English as a Second Language (Level 1)

ESLAO introduces beginner English language learners to the foundational skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.

The course helps students build basic communication skills for everyday and academic contexts while developing cultural awareness of life in Canada.

• Through interactive tasks
• Students gain confidence in using English for social
• School situations.

Unit 1: Listening and Speaking
Students develop fundamental oral communication and comprehension skills
Lessons include:

• The English Alphabet
• Introductions and Greetings
• Numbers and Dates
• Basic Personal Information
• Family

Unit 2: Reading
This unit focuses on improving reading comprehension using beginner-level texts.
Lessons include:

• Fireflies by Faith Cormier
• Sorry, Sheep by Guy Belleranti
• What’s the Deal with Mold by Lydia Lukidis
• How Lewis Discovered Alice by Kimberly M. Hutmacher
• Medicine Woman by Patricia McCord
• Leaving Her Mark retold by Liana Mahoney
• World’s Largest Seal by Guy Belleranti

Unit 3: Writing
Students practice basic writing strategies and text forms.
Lessons include:

• Strategies on Writing
• Hurt at School
• Creative Writing
• Creative Writing Practice
• Writing Formal Letters
• Writing Informal Letters

Unit 4: Media and Canadian Culture
This unit introduces students to media literacy and Canadian social topics.
Lessons include:

• Advertisements
• Marketing
• Graphics and Illustrations
• CBC Broadcasting
• Canadian Education
• Canadian Citizenship: Rights, Responsibilities, and Freedoms

• 70% of the final grade is based on coursework, and assignments.
  • Speaking and listening activities
  • Reading comprehension exercises
  • Writing tasks (paragraphs, letters, creative pieces)
  • Media and culture assignments
  • Quizzes and discussion participation
• 30% of the final grade is based on final evaluations:
  • 10% Culminating language portfolio (listening, speaking, reading, writing samples)
  • 20% Final test assessing core language skills

All assessments follow Ontario curriculum standards and are designed to build essential English language proficiency and cultural awareness for success in school and community life