[NIFL-ESL:10927] adult refugees

From: Dottie (dottie@shattuck.net)
Date: Mon Jun 13 2005 - 17:51:41 EDT


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From: "Dottie" <dottie@shattuck.net>
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Subject: [NIFL-ESL:10927] adult refugees
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Do any of you work ONLY with adult refugees?
I recently began teaching for a refugee resettlement program.  Of course 
I've taught refugees before but they were part of a bigger program 
w/immigrants.

My program is very small (about 30 students/clients total, so far).  I have 
funding for only 14 class hours per week & must cover 3 levels (Literacy; 
Beginners/High Beginners; and Intermediates/High Intermediates) and 2 job 
shifts.  I've scheduled Literacy (1 hr) 3x weekly at noon (2nd shift folks); 
Beg. (1.5 hr) 2 afternoons; Level 2 (2 hrs/1x wk. for 2nd shift); and 1 hr. 
sessions for each level 2 nights/wk.

The previous teacher used Longman's Workplace Plus series.  I'm finding that 
series not very useful -- Book 1 is too difficult in the early chapters for 
the literate Beginners.  I also have senior citizen Beginners for whom the 
book is irrelevant; we're hoping to get $$ soon for a citizenship class for 
them.

I never know who nor how many will show up for a class session.  I also 
never know when new arrivals will be available -- class time takes a back 
seat to DSS appts. and/or employment assessment/drug testing/interviews. 
Most of the refugees go to work within 2-3 weeks of arrival, regardless of 
English skills.  They can then attend classes before or after work.

Anyone have a "MUST HAVE" list of topics to teach the new arrivals?
I've tried to get everyone through Personal Info; Numbers; Money; Time 
(clock & calendar) & How to Call 9-1-1.  Other suggestions?

I've been teaching adult ESL for nearly 20 yrs., but this juggling act is a 
new game for me.  Any suggestions?  PLEASE!

Thanks for any help!

Dottie Shattuck
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)
Charlotte, NC 



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