Population Served:
1,002,317 Project Contact: Jaye Lahlou Project Title: Learning English at the Library Project Description: Chantilly Regional Library has purchased books and materials to support two weekly Adult English Conversation Classes at the library. One class meets Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 and is facilitated by library staff with help some weeks from a community ESL teacher who volunteers for the library. |
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The evening class meets Monday evenings and is facilitated by library staff. Since minimal dedicated program preparation time is allotted to library staff, a professional collection was assembled with part of the grant to make class preparation more efficient. The balance of the grant is being spent on materials for either in-class use by the students or for transitional classroom/personal use by the students.
Notable accomplishment, promising practices, or human interest stories: The class has enjoyed using the subscription to Easy English News that the grant afforded us, disappointed to learn it is not a weekly paper! Although we stress that this is a class without levels, homework, tests and certificates, these non-traditional students are eager to work hard on their English, and appreciate any materials we can provide. One couple, with five jobs between them, rarely misses a class, even when it means coming straight from a nightshift before their day jobs start. One mother proudly confided to the class that her children complimented her on her improved English. Others are building skills and confidence to go on job interviews.
A tough looking man with two brand new arrivals once came to class to “observe.” By the end of the group introductions he was compelled to share his story. In a perfect American accent and grammar, he politely explained that, while he had lived and worked in Northern Virginia many years, he was born and raised in South America to an Italian mother and Spanish-speaking father. The class was in awe of his command of English, which he promised could be theirs as well, with hard work and dedication.
Key lessons learned: The assumption that most students will be newly arrived to the U.S. has been trumped by a clear majority of students who have lived here many years, but have remained immersed in their native culture and language. This is a bold new beginning for them and an opportunity to be welcomed and respected by the library community. Attendance may be irregular as these students have many other demands on their time. Fostering an environment of mutual respect in the classroom removes cultural and English proficiency barriers. New friendships form between the students that extend beyond the classroom.
Advice for other libraries serving adult English language learners: If possible, be flexible about registration and attendance. If the student isn’t proficient enough to be comfortable participating, work hard to find alternative classes for him/her. Invite him/her back when ready. Be prepared to learn as much from these students as they learn from you.