Student Resources
ENGLISH
WEBSITES
We have provided a brief description of the website's content and use for our English Language Learners and for our Basic Literacy students.
Activities for ESL/EFL Students
Valuable site for vocabulary building. Offers basic words, homonyms, idioms, etc. Also provides many grammar exercises. Some bilingual capability. Student needs sufficient English to navigate site. Rather dry. Student must be self-motivated.
Awesome Stories
Offers thousands of stories, slide shows, videos, audio clips and documents on topics including biographies, history and sports.
USA Learns
Excellent general ESL site for improving reading and listening skills. Some speaking and writing exercises. Nice audiovisuals and life-skills topics. Easy to use. Good for independent study.
**Please contact us if you would like to use this website because we have a BRLC class already set up.
One Stop English
According to ProLiteracy, One Stop English features educational resources in a variety of topics including business, English for specific purposes, beginner’s ESL, exams, and more. Educators can gain free access to teaching tools including lesson plans, activities, and teaching tips.
ESL Listening Lab
Opportunities for students to hear every day conversations for a variety of situations. Quizzes are included to test listening skills.
ESL Flash Cards
Every set of flashcards comes in color and 3 different sizes to make teaching easier. The Big set is great for vocabulary presentation, the Medium set is very good for teaching groups of students and playing language learning games. The Small sets are great for ESL games such as Down Pass or Go-Fish.
The Times in Plain English
This is a current events website in plain language for English Language Learners and Adult Basic Education students.
K12 Reader
Simple leveled worksheets that target specific reading and writing skills.
Many Things
Easy to use site that focuses on vocabulary and reading fluency; some grammar. Student can listen to recorded passages and repeat. Teacher needs to preview and select activities based on student's abilities, needs and interests.
Merriam Webster Online Dictionary
Type in any word for a definition, an example of how it's used and to hear the pronunciation. Click on "See (your word) defined for English-language learners" to get a simpler definition. From there, sign up to create your own on-line personal dictionary and/or receive a new word of the day to your e-mail.
Dolch Word List
List of sight words for reading, spelling, writing. Different levels. Flash card and list options available.
OWL Purdue Writing Lab
Very good grammar section. Also contains substantial information on the writing process. Useful for GED and college students needing academic English writing skills.
ESL Bits
BITS is an excellent site for improving reading and listening skills. Select a book, short story or timely article, many by a famous author. The audio speed can be adjusted to accommodate various reading levels.
Duolingo
Excellent general ESL site for beginner and intermediate students. It includes listening, speaking and writing exercises. No advertisements!
Other Resources
The main branch of the Henderson County Library has added to the Adult New Reader Collection. There are about 400 fiction and non-fiction books that are written for lower-level readers but are of interest to adults. Find the List here.
BRLC Library
We have a library in our office of books categorized by reading level. Please come browse and check out any you would like to use with your student. While most of our books are meant for adult new readers, we also have books that parents could read with their children.
c. HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY AND MATH
GED AND HISET INFORMATION
If you are helping your student prepare for the GED, we would like to explain developments in the High School Equivalency testing world. GED is an acronym for General Education Diploma. The GED is a widely recognized exam; however, it is not the only test available that offers students the opportunity to obtain a document that is regarded as equal to a high school diploma.
Read More about the GED and HiSET
Websites
HiSET
This is the official website for HiSET. It is full of information on how to prepare for and register for the HiSET. Contact info is provided and their phone operators are very helpful.
GED Testing Service
This is the official site for the new GED. Provides practice questions and a tutorial for taking the test over the computer.
Khan Academy
This site has over 3,000 videos on various subjects including math and history. Practice exercises are available. Please contact BRLC if you would like to explore Khan Academy. We have a login and can track the progress of your student.
MATH
Homeschool Math
Tutor can generate worksheets on various math functions from addition to decimals
Khan Academy
Site has over 3,000 videos on math skills and practice exercises
GCF Learn Free
Tutorials in many math topics, excellent resource for math and other knowledge areas
d. COMPUTER SKILLS
WEBSITES
Resource Sites to check out, reference and share/utilize... for Typing, Mousing, and other Computing Skills...
(Digital Literacy Websites, with FREE and “low cost” skills PRACTICE)
1. Digital Learn Tutorials: https://digitallearn.org/
1b. Digital Learn Tools & Resources for Trainers: https://training.digitallearn.org/
2. https://elearningindustry.com/
3. Learn Free org: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/
4. In Pictures Tutorials: http://inpics.net/
5. Northstar Digital Literacy (has an assessment & free Curriculum): https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/
7. https://www.everyoneon.org/
BBC Webwise
An excellent site for beginners to access the numerous videos for instruction on basic computer skills and using the Internet. This site can be used independently. Articles in printable format are offered for those who want to go beyond the beginner's level.
GCF Learn Free
Supported by Goodwill. A wide range of tutorials are available in video format or readable lessons in Computer Basics, Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office, Facebook and the Internet. Lessons can be printed. Good for beginning users to learn with some assistance while those familiar with using computers will find valuable information to enhance their computer skills. Try the Technology page, and learn how to type on a computer!
Google
Google offers free e-mail accounts. These accounts also provide users the ability to create various documents at no cost.
Keyboarding Skills
If your student needs to practice keyboarding, this site has games based on speed and accuracy. It also can help with spelling.
Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment
Visual assessment of computer literacy from basic knowledge to specific programs.
On Guard Online
Test your cyber smarts with interactive quizzes and games on everything from spam and spyware to phishing and file-sharing. A fun way to learn how to protect yourself on the internet.
Essential Mouse and Keyboarding Guide
Learn basic mouse skills and how to touch type with lessons ranging from beginner to advanced. Information on office ergonomics and how to protect yourself from strain is available as well.
MATERIALS
Computer Skills Check-Off List
A BRLC Technology Committee created this comprehensive list of basic computer skills.
e. WORK SKILLS
CURRICULA
Guide to Curricula
Start here for a list of topics and unit headings of the materials offered as links on this page.
Curriculum Guide - Integrating Career Awareness into the ABE & ESL Classroom
System for Adult Basic Education Support publication
From the Foreword: "It provides classroom-ready, flexible lessons, handouts, and online resources to prepare instructors and counselors to guide students through a supportive and realistic career awareness and planning process that encourages students to identify and tap their often unspoken dreams."
Revised NC-Net Employability Skills Resource Toolkit
North Carolina Network for Teaching Excellence publication
This is an extensive collection of presentations and activities to improve "employability skills" such as teamwork, problem solving, and communication in the workplace.
Model Transition Program Supplemental Handouts
This is a series of activities from resume writing to skills identification to job search recommendations.
Community Supported Transitions
Blue Ridge Community College Basic Skills Dept. published this literacy curriculum created by Priscilla Yokote. Each lesson provides a short essay and exercises to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and discussion in the context of work skills and job searching.
This features free stories and articles, categorized by GLE, to build Reading comprehension and fluency skills.
OTHER RESOURCES
Technology Resources for Job Searching
This brief guide contains links to job search sites.
Look for the Downloads section.
NCWorks Online
Job search, labor market analysis, resource for career awareness, resume building and job searching. Requires registration.
My Next Move
Easy to use site for career exploration, job demand, interest inventory.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Access to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which shows requirements, projected demand, etc. for jobs.
Fun and easy to use site that has helps you find jobs from great employers, earn a steady living and advance your career.