Wellesley ESOL
The Wellesley Free Library sponsors Wellesley ESOL, a program for people who live and/or work in Wellesley and for whom English is a new language. Dedicated volunteers provide beginning through advanced tutoring and classroom instruction to help develop language skills necessary for successful participation in the community. Students acquire language skills and an understanding of life in the United States through reading, writing, speaking and listening in a welcoming environment.
Watch a short video about Wellesley ESOL.
ESOL Coordinator: Tanya Auger
Email: ESOL@wellesleyfreelibrary.org
Voicemail: 781-591-1247
Applications for the Winter/Spring session are now closed. Please contact the ESOL Coordinator with any questions.
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
Step 1 English: Beginners
Tuesdays, 1-2:30PM
WFL, in person – Starts Jan 13
Must register, no drop-ins
For students just starting to learn English, this class focuses on basic vocabulary, simple grammar, speaking, listening, and everyday conversations. Students will begin to gain confidence using English in daily life.
Step 2 English: Advanced Beginners
Tuesdays, 10-11:15AM
WFL, in person – Starts Jan 13
Must register, no drop-ins
This class includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening through short stories, conversations, and activities. Students will learn to use English in more situations.
Step 3 English: Low Intermediate
Tuesdays, 11:30AM-1PM
WFL, in person – Starts Jan 13
Must register, no drop-ins
Appropriate for those who can use English in everyday life, this class helps improve grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills. We read stories, discuss ideas, and practice English for work, school, and community life.
Grammar and Pronunciation Practice
Thursdays, 9:30AM-10:30AM
WFL, in person – Starts Jan 15
Must register, no drop-ins
Build your confidence speaking and writing English! This beginner-friendly class helps adult learners practice everyday grammar and pronunciation through real world examples, common conversations and phrases, games, pictures, Q and A, and lots of chances to try new things and make mistakes while we learn.
Read, Learn, Share: An ESOL Class for Low-Intermediate Students
Tuesdays, 1:15-2:15PM
WFL, in person – Starts Mar 3, ends Apr 21
Must register, no drop-ins
In this class, we read short stories together. The stories may be true (nonfiction) or made up (fiction). You will learn new words and practice speaking English with other students. This class will help you feel more comfortable reading and talking in English.
English in Action: Intermediate Conversations Skills
Wednesdays, 9-10AM
WFL, in person – Starts Jan 14
Must register, no drop-ins
Build confidence and fluency in real-world English! This intermediate-level class helps adult learners strengthen their conversation skills through practical topics like work, community, and daily life. Students will expand vocabulary, practice grammar in context, and engage in lively conversations designed to improve both accuracy and confidence. Perfect for learners who already understand basic English and want to take their communication skills to the next level.
News & Views — Exploring American Culture with The New York Times: A Class for Intermediate/Advanced Students
Thursdays, 9:30-10:45AM – Starts Jan 8
Note: Meets at Wellesley Friendly Aid, 219 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA
Must register, no drop-ins
Together, we will read and discuss articles from The New York Times to learn about American culture, history, and current events. Students will practice advanced reading, expand vocabulary, and share their own ideas in conversation. This class is designed for intermediate and advanced English students who want to improve their language skills while learning about life in the United States.
English and American Life with Kate: A Class for Intermediate/Advanced Students
Mondays, 9-10AM or Tuesdays 7-8PM
On Zoom – Starts Jan 12/13
In this class, we practice English at the intermediate/advanced level while learning about life in the United States. Each week, we talk about different topics such as American history, culture, art, and current events. Students will build vocabulary, improve conversation skills, and learn more about living in the U.S. in a friendly and supportive group.
Short Film Club — Watch and Discuss: A Class for Intermediate/Advanced Students
Wednesdays, 10-11:30AM
WFL, in person – Starts Jan 14
Must register, no drop-ins
Sharpen your English skills while exploring the world of film! In this class for intermediate and advanced students, we watch short films and then discuss the stories, characters, and themes together. It’s a fun way to build vocabulary, practice speaking and listening, and enjoy engaging movies in a relaxed setting.
