Thank you for all those who took the time to complete our survey regarding Covid 19 and our ESL classes. We received 21 responses, with some very interesting and pertinent comments. Here are the questions and the responses.
- How has your ESL program been impacted by the COVID-19 situation?
- 42.9% say “suspended but replaced by online teaching”, 38.1% say “cancelled”.
- If you are not having in-person meetings with the students, how are you keeping in touch with your students? (Check all that apply)
- 15 (or 71.4%) use email; 13 (or 61.9%) use online classrooms like Zoom, Google Classroom; 6 (or 28.6%) use WhatsApp; 5 (23.8%) use phone calls.
- What other ideas of serving our students do you have at this time?
- Drop off physical workbook material to their home’s mailbox or door; share worksheets by email or WeChat photos.
- Letting them serve the more senior ‘teachers’; some do shopping; some stop by to wave and talk from a distance.
- Talking to each of them on the phone to find out how they are doing and what their needs are at this time, encourage them, point out churches that provide practical help.
- Just keeping in touch regularly—they really appreciate it.
- Texting/messaging them how they are, praying for them.
- Support with applying for social assistance.
- Praying.
- Send a handwritten letter or card.
- Many with children are struggling to guide their children through the learning given by their teachers. It’s causing a lot of extra stress on our students who are parents.
- Sometimes telling pertinent info like how to get a reduction in car insurance.
- Do you have resources or links you would like to share? e.g. online learning resources, ESL lessons, etc.
- For beginners: worksheets from ISLcollective.
- Online teaching is all very new to me, so I am still using material that I taught in the past.
- I use google search a lot for grammar and use our curriculum for the Bible portion.
- Contact me—I’ve set up google classroom [Sandy Ho-Lam: symho2000@gmail.com].
- Zoom ESL Meeting happening in the community with a colleague where some of our students and volunteers are involved.
- Esllibrary.com
- www.learningchocolate.com, www.islcollective.com, Youtube videos.
- What do you perceive to be pressing needs for your students at this time?
- Contact
- Conversation and connection, some students might be technologically challenged
- Reading articles for them to understand spiritually what is happening in the world now
- Friendship and social interaction
- Mental health
- Being hemmed in and unable to meet in person
- Work, loneliness
- Using English more regularly
- I think improving their English while they have so much free time; however it might not be the same for everyone. Some might have emotional problems or difficulty to feed their families.
- Online helps with loneliness and isolation.
- Consistent small enough conversation groups (max 4) so they get to know each other well enough so when they are anxious or need to talk about what’s happening in their lives they can.
- Caring
- To be patient and get through this anxious time and continue at least reading and listening to English until we’re back in action in person.
- Isolation, finances, fear
- Prayer for release of anxiety, help with children’s work, access to technology, access to jobs.
- Do you have any praise or prayer items that you would like to share?
- Share Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- Thankful my students and I are still very connected and some have been having Bible study online with me every day for an hour.
- A lot of interest in the Easter story from the 4 gospels – prayer for those who don’t know Jesus yet.
- Students are more open to God.
- I am a student ESL teacher and there are many of us who are going through the course and prayer for peace that we will have some employment eventually.
- I am glad that all my students kept themselves occupied and studied English on their own either online or by themselves, or with their family members. They were very happy to talk to me on the phone and are eager to have online classes. Both Christian and Muslim students said they are praying at this time.
- Insecurities re the future—for the immigrants; grandmothers still want/need contact outside the home
- Thank God for bringing a new learner through an announcement on WeChat.
- Pray for the online English Groups and ESL Bible Studies, for wisdom and good internet connections and many will come to know Christ at this time.
- Thank God for our ESL leader Mary Hogan.
- Praise God for the ability to connect with our students, family and friends virtually and for the hope that it brings.
- Do you have special plans for the Easter Season for your ESL students? If you’d like to share them to encourage others, please list them. [Editor’s Note: good information for next year]
- I shared some links to Youtube videos for them to watch. I delivered small gift bags with some Easter treats and a handwritten note. I have nine students.
- Post greetings on our class Facebook page with The Story of Good Friday and Easter Sunday videos made with PowerPoint.
- We studied the resurrection from the 4 gospels with questions and discussion
- Holding a special Zoom class to teach what Easter and Good Friday is all about.
- I always use the opportunity to talk to my students about God, especially during holidays. This time is no exception. Some of them are new to the country and don’t know much about Canada. I always emphasize that Canada is a Christian country and explain the reason we celebrate holidays (this time Easter). I will send them an email explaining Easter and provide the link to watch online church services and the Jesus play livestream from Sight and Sound Theatre in Pennsylvania. Of course, if they wish to do so. But I will pray that the Lord will draw them to Himself and open their hearts.
- I have told them I will share the Biblical Easter story. Looking for beginner material online.
- Special lessons related to Easter.