Resources for Learners

Conversation Groups

Conversation groups give intermediate level and above adult English as a Second Language (ESL) learners more practice speaking English in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.  There is no charge for attendance. Registration is required to attend a group. Use the links below to register for one or more groups.

All adult English learners—and their tutors—are welcome!

Schedule of Conversation Groups

For more information, please contact us via email at lwickramasinghe@literacydupage.org or by calling 331-472-7160.

Websites

• Activities for ESL Students site offers a wide variety of interactive quizzes, tests, exercises, and puzzles for ESL learners. a4esl.org
• Applying Research in Reading Instruction for Adults offers First Steps for Teachers, which was developed by the National Institute for Literacy for Basic Literacy learners. lincs.ed.gov/publications/html/mcshane
• Aunt Bertha connects people and programs through its millions of users to Community Based Organizations, hospitals, health plans, governments, and school. This online database covers every ZIP Code in the United States. Begin by typing in your Zip Code and search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
• Bridging Refugee Youth & Children’s Services site offers a booklet titled, Raising Children in a New Country: An Illustrated Handbook. This resource can help foreign born parents adjust to the different laws, norms and practices related to raising children in the United States. brycs.org
• Center For Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA) site has a collection of articles based on research that are called digests on many diverse topics for ESL and BL tutors. cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests.html
• Dave’s ESL Cafe is one of the best sites for tutors and students. Includes many links, activities, teacher tips, and lesson plans. Great starting point for teachers. www.daveseslcafe.com
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Special Collection is the LINCS (Literacy Information and Communication System of the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL)) site for ESL teachers and students with articles and links to numerous other useful ESL sites. literacynet.org/esl
• EnglishPage.com site provides free English lessons and exercises. It also offers links to a variety of ESL reading and listening resources. englishpage.com
• GCFLearnFree.org is a site that provides step-by-step instructions on a variety of math skills and computer topics. This site requires a good amount of reading, but may be a good resource for higher-level students and tutors. gcflearnfree.org
• The Internet Picture Dictionary site offers a free, multilingual picture dictionary designed for students and beginning English, French German, Spanish, and Italian language learners of all ages. pdictionary.com
• LEARN – Libraries’ English and Reading Network comprises mainly library and nonprofit organization staff members interested in providing materials and services to adults learning to read, speak and understand English. The group shares ideas about providing and marketing service, maintains a database of organizations that offer those services, and investigates and publicizes joint funding opportunities. adultslearnenglish.org
• Learning Vocabulary Fun site has a variety of word games to develop vocabulary skills. vocabulary.co.il
• Logical Games and Puzzles site offers a collection of free math puzzles and brainteasers to provide practice for students in math and critical thinking skills. Download the three “logic” files at the bottom of the page, and then run them to unlock a multitude of games. archives.math.utk.edu
• Safe Kids Worldwide offers easy-to-read materials about an assortment of safety topics. safekids.org/library
• SpellingCity.com site allows one to enter spelling lists, play games to practice the words, and take online spelling tests. www.spellingcity.com
• Utah Education Network: Thinkfinity Literacy Network Course Catalog offers free online courses. www.uen.org/thinkfinity

Resource agencies

• Adult Learning Resource Center (ALRC) supports excellent workshops for tutors on a variety of topics. thecenterweb.org/alrc
• Community Career Center provides a variety of services for job seekers. communitycareercenter.org
• LINCS Literacy Information and Communication System is a national leadership initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) to expand evidence-based practice in the field of adult education. https://learner.lincs.ed.gov/
• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides information on immigrant and refugee issues, services, and programs. icirr.org
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a US government website with information on citizenship. uscis.gov
• workNet DuPage Career Center is DuPage County’s premier location for training, developing, and connecting the local workforce. The Center houses representation from several partner agencies who share the common goal of providing job seekers with the tools necessary for successful employment, as well as assisting employers in strengthening their workforce. worknetdupage.org

Social service agencies

There are a large number of community agencies that provide a wide range of social services.

Literacy DuPage has compiled a list which provides contact information for food pantries, shelter, domestic abuse victims, medical resources, and much more.

Community Services for Learners & Tutors

DuPage County Human Services, Information and Referral
630-407-6500

Goodwill/Workforce Connection Center
630-576-4661

Jane Adams Resource Corporation (JARC — Metro West)
773-728-9769

People’s Resource Center
630-682-5402

Power Connection
630-679-6899

Women Employed
312-782-3902

workNet DuPage Career Center
630-955-2030

YMCA of Metro Chicago- Training Alliance
312-932-1200

Child Abuse Hotline
800-252-2873

Community Crisis Center
847-697-2380

Family Shelter Services
630-221-8290

DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center
630-407-2750

YWCA Child Care Resource and Referral
630-790-8137

Child Care Information Line for Illinois
877-202-4453

People’s Resource Center
630-682-5402

Power Connection
630-679-6899

Goodwill/Workforce Connection Center
630-576-4661

Adult Basic Education, ESL, Computer Labs, Library (www.cod.edu)
630-942-3697

People’s Resource Center
630-682-5402

Power Connection
630-679-6899

Goodwill/Workforce Connection Center
630-576-4661

Secretary of State Driver Facilities
(www.cyberdriveillinois.com)
800-252-8980

Catholic Charities
630-495-9850

DuPage County Human Services
630-407-6500

People’s Resource Center
630-682-5402

Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry
630-355-3663

Access DuPage (affordable health insurance)
630-510-8720

College of DuPage Dental Hygiene Clinic
630-942-3250

DCHD Dental Care Referral
630-682-7400
All Kids (health insurance for children) 866-255-5437

DuPage County Health Department
630-682-7400

DuPage County Human Services: Information and Referral
800-942-9412

Bridge Communities
630-247-5636

DuPage County Human Services: Housing
630-407-6500

DuPage County Human Services: Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
630-407-6500

People’s Resource Center
630-682-5402

Hope Fair Housing Center
630-690-6500

DuPage Home Ownership Center
630-260-2500

World Relief Refugee Service of DuPage
630-462-7566

Prairie State Legal Services
800-690-2130

DuPage Bar Legal Aid Service
630-653-6212

Metropolitan Family Services DuPage
630-784-4800
www.Metrofamily.org

Illinois Legal Aid Online
www.illinoislegalaid.org

DuPage County Health Department (Crisis Unit 24 Hr.)
630-627-1700

Metropolitan Family Services DuPage
630-784-4800

Family Focus DuPage
630-521-8808

Head Start of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage
630-784-4800

Metropolitan Family Services- Parents as Teachers (PAT)
630-784-4800

Teen Parent Connection
630-790-8433

Illinois Department of Human Services
630-530-1120

Community Crisis Center
847-697-2380

DuPage County Health Department (Crisis Unit 24 Hr.)
630-627-1700

P.A.D.S. of DuPage
630-682-3846

The Salvation Army
630-629-4948

DuPage County Health Department
630-627-1700