation about the historical origins of Christmas, explanation and singing of Christmas Carols, and a social time including traditional Christmas desserts and beverages. Community immigrants who choose to attend one or both of these classes will be invited to begin attending the same class in January when a series of classes has been planned around the life of Jesus.

And another church in the Calgary area writes:

For Christmas this year, we have rented a bus and have invited all ESL students, teachers and helpers and their families to meet at our church at 6:30PM on December 15/06 to take a tour of Christmas lights in Calgary and Airdrie (wherever the tour takes us). We will come back to the church at 9:30PM for hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and have a Christmas carol sing.

From others...

We have planned a Christmas party at a teacher's house. At that time we have a potluck dinner, and do one ice-breaker such as 'Find someone who..." or a Christmas scavenger hunt where people go through the house and find 'a star', 'an angel', a 'nativity scene', etc. We give out little prizes for those who finish. After eating we will sing Christmas carols around the piano and give small gifts such as bibles in the person's first language, or CDs of Christian music, or writing paper with a Christmas theme.

We have planned to celebrate Christmas for two weeks this December. On our first class ESL learners will study and discuss passages from Luke 2 and Matthew 2. After the discussion learners will sing Silent Night. On the second class we’ve planned to discuss Christmas symbols by bringing visuals and objects to class. Afterwards we will enjoy desserts and hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols.

Czeching-in

2006-12-04T17:26:00.000-05:00

At Gathering III we had prayed for two of the participants, Len and Russ, who were going to be involved in an evangelistic English Weekend in the Czech Republic. Below is a brief report of that event:
Thank you for your prayers regarding the evangelistic english family weekend November 16-19,2006. There were 180 people altogether over this weekend. In the mornings there were english lessons for all the adults, teens, and children. In the afternoons there was free time. After the evening meal, we had our evangelistic program. The various English conversation topics discussed during the morning classes provided the foundation for the evening speaker's evangelistic message. After the evening program, the adults continued their conversations around tables with their teachers and there were many excellent discussions.

We praise God:

1. that He provided all the necessary adult and children's english teachers necessary for the November weekend .
2. for the unity amongst a variety of nationalities and denominations. All came to serve and be used by God. Denominational and organizational barriers did not exist.
3. for the multiple opportunities the teachers had to share their faith with their students in a spiritually safe and friendly environment. Conversations lasted late into the evenings as spiritual interest grew, and people posed deep probing questions.

At this moment, there are several key areas for which we would ask you to pray along with us:

1. Czech church. This event was very large with a total of 180 people. The church itself has only 40 members, so it can be easily overwhelmed with so many. For some, this size of event would only occur at a national conference … not something an individual church could do. Please pray for ongoing courage for the Czech believers to continue to open their lives and hearts to the many non-Christians.
2. English Christmas program December 17. This is an annual family event which usually has a good attendance. This will be the first time the church has been involved with a specific Christmas program for non-Christians. Pray along with us that the Czech believers would catch the vision to continue to develop ongoing relationships with the many families who will be there.

Let's Praise the Lord for answered prayer and keep these additional items before the Lord.

Upcoming Prayer Meetings for ESL Ministries

2006-11-19T22:13:00.000-05:00

Please make a note of the following dates and times: Dec 5th and Jan 9th @ 7:30-9:00pm
We welcome all to join us for prayer at TICC. See events calendar at the right for location and map.

Prayer items will be listed as and when they come up, please check regularly.

2006-11-16T16:46:00.000-05:00

Paul and Mabel were at Nicole Graham's The English Centre book store last evening and took in a brief presentation by English author of "Just Right" grammar series, Jeremy Harmer. He spoke about helping students to learn and remember using:
Repetition, Retrieval and use, Cognitive contact, Arousal and affect, the "cuddle" factor and a word list for pronunciation, speaking and language research.

The English Centre's info is: info@theenglishcentre.ca Tel. 416 850 0833.

Read This!

2006-10-07T17:59:00.000-05:00

Here is Greg Thomson's follow up to his article on the Socio-cultural Dimension of Language Learning. It's called An Introduction to the Redemptive Dimension of Language Learning
You can also access it by clicking on it in the Links to the right of the screen.

Connecting our Students with Other Christian Resources

2006-09-15T19:27:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel you are out of your depth and wish there was someone more qualified to advise one of your students on a particular matter? Click this link to go to the Christian Sourcebook site Christian Resources

Teaching English the Cooperative Way

2006-09-02T11:45:00.000-05:00

Click here to read an article that appeared in the summer edition of Faith Today. It features Madeline Johnson from Calgary, our keynote speaker at Gathering I last January, and also mentions our emerging cooperative in Southern Ontario.

ESL Students Fall Behind

2006-09-02T11:33:00.000-05:00

Click here to read an interesting article from the Vancouver Sun that focuses on the challenge of helping ESL high school students succeed. Thanks for the link Sandy!

ESL Ministries Prayer Meeting

2006-08-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

As you can see from this photo of our last prayer meeting we have room to grow, so please join us!
Date: Tue, Sep 5th
Time: 7:30 - 9:00

Location: Toronto International Celebration Church
109 Railside Road, Toronto, Ontario

Prayer for ESL Ministries in Southern Ontario.
Come and share your prayer requests.

Click here for map and details.

NEW! Events Calendar

2006-08-23T21:51:00.000-05:00

Click here or on the link at the right to access our events calendar. Check this link frequently to keep posted on all our activities.

An Introduction to the Socio-cultural Dimension of Language Learning

2006-07-16T23:23:00.000-05:00

Click here or click the link on the right to read this fascinating article.

TWO WAYS TO LIVE

2006-07-06T08:01:00.000-05:00

From January to March at our church, Leaside Bible Chapel, we ran a course similar to Alpha called, "Christianity Explored". It follows a similar format to Alpha but the discussions center around a walk through the Gospel of Mark. Rico Tice of All Souls Church in London, UK introduces the discussions on DVD. It's an excellent course. Here is a powerpoint presentation of the way CE teaches facilitators to present the Gospel Message to interested friends. You can check it out here. It is suitable for people from all backgrounds, and of course you can adapt it by using your own stick figures to share the Gospel with someone on the spot.

Why Pronunciation Matters!

2006-06-28T21:56:00.000-05:00


The German Coast Guard.

ESL Gathering II

2006-06-27T14:18:00.000-05:00

Welcome to those of you who attended the wonderful ESL Gathering at APC last Saturday. It was a full day and I'm sure many felt overwhelmed by all the information; however, what an encouragement it was to meet so many like-minded, committed, and enthusiastic brothers and sisters!
Surely, the Lord was pleased by such a solid display of unity among believers and by the common passion of all to share the love of Christ through practical and caring language instruction.

For those who were not in the Beginners' Track but still wish to have a set of the Conversation Guides we distributed on CD, click here or on the ESL Conversation Guides link on this site to download all the files that are on the CD.

Click on comments below to add ideas, thoughts and questions. Let's make this a place of dialogue for people in ESL Ministry.