English as a Second Language
Class Information
Regular classes are held on Monday nights and Wednesday nights, starting at 7:00 pm and ending at 8:30 pm.
Students are encouraged to purchase a textbook totaling $15 (but this is not a requirement).
Classes are small in size and emphasize the following four skill areas: conversation (listening/speaking), reading, writing and grammar.
Calendar of Classes
Classes run from early September through the end of November for the fall session, with a break for the month of December. Spring classes are offered beginning in early January and ending at the end of May.
Our Aim
Grace Community Church provides English classes to immigrants from a variety of countries to help improve their language skills and to assist them in adjusting to American culture. We want to extend our hospitality to immigrants in Arlington by getting to know them, assisting them in their needs, and extending a general welcome to them until they feel they are "no longer strangers" in our community.
Our Staff
Our staff consists of volunteer workers who want to show the love of God to immigrants by serving them in this way.
Registration
During registration, students will be tested to see which level of class they should attend. The classes are free. New students may enroll on any Monday evening.
Please note that we are not able to provide childcare.
Class Levels
There are five levels of classes offered.
- Intro level - for beginning students who have no experience with the English Language
- Level 1 - for beginning students who already have knowledge of the English alphabet, numbers and have basic communication skills
- Level 2 - for advanced beginners
- Level 3 - a low intermediate level class for students who hope to improve their grammar and their listening and speaking skills
- Level 4 - an intermediate conversation and pronunciation course for students who desire to communicate better in English
- Citizenship - a preparatory course for immigrants who are planning to apply for US citizenship. This course will help students prepare for the exam and for the oral questions and interview process.
Our Students
We offer English classes to students from any country who speak any language. The students enrolled this semester come from Indonesia, Taiwan, China, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Brazil, Bosnia, Bulgaria, El Salvador, Cuba, Argentina, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Mexico.
Topics
Some topics students will learn about in our classes are:
- Introducing Yourself
- Getting Around Town
- Housing
- Food
- Using English at Work
- Health
- How to Deal with Emergencies
- Recreation
- Shopping
- Friends and Neighbors
- Telephone Conversations
- Finances / Money
- Community Rules and Regulations
- School
- Family
- Strategies for Smooth (Polite) Communication
- Idioms
- Giving Information
- School Rules and Regulations
- Rights and Responsibilities
- How to Agree and Disagree Politely
- How to Interrupt Politely
- How to Express Opinions Politely
- (And More!)
Volunteer Opportunities:
Teachers:
No previous teaching experience required, just a measure of patience and interest in other cultures.
Assistant Teachers:
If you're not comfortable with teaching on your own, this is a wonderful way to become familiar with the program.
Substitute Teachers:
Volunteers are always needed when our teachers must be away.
Administrative Support:
Our administrative team often needs help in setting up for classes, keeping up with paperwork, helping to register students, etc., etc.
Friend to Immigrants:
Many immigrants just want an American friend who is patient when talking to them, interested in them, and can help them along in their adjustment to our culture.