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Overview

Bridges ESL meets weekly to provide free English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons for immigrants and visiting internationals in New Haven who want to improve their written and spoken English. Through small-group tutoring sessions, students build language proficiency, strengthen communication skills, and gain the confidence needed to pursue employment, education, citizenship, and everyday life. In-person sessions are held on Saturday mornings at the Yale Cultural Houses, and online sessions are offered in nine time slots between Friday morning and Sunday evening. Both formats pause during holiday breaks. Tutoring is a deeply rewarding commitment, and regular attendance is expected.

📖 Bridges ESL Resources

Browse our Tutor Resources Drive Bridges ESL Library Catalog to find lesson plans you can use these directly or adapt for inspiration when creating your own.

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Teaching Levels

Tutors may request to teach specific levels based on their experience and preferences:

L1: Survival Level
For students with minimal English experience, focusing on essential survival vocabulary and basic communication.
L2: Beginner Level
Focus on basic vocabulary, grammar foundations, and everyday scripts for daily interactions.
L3: Intermediate Low
Developing conversational fluency, intermediate grammar concepts, and listening comprehension skills.
L4: Intermediate High
Building stronger fluency, expanding vocabulary, and using more complex grammar with confidence.
L5: Advanced/Conversational
For high proficiency students looking to refine fluency and tackle complex language structures.
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Lesson Plans

Each week, tutors work with a small group and are expected to bring a concrete 2-hour lesson plan tailored to student goals. Lessons often incorporate vocabulary, grammar, listening, and conversation, with time distributed based on individual needs.

Topics may include real-life scenarios like visiting the doctor, navigating banks, ordering food, TOEFL/GRE prep, or academic reading. Lesson plans can be printed for you if emailed to the team before the deadline, or you may bring your own copies.

Please check below for many resources and previously made lessons plans.

💡 Tips for Effective Lessons

  1. Overprepare for your first lesson—bring more material than you'll use in two hours.
  2. Use the first 15–30 minutes to build rapport and learn about the student's goals for the semester.
  3. Prioritize dialogue—hearing language in context helps students absorb new vocabulary.
  4. Make sure to speak slowly, intelligibly, and with sufficient volume..
  5. Reach out if you need help—we're happy to meet 1-on-1 to review your first lesson plan.
  6. Be creative! Many students have rich stories and interests. Make lessons engaging and personal.
  7. Expect a Bridges Brunch and a student writing anthology later this semester. Let us know if you'd like to lead a discussion group!
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Teaching Resources

📖 Bridges ESL Resources

Access our comprehensive Bridges ESL Library Catalog for books, materials, and teaching guides. You can use these directly or adapt for inspiration when creating your own.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join our community of dedicated volunteer tutors and help students achieve their English learning goals.

📝 Join Mailing List ✉️ bridgesesl@gmail.com ✏️ Register Here to tutor for Fall 2025 Classes