ESL (English as a Second Language)
Our Mission: To provide non-native English speakers with the understanding of and the ability to use the English language to communicate effectively at work, in their neighborhoods and abroad.
Our Philosophy:
Communication is key to understanding each other and the world we live in. Language is one of the keys to communication. Learning a second language occurs when personalized experiences are used to create fun and interactive opportunities to practice the target language. Learning stops when the fun stops.
English language learning uses specific instruction to understand how the language is formed; grammatically and phonetically [see Note]. Essentially, the student learns how to pronounce and create proper English sentences. While this method of learning English is important, it often fails the language learner in authentic situations.
English language acquisition is learning English through meaningful interaction with native English speakers. This provides students with opportunities to interact with others in a meaningful way [see Note]. However, the non-native English speaker can be left confused about important verb conjugation and grammatical points. There needs to be collaboration between both methods of instruction to create a meaningful language foundation for the ESL student to acquire the target language.
Classes will be conducted in a way to support learning English in both methods- with informal and formal instruction. Topics of instruction will be centered around real life experiences and students’ interests. Through the use of conversation, technology, videos, printed and prop materials, students will build the four aspects of language- listening, speaking, reading and writing.
As stated by Socrates, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel”. ESL classes at Fulton County library strive to entice ESL students to continue to explore and engage with their second language.
To start learning:
If interested in ESL classes or practicing English conversation, Teacher Brittany is available Mondays from 10:00-5:00 for drop in classes.
Please Contact the Literacy/ESL Department to schedule an appointment for other days of the week.
[Note: Schütz, R.( 2019 October). Stephen Krashen’s Theory of Second Language Acquisition. https://www.sk.com.br/sk-