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English Language Learning (ELL)
English Language Learning (ELL)
A welcoming community for English instruction
Mercy Connections provides a variety of opportunities for adults seeking to learn English language learning (ELL).
A Safe Learning Environment
A prerequisite for learning is safety. Former refugees and asylum-seekers often have experienced war, trauma, and long difficult journeys. Along with English language acquisition, many of our ELL students are working toward economic independence, stable housing and transportation, and access to other resources. Tutors, teachers, and staff at Mercy Connections are committed to offering kindness and respect for all who come for services.
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 17-December 12
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm (note: there is also an evening class available on Wednesdays, see the Wednesday selection for more info)
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Veronica Bernicke
Description: This group class is intended for adult beginning level ELL students for whom English is a new language. The class will include instruction in the four main skill areas of ELL development: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Instruction will focus on survival English skills, studying the letter names and sounds in English, greetings, introducing oneself, asking/answering simple questions and basic conversation skills.
How to Register: Contact Veronica or Raquel
Veronica Bernicke
vbernicke@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7084
Raquel Aronhime
raronhime@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: September 11 - Please contact Raquel to register after the deadline
Date: Wednesdays, September 17-December 12
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm (note: there is also an afternoon class on Tuesday/Thursdays, see that selection for more info)
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Maxine McGowan
Description: This group class is intended for adult beginning level ELL students for whom English is a new language. The class will include instruction in the four main skill areas of ELL development: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Instruction will focus on survival English skills, studying the letter names and sounds in English, greetings, introducing oneself, asking/answering simple questions and basic conversation skills.
How to Register: Contact Veronica or Raquel
Veronica Bernicke
vbernicke@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7084
Raquel Aronhime
raronhime@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: September 11 - Please contact Raquel to register after the deadline
Date: Mondays and Wednesdays, September 16-December 11
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Maxine McGowan
Description: This group class is intended for adult beginning level ELL students who already have some basic English language skills, and have mastered our Beginning English Level 1 skills course.
Instruction in Beginning Level II will include increasingly complex reading, writing, listening and speaking skills that facilitate communication throughout the community. For example, students will study vocabulary in thematic units to describe family relationships, search for apartments, understand utilities, describe their occupation, etc.
How to Register: Contact Veronica or Raquel
Veronica Bernicke
vbernicke@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7084
Raquel Aronhime
raronhime@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: September 11 - Please contact Raquel to register after the deadline
Date: Wednesdays, September 18 - December 11
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Veronica Bernicke
Description: This class aims to improve pronunciation and comprehension skills through the practice of individual sounds (phonemes) and basic phonics drills. Students will use tongue twisters, call and response, and articulation exercises to target vowel sounds and common pronunciation challenges. Students are encouraged to share obstacles to production and comprehension to work on in class.
This class is appropriate for all levels of student and can help beginning students build a strong foundation for further learning.
How to Register: Contact Veronica or Raquel
Veronica Bernicke
vbernicke@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7084
Raquel Aronhime
raronhime@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7162
Date: Wednesdays, September 18 - December 11
Time: 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Veronica Bernicke
Description: Intermediate-level English speakers may join this group for a fun and engaging class. Activities will focus on oral communication, learning about the U.S. and cross-cultural exploration.
How to Register: Contact Veronica or Raquel
Veronica Bernicke
vbernicke@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7084
Raquel Aronhime
raronhime@mercyconnections.org
802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: September 11
Date: Wednesdays, September 18 - December 11
Time: 3:00 pm-4:30 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Melissa Lang & Peter Burns
Description: This class is intended for intermediate to advanced level English Language Learners. Students will read “The Eyes and the Impossible,” by renowned author, Dave Eggers. In this award-winning fictional novel, a free dog named Johannes whose job is to report the daily activities of a park to a “Council of Bison.”
Described as “a timeless story for all ages,” this is a tale filled with humor and unforgettable personalities.
In class, students will discuss the book’s themes which include friendship, survival, teamwork, freedom, the power of art, and the importance of one’s chosen family. Students will also practice skills to increase their abilities as readers and writers. Everyone will be expected to read 20–25 pages for homework each week. A brief reading and writing assessment is required for enrollment.
Books are generously provided free of charge, thanks to Vermont Humanities.
How to Register: Contact Melissa by email, or call 802-846-7084
Registration Deadline: September 11
Date: Mondays, October 21-December 09
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Maxine McGowan & Jacob Cribbs
Description: This is a student-centered class that introduces topics related to starting a business in
Vermont. It is designed for intermediate-to-advanced level English Language Learners.
Each class will include vocabulary instruction and examples of cultural practices essential for exploring entrepreneurship. Students will have opportunities to practice open conversations and learn directly from business owners.
How to Register: All students will need to be assessed for level of English prior to enrolling. Contact Raquel by email, or call 802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: October 14
“You can give me a million dollars and I will spend it all. But advice and knowledge is something I can keep for my entire life.”
— Kongwa, U.S. Citizenship Preparation Student