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 as a New Language (ENL).
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/ENL 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.
Description: This group class is intended for adult beginning level ELL students who are literate in reading and writing in at least one other language, and who have at least some formal education in their first language.
Instruction will include skill development in reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as survival English. ELL students that have some basic English skills (such as knowing the English alphabet, greetings, asking/answering simple questions) may benefit from continuing to practice and grow these skills, alongside additional thematic units.
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays
September 19 - December 14
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Maxine McGowan
How to Register: Contact Raquel Aronhime via email or call 802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: September 13
To register after the deadline, please contact Raquel
Description: This group class is intended for adult beginning level ELL students who are literate in reading and writing in at least one other language, and who have at least some formal education in their first language.
Instruction will include skill development in reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as survival English. ELL students that have some basic English skills (such as knowing the English alphabet, greetings, asking/answering simple questions) may benefit from continuing to practice and grow these skills, alongside additional thematic units.
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays
September 19 - December 14
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Maxine McGowan
How to Register: Contact Raquel Aronhime via email or call 802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: September 13
To register after the deadline, please contact Raquel
Description: This group class is intended for adult beginning level ELL students who have not had literacy instruction in English, and 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 also focus on survival English literacy skills such as studying the letter names and sounds in English, reading street signs, greetings and asking/answering simple questions.
Date: Mondays and Wednesdays
September 20 - December 13
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Veronika Bernicke
How to Register: Contact Raquel Aronhime via email or call 802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: September 13
To register after this date, please contact Raquel
Come and improve your English conversation skills in this fun and engaging class that will focus on oral communication.
Date: Mondays, September 18 - December 11
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Melissa Lang
Registration Deadline: September 13
How to Register: Contact Raquel Aronhime via email or call 802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: September 13
To register after this date, please contact Raquel
Description: Adult learners are matched with skilled, trained tutors one-on-one to improve their ELL learning. Each student is provided with an individualized educational support plan.
Note: This is not a drop-in program. Each student is matched with their own tutor and commits to meeting weekly at the same time and on the same day.
Upon agreement with student, staff and tutor, students choose a 1.5 hour session within the time slots listed:
Dates:
Tuesdays, September 19 - December 12, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesdays, September 20 - December 13, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursdays, September 21 - December 14, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
How to Register: Please contact Raquel Aronhime at 802-846-7162 or Melissa Lang at 802-846-7084
Instructors: Melissa Lang, Veronica Bernicke and Tutors
Registration Deadline: We maintain an active waiting list and new students can be accommodated as spots open up.
“I believe I can do it now. I can read. I can really read [English].”
— Lam, a two-year tutoring participant