Self Isolating at Home? - Improve Your English

Now many of you, English learners, who used to attend ESOL classes in schools, libraries, and colleges, have to stay home and probably speak only your native language with your family members. You may wonder how not to forget what you have learned in class and even improve your English. There are several ways you can do it and not become bored or overwhelmed:

1. Watch TV in English! Watch the news! News 12 Long Island and other news channels are wonderful sources of information and examples of correct English in use. Why is it good for your English? It will help develop your listening skills.

• Many newscasts are short.  You can watch the same block of news several times in one day. Each time you watch the same episode you will understand more than the previous time.
• The anchor uses correct grammar and has perfect pronunciation and articulation. It is easier for a language learner to understand a TV news anchor than an ordinary person you would meet in the street.
• Videos support understanding of the news.
• You can listen to the news with your back to the TV set while cooking and then watch the same newscast. Compare the level of your understanding in both situations.
• Closed captions provide a text version of the information and may be very helpful for beginners.

2. Watch American movies! Choose classical movies with less action and more dialogues.
3. Practice with kids. If school-aged children or grandchildren are fluent in English, let them be your tutors! They will enjoy teaching you for a change. Ask them for help when you do grammar exercises. Read a book in English to your children and let them correct your pronunciation.
4. Read books in English! The libraries are physically closed now, but you can download Libby, OverDrive, Hoopla, and other apps, create an account with your library card and start reading!
5.  Join “Learning English with Brentwood Public Library” Facebook group. You will find online classes, grammar lessons, Friendly English Book Club, useful tips, links to free websites for English Learners, songs, grammar quizzes, and a lot of other fun and entertaining information to help you improve your English. You will be able to connect with other English Learners, ask questions to ESOL teachers and librarians.
6. Use Music. Listen to your favorite songs and try to write down the lyrics while listening, then find the lyrics online and sing along! It will improve your listening skills and pronunciation.
7. Join Friendly English Book Club by registering for this library program on Programs and Events page on Brentwood Public Library’s website and start reading and discussing short stories. Our next online meeting through GoTo Meeting is on April 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. We will discuss The Adventure of the Dancing Men by Arthur Conan Doyle.
8. Join Conversation Skills for English Learners online classes every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Register for this program on Brentwood Public Library’s website to receive e-mails with reminders and login information.
9. Join Universal Classes online with your library card through Brentwood Public Library’s databases and take one of the English courses for free!
10.  Use Rosetta Stone with your library card through Brentwood Public Library’s databases and start learning English from home.

Stay safe! Improve your English!

Sincerely yours,

Anastasia Bazilevskaya

Adult Reference Librarian and ESOL Teacher