English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
Would you like to improve your English?
This year we are offering regular ESL (English as a second language) classes and READING GROUPS for English Language Learners. This new program is meant for students who would like to improve their reading comprehension through guided reading in English. Please note that our programs are offered to adults who live in the Chatham area or elsewhere in New Jersey. We regret that we are unable to accept students who live outside New Jersey. These 8- or 10-week programs are free and taught by experienced volunteer teachers.
To be notified about future ESL sessions, please click here:
PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU REGISTER:
Please read the “self assessment” below for all our classes and Reading Groups below before you register. You may register for one ESL program and one Reading Group. It is important that you register for a program that matches your skill level. If you register for a class that is not appropriate for you, we may be able to offer you a space in a different class (subject to space), or we may not be able to accommodate you.
REGULAR ESL + READING GROUP LEVELS:
Advanced Beginners
- I can follow a simple conversation in English
- I can read simple texts in English
- I can introduce myself and others
- I can interact with others in English in short sentences
- I would like to learn to speak in longer sentences
Low Intermediate
- I can understand the main points of everyday conversations
- I can write simply about familiar subjects
- I can describe and talk about experiences and events
- I can explain everyday tasks
- I would like to become more comfortable when speaking and reading
Intermediate Conversation
- I understand the main idea of written and spoken English on most topics
- I can interact in English on many topics
- I can make myself understood in writing on general topics
- I would like to become a more confident and fluent speaker of English
- I would like to make new friends in the community
Intermediate+
- I understand a wide range of longer texts
- I can express an opinion or explain an event clearly in many settings
- I can write clearly if not perfectly about many subjects
- I would like to practice conversation on a higher level
- I would like to improve my reading and listening comprehension skills
Volunteering for ESL
If you would like to volunteer as a teacher, please send an email to esl@chathamlibrary.org.
Additional Resources for ESL Learners
Click the icon to access
Mango Languages Library Edition (website and mobile app)
English Courses
English learners can develop their speaking skills through English courses created to accommodate over 20 source languages.
To access this database for free, you must have a valid Chatham library card. New: as of October 2022, Mango is also available to members of all libraries-members of the Main Library Alliance (MAIN).