Understanding English Grammar: A Class for Intermediate/Advanced Students
Mondays, 11AM-12:30PM
WFL, in person – Starts Jan 26; ends Jun 1
Must register, no drop-ins
This intermediate/advanced ESOL class focuses on understanding some of the rules of English grammar. We’ll break down verb tenses, sentence structure, and common problem areas in a clear, straightforward way, with plenty of examples and practice. The goal isn’t memorizing rules for their own sake — it’s knowing why English works the way it does, so you can use it more accurately and with more confidence in real-life situations.
Beyond Small Talk: Advanced English Conversation
Tuesdays, 10–11 AM
On Zoom – Starts Jan 13
Join a dynamic group of advanced English learners as we dive into timely topics and lively discussions. Each week we explore current news stories, local happenings, cultural traditions, favorite books, and whatever else sparks student interest. Along the way, you’ll expand your vocabulary, sharpen your conversation skills, and share perspectives in a welcoming, multicultural community. From swapping holiday traditions to discussing global events—and even taking the occasional field trip, like visiting the Wellesley College Observatory—this class is all about learning through connection.
ESOL Friday Fun and Conversation: A Drop-in Class for All
Fridays, 9-11AM
WFL, Room 102 in the Commons – Starts Jan 16
Drop in!
Kick off your Friday mornings with friendly conversation and plenty of laughs! Join us (whether you live in Wellesley or not!) for a fun, drop-in ESOL class where all levels are welcome—from total beginners to seasoned speakers. People from all over the world come together to share cultures and traditions while meeting new friends from Wellesley and nearby towns. Each week features a special activity along with snacks and tea, making it the perfect chance to learn and practice English while socializing. Sometimes we’ll meet a special guest or go on a field trip! Every Friday is a new adventure and a new learning experience for everyone—all in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Helpful Resources
Mango Languages
Mango is designed to equip you with conversational abilities from the very start. Whether you’re learning how to order a pizza or ask when the game starts, Mango immerses you in real, everyday conversations in 60 different language courses and ESOL instruction for speakers of 18 languages. The newest feature is language learning through film with popular films in their native language.
MassLINKS
MassLINKS provides access to free educational services for residents of Massachusetts supporting their educational attainment and employability through standards basic skills and/or English language instruction, workplace readiness instruction, and college preparation activities. All instruction and services are delivered remotely.
News For You Online
This interactive site uses real news articles to help with learning to read, write, speak, and understand English. Seven new stories are posted each Wednesday along with audio, exercises, vocabulary, a crossword puzzle, and a poll. Listen to each article in full, or sentence-by-sentence. Click on any story to get started or to hear and see a sample. You will need a password to enjoy all the features of this site. Please email us for the password.
PressReader offers 7000 daily newspapers and magazines from 120+ countries in 60 languages using a computer or mobile app. Using either a computer or mobile app, you’ll find global news from the world’s most reputable journalists and sources, including The Washington Post, The Guardian, and The Globe and Mail. Explore magazines on a wide range of topics including art, science, business and history. Click here for a tutorial on how to use PressReader.
Volunteer Position Description: ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Tutor/Teacher
Purpose:
To help adults whose first language is not English learn to speak, understand, read, and write English.
To help broaden students horizons through a one-to-one tutoring relationship or through small group instruction.
Responsibilities:
Prepare lesson plans based on the needs and interests of the student.
Select materials and approaches that are suitable for the student’s ability and needs.
Respect the student by involving him/her in decisions about the learning process.
Encourage the student by praising him/her and by showing a positive attitude about learning.
Guide the student in his/her understanding of American culture.
Reporting:
Complete periodic progress reports.
Keep in contact with the ESOL Program Coordinator about changes or problems.
Recommended training:
Attend an ESOL tutor training workshop series, held at regular intervals at the Wellesley Free Library and other locations. Workshops meet for 2+ hours weekly for a five week period. Check with the ESOL Coordinator for additional training details.
Support:
Round-table meetings and refresher training opportunities for tutors/teachers to share questions and concerns.
Language learning materials collection on the second floor of the Library.
Time Commitment:
Weekly for 60-90 minutes for a minimum of nine months, plus prep time. (Of course, you are allowed to have vacations!)
Welcome to the Wellesley ESOL Tutor Training Program at the Wellesley Free Library! Dedicated volunteers play an integral role in this program’s success, and we are delighted to have you with us.