This collection was curated by an ASCCC OERI discipline lead. A comprehensive list of current discipline leads is available.
Resources are listed in order of level, from Transfer Level English Equivalent (TLEE) to 4 levels or more below TLEE.
The resources listed on this page have been evaluated using the OER for ESL Evaluation Rubric. Please complete this rubric if you would like to add an evaluation of a resource for ESL. Your contribution is welcome!
More resources can also be found organized various ways in an Airtable – set up an account to access ESL OER for CCC Brief; set up an account to access OER for California Community College ESL.
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Archived English as a Second Language Webinars
| Title | Date | Tag |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluating Open Educational Resources (OER) for English as a Second Language (ESL) | October 21, 2022 | |
| RFP #3 Showcase: ESL and Comparative Government | May 20, 2022 | |
| OER and English as a Second Language | April 30, 2021 |
Transfer Level English Equivalent
- Advanced Community College ESL Composition (Perez et al.) – LibreTexts (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: TLEE; Skill: Writing; Resource type: Textbook
Description: A revision of Successful College Composition, which was in turn a revision of Writing for Success. This textbook uses the writing process approach.
- Coalescence (Krause, 2022) – Google Sites (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: TLEE; Skills: Writing; REsource Type: Textbook; Description This is a writing textbook with the theme of Universal Human Rights. The approach is Writing Process with a focus on Discussion Essay, Definition Essay and Cause and Effect Essay. As of Nov 2022, this textbook is in pilot stage.
- English Composition 1 (Quillbot)
License: “This courseware includes resources copyrighted and openly licensed by multiple individuals and organizations. Click the words “Licenses and Attributions” at the bottom of each page for copyright and licensing information specific to the material on that page.”
Level: TLEE; Skill: writing; Resource type: Textbook
Description: Composition instruction including success skills, reading strategies, writing process, research process and grammar. - Synthesis (Krause, 2022) – Google Sites (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: TLEE; Skills: Writing; Description: This writing course for advanced students of ESOL offers an integrated approach to metacognition and critical thinking skills, research and source evaluation skills, standard composition and grammar skills, and academic vocabulary skills.
Transfer Level English Equivalent/ 1 Below
- Advanced Academic Grammar for ESL Students (Al Haider) – Canvas Commons
Advanced Academic Grammar for ESL Students (Al Haider) – GoogleDocs (CC BY)
Level: 1 Below TLEE, TLEE; Skills: grammar, reading; Resource type: Textbook
Description: Advanced grammar instruction using an integrated skills approach including listening, reading, editing, and speaking. - ESL/Academic English II (Louden) – Canvas Commons (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 1 below TLEE, TLEE; Skills: writing, reading, vocabulary, all
Resource Type: Course
Reading and writing are the primary focus. Reading texts are links to authentic readings. Topics covered include MLA/APA, rhetorical strategies, audience and purpose, and forming arguments. - Excelsior Online Writing Lab (Excelsior College) (CC BY)
Level: TLEE,1 below TLEE; Skills: writing, research, APA, MLA, Presentations
Resource type: Online Course, Reference text
Description: Online writing lab with videos and interactive quizzes about the writing process, APA and MLA, plagiarism, common grammar errors (mostly for native speakers), and argumentation. - It’s All Greek to Me! Using Authentic Readings to Improve Knowledge of the English Language and Western Culture-Openbooks; LibreTexts (CC-BY-NC-SA)
Level: 1 below TLEE, TLEE; Skills: writing, reading, vocabulary; Resource type: Textbook
Description: Thematic, integrated skills textbook based on Greek mythology with advanced level grammar, reading strategies, and writing instruction. - Oral Communication for NNS of English (Kochem Ghosh, Compton and Cotos) Pressbooks (CC-BY-NC-SA)
Level: TLEE, 1 Level below, 2 levels below; Skills: pronunciation; Resource Type: Textbook
Description from text: “This textbook includes materials on listening, speaking, lexicogrammar, pragmatics, and pronunciation. This digital book is meant to serve as an instructional tool for both learners and teachers in the field of pronunciation. Topics covered include vowel and consonant sounds, word stress, thought groups, prominence, and intonation.” - Writing, Reading, and College Success (Kashyap and Dyquisto) – LibreTexts (CC BY-SA)
Level: TLEE, 1 below TLEE; Skills: writing, reading, student success; Resource Type: Textbook
Description: This English Composition textbook is adapted from Writing for Success with additional scaffolding and context for ESL students.
One Below Transfer Level English Equivalent
- Food and Culture (Poupard) (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 1-below TLEE; Skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, Grammar;
Resource type: Thematic Module
Description This is a thematic, integrated skills unit on food and culture with links to authentic texts - Media Literacy (Moore) (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 1-below TLEE; Skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, Grammar;
Resource type: Thematic Module
Description: This is a thematic, integrated-skills unit on media literacy with links to authentic texts. - Read Faster, Understand More (Krause, 2023) – Google Sites (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 1 below TLEE; Skills: Reading, vocabulary: Resource type: Textbook
Description: Textbook with accompanying PowerPoint slides covers reading strategies for advanced readers. Articles, poems, videos about conformity/non-conformity range from Jackie Robinson, Dead Poets Society, George Takei, Trump’s Wall, and more. Vocabulary worksheets included. Interactive multimedia resource. - Read Up! (Krause, 2023) – Google Sites (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: One Below TLEE; Skills: Reading, Vocabulary Resource type: Textbook; Description: This is an advanced reading strategies textbook with various themes such as Sleep, Robots, Games, Work Distractions, Fashion, and Tipping.
- Reading, Writing, Research and Reasoning: An Advanced ESL Text (Gabriel Winer and Elizabeth Wadell) – Libretexts
ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative (OERI) (CC BY-NC)
Level: 1-below TLEE; Skill: Writing, Reading, Research;
Resource Type: Textbook
Description: Thematic, integrated skills textbook includes reading strategies, essay structure, research strategies, reasoning, and revising skills.
Two Below Transfer Level English Equivalent
- Academic Writing Exercises (Krause, McCleod) – Google Sites (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 3 below TLEE,2 below TLEE: Skills: Grammar instruction, writing: Resource type: Multi-media (interactive, audio-visuals)
From the text: “This is a collection of interactive Google Forms to complement a series of instructional videos by Shaun Macleod and Mark Roberts of SmrtEnglish. Each exercise includes a short video along with original, self-grading comprehension questions and analysis of contextual grammar examples designed for upper-level writing students of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). - BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English 6 (Ivits) (CC BY)
Level: 2 below TLEE; Skills: Reading, grammar instruction, vocabulary, listening, speaking, writing, Presentations, using technology; Resource type: Textbook, workbook, reader, and course pack with instructional essays about creating a digital story.
Description: This textbook would be useful for a digital storytelling project. Course pack may be accessed at the link under “readable” or through BC