Literacy Volunteers of America, Essex & Passaic Counties, NJ Inc.

June 2023

Volume 11, Issue 6

The Insider

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The Insider, the monthly newsletter of LVA, Essex & Passaic Counties, will keep you in the loop on all of the organization’s upcoming events.

Todd Evans, Director of Professional Development at ProLiteracy, presented "From Dialogs to Role Plays: Developing Conversation Skills with ESL Students." He shared strategies to write dialogs with tutors how to teach the associated vocabulary and language structures and more. Thank you!

Literacy Volunteers of America Essex & Passaic Counties

90 Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
(973) 566-6200, ext. 217 or 225

195 Gregory Avenue, 2nd Floor, Passaic, NJ 07055
(973) 470-0039

Cristhian Barcelos      -Executive Director
                                           [email protected]
Jorge Chavez               -Data Processing Coordinator
[email protected]
Valeria Garrido    -Social Media & Newsletter Coordinator
[email protected]
Marisol Ramirez          -Student Coordinator
[email protected]

Greetings LVA family!

As spring winds down and we enter the summer season, many students and tutors take a well-deserved break while others continue forging a lifelong learning path. There is no more quintessential American tradition than the Fourth of July barbecue, and our newer students who have immigrated more recently may be wondering what it’s all about.

“Early in our republic, Independence Day was often the biggest community festival of the year. Barbecue, which had developed as a fusion cuisine by the late 1600s, became the ultimate party food during the later period when Fourth of July celebrations gained civic and social momentum. The two have been linked up ever since.” Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging, and learning about these things can be a great bridge. Read more about it here: https://bit.ly/3CvCgfG

While we typically do not hold Tutor Workshops during the summer months, we wanted to share with you a great, free resource from LINCS, with an array of on-demand courses you can sign-up for and watch at your leisure. We highlighted a specific one, focused on the principles and practices of teaching adult ESL students.

Now, you know, students, volunteers, tutors, and teachers are all part of what makes this organization able to impact the community. So, we could not miss on highlighting the journey of Rosita, a student from Honduras who has been with LVA for six months and is looking forward to accessing higher education as she improves her English, and the story of our Board Trustee, Mariella, who started in her path learning English with LVA and is now a Case Manager with a master’s in social work. For those who were unable to access literacy skills or are new to the language, learning English truly opens doors. Thank you to all who help make this possible

In the News

To view the following stories, copy and paste the highlighted website into an internet search bar.

'English,' a play about Iranian students learning English wins 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. New York Theatre Guide. https://bit.ly/englishpulitzer2023

“Research must guide how we teach English learners to read.” EdSource. https://bit.ly/43veNqF

“5 scientific methods to master a new language” Study International. https://bit.ly/3N1ZLU0

Rosita, from Honduras, has studied been studying English for about six months, and is looking forward to accessing higher education as her language skills improve.

Tutor Training Workshops

Online Training, by TBD
Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ)
Tuesdays, 6 - 8:15 pm
August 8, 15, 22, 29, September 5, & 12, 2023

Online Training, by TBD
Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ)
Wednesdays, 6 - 8 pm
September 6, 13, 20, 27, October 4, & 11, 2023

Tutor Support Resources

"Teaching Adult English Learners:
Principles and Practices"
On-Demand Online Course
Platform: Lincs (login or create a free account)
Copy and paste this link into your favorite browser to access this free course: https://bit.ly/43unxO0

Coffee Hour with Tutors

with Catherine Angus

Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 4:30pm (General meeting)
Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 4:30pm (Themed meeting)

http://www.lvaep.org/workshops.html

Getting to Know Us
Rosa, LVA student
by Valeria Garrido

In a small classroom at Literacy Volunteers of America, Rosita Guerra, an immigrant from Honduras, sat among a diverse group of English learners, each on a unique journey. Despite the language barriers, Rosita's determination and resilience shone through as she shared her inspiring story of growth and empowerment.

About a year ago, Rosita embarked on a challenging journey to the United States, enduring cold, hunger, and persecution during the arduous 15-day trip. She successfully reached the border migration-center with unwavering determination and was eventually reunited with her relatives.

Enrolling in an English class at LVA became crucial for her personal and professional development as she recognized English’s key role in her future. Over the past six months, Rosita has diligently improved her English skills and wants to focus more on grammar as she struggles with the differences in structure from Spanish to English. Despite the challenges, she takes pride in her progress and seeks to master the art of constructing better sentences.

