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Newcomers, Refugees & Internationals

The Changing Landscape of Immigration and Language Learning

By Darcy MacCallum Just a few months ago, immigration was a priority issue in Canada and around the world. People were concerned about refugee numbers, international student visas, how immigration and housing impact one another, and many more issues–often discussed with very negative overtones. In late October Minister Marc Miller announced the Trudeau government’s plan […]

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Newcomers, Refugees & Internationals

Needs of Immigrants in the GTA and Opportunities for Volunteers and Churches

We recently asked ChatGPT about the top 20 needs experienced by immigrants in the GTA, and how individuals and churches can help. Here are the lists they come up with. What do you think? Send your comments and thoughts to eslministries@gmail.com Here are the top 20 needs commonly reported by immigrant and settlement communities in the […]

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Language Learning

What is a Complete & Balanced Language Learning Program?

By Tom McCormick Have you ever wondered? Here is an overview designed first of all for helping missionaries plan their language learning. The chart includes the twelve basic components of a well‑rounded language program. By “basic” we mean a language learner really does need to include them all, one way or another, and an ESL program, tutor, […]

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Intercultural Compentencies Newcomers, Refugees & Internationals

Supporting Newcomers in Navigating the Canadian Job Market

By Sandy Ho Editor’s Note: You can view the infographic version of this article here. Effective teaching requires us to create spaces where students feel heard, safe and mattered. Belonging is a lot more than just a slogan, a prayer or an activity; it has to be intentionally cultivated and nurtured. It is not just […]

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ESL Program Ideas Resources

ChristianRoots Canada

I am Lynette Bloedow. I call myself a ‘Transplanted Canadian from West Indies’ and a ‘Curious Canadian History Buff’. My website is: https://christianrootscanada.org/. I publish and sell curriculum, books and other products which reinforce our research and fill in the gaps of knowledge lacking in the Canadian Christian’s understanding of the true Christian foundations of […]

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Intercultural Compentencies Mission & Outreach

Introducing CultureCross, a Training Resource for Newcomers’ Ministries

TWR Canada has recently completed a 12-week video-led small group curriculum for groups wanting to expand their cross-cultural skills. Twelve different missions ministries from across Canada contributed teachers, and it is now available without cost through an online portal. You can access the full course by signing up here or view all the videos by visiting […]

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Language Learning

Quiet Students

By Jennifer Tong “We like lively classes, we want to see the students participate, speak up, take the floor, contribute actively to class discussion. Communicative language teaching puts a premium on talk and thus often rewards students who ‘do’ conversation and self-expression rather than those who reflect and understand in silence.” (Kramsch, 2009; quoted in […]

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Mission & Outreach

Ottawa ESL Prayer Network

By Carey Jo Johnston The need for ESL ministries is growing in Canada as the number of newcomers increases each year. More Christians and Churches are realizing that they have an amazing opportunity to share the love of Jesus with newcomers through ESL ministry. Sometimes trying to start and keep an ESL ministry going seems […]

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Mission & Outreach

Reflections on a Unique ESL Ministry Opportunity

By Mary-Jane Davison Fight4Freedom (F4F) is a Christian ministry that outreaches to and journeys with individuals impacted by the sex industry and trafficking. F4F outreach teams visit locations known to have sex industry activities and seek to build relationships with the individuals at those locations. When they express interest to receive support and/or would like […]

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Language Learning

Characteristics of Good Language Learners

Joyce always goes to class on time. She is the only one who is there on the snowy evenings in winter. She is shy and never speaks much during the class. Sometimes she writes down new words and looks them up in the dictionary at home. She likes grammar exercises, but she does not like […]