Caryn's ESL Blog Review

The Hope ESL Software Curriculum

This looks like a great curriculum…a way to teach English and tell the story of Jesus Christ…together! These are a few thoughts I’ve had after spending several hours looking through the material. Keep in mind I have not yet used it myself to teach a class. I will be sharing it at all future ESL workshops, and hope to use it with students this summer.

The disc has links for Beginner through Advanced, though I think the lowest level I would use this is High-Beginner. I think some of the sentences that are used to reinforce the vocabulary are just too wordy for a low beginner class/student. There are many ways to use the material however. And you could certainly adapt it to fit your situation.
1. Give the disc to students that have computers at home. Let them explore on their own (or assign a section to be completed.) I’d probably take a class session to do an orientation to familiarize students with the disc and how to use it.
2. Meet with a student(s) and work with the CD together as part of a one-on-one or one-on-two tutoring session.
3. Use the material as the basis for teaching a class (showing the video from the day’s lesson and using the printable materials to teach new vocabulary and provide communication practice activities).
The Teacher’s Resources section is very helpful. If you only used the video portion to tell the story, then the teacher’s resources section with it, you could have the foundation for a good class lesson. If students are able to work on this outside of class in their homes, that would be even better.
Within the Student Resources section, students can discover how to begin a relationship with God. All of it supports our beliefs as Southern Baptists. New believers are also encouraged to share their decision with 5 other people within 24 hours…what a way to celebrate and share!
The curriculum is the result of collaboration between Mars Hill Productions and Roof Breakers. Pete Cavanaugh with Roof Breakers sent me the CD at no charge. He encourages duplication and sharing of the materials (as long as you don’t altar anything), so this is something you could provide to your students and teachers at no charge beyond the expense of blank CDs and printing of disc labels (though I suspect their ministry would appreciate financial support if possible!)
There are several Bible study guides that could be used with the curriculum as well. These appear to be for a more advanced group, but could probably be adapted for an intermediate student/class.
Check it out! Pete asks that in the spirit of ministry partnership, ministries would share how you’ve used the material and what experiences you’ve had with it. I’d love to hear as well!!
To order one for yourself, visit Roobreakers website!
POSTED BY CARYN AT 5:50 AM