Rosita's educational journey in Honduras was cut short after high school, but she carries immense pride in that accomplishment, which required her parents' unwavering support and sacrifices. Now, she aspires to pursue higher education in the United States, aiming to create a brighter future for herself and her family in Honduras.

She has faced setbacks throughout her life, including her father's accident resulting in his foot amputation when she was 12. This meant the entire family had to pitch in as the main breadwinner was incapacitated.

While she recognizes there is much more to learn, improving her English has helped Rosita feel more confident. She highlights her experience of discrimination due to her limited English skills.

Looking ahead, Rosita remains committed to working hard and pursuing her dreams. She advises fellow English language learners never to give up and to face life's challenges with determination and perseverance.

Through her tenacity and the support of organizations like Literacy Volunteers of America, Rosita has embraced the opportunity to learn English, opening doors to new horizons and empowering herself to navigate her journey in the United States with confidence and hope.

Literacy opens a wide door to life. Help us keep that door open with your donation!

Thanks in large part to you, we are able to aid hundreds of students each year. Please continue your efforts to improve the lives of others by giving the gift of literacy. You can contribute by mailing us a check or through our website @:

http://www.lvaep.org/donate.html

The Secrets of Learning a New Language

TED Salon: Brightline Initiative

Original TED Talk by Lýdia Machová, January 9, 2019
Recently featured in the TED Radio Hour
Written by: Valeria Garrido Bisceglia

Lýdia Machová's TED Salon: Brightline Initiative talk on "The secrets of learning a new language" is a powerful resource for language learners and ESL teachers. As a renowned polyglot, Machová shares valuable insights and practical strategies that can revolutionize language acquisition.

Machová emphasizes the value of active engagement and immersion. She challenges the notion that traditional classroom learning is most effective and suggests embracing authentic materials and conversing with native speakers. Immersion not only enhances language skills but also nurtures an appreciation for the culture behind the language.

Effective learning habits and routines are crucial, according to Machová. Consistency and daily practice, even for a few minutes, yield better results than sporadic cramming. Setting specific and achievable goals provides direction and motivation throughout the learning journey.

Machová's talk reminds us that language learning is a personal journey. Her insights empower learners to take control and celebrate small victories. For ESL teachers, she offers guidance on creating an immersive learning environment that nurtures intrinsic motivation and active participation.

By embracing these principles, learners, and teachers can embark on a transformative journey, fostering language fluency, cultural appreciation, and human connection.

For the TED Talk, paste the following link into your favorite web browser address bar: https://bit.ly/42uJTh2

Student Resources

Learning a new culture is more than studying a language. Tutoring is more than learning techniques. Our “Resources” webpage covers everything from legal matters, health care, & scholarships for immigrants, to professional development for tutors. Give us a look @: http://www.lvaep.org/students.html

Getting to Know Us
Mariella Andrade, Former Student and LVA Board Trustee
by Valeria Garrido

Mariella Andrade’s journey from Riobamba, Ecuador to the United States was fueled by hope and the desire for a brighter future. She arrived two decades ago, leaving behind her aspirations of becoming a social worker, as her father had insisted on her becoming a lawyer.

Settling in Chicago in a study program, Mariella encountered the formidable obstacle of the English language. Overwhelmed by her struggles, she temporarily abandoned her studies, believing she could never conquer this linguistic barrier. But the fire within her, fueled by a desire for personal growth, remained unquenched.

In her search for knowledge and intellectual fulfillment, Mariella found solace in the Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) after moving to New Jersey. There, she met Judy Tabs, her tutor, and invaluable friend. Recognizing Mariella's potential, Ms. Tabs provided unwavering support, nurturing her confidence, and reigniting her passion for learning.

Their journey together went beyond traditional tutoring sessions. Ms. Tabs took Mariella to coffee shops and outings, helping her practice every day English conversations. This transformative experience healed Mariella's self-doubt and propelled her forward. Ms. Tabs encouraged Mariella to pursue higher education, a journey that culminated in her obtaining a master's degree in clinical social work in 2020.

Today, Mariella works as a bilingual Case Manager for Catholic Charities’ Safe Passages Program. In this role, she supports immigrant children who have made the perilous journey through the Mexican border, offering them the compassion and assistance they desperately need.

Mariella's journey exemplifies the power of support, compassion, and belief. Through the guidance of Ms. Tabs, she overcame self-imposed limitations and became a source of inspiration for others. Recognizing the importance of nurturing dreams, Mariella joined LVA's board of trustees, aiming to provide learning opportunities for individuals facing similar struggles.

Mariella's transformative journey reminds us that education, compassion, and resilience can lead to remarkable personal growth and the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others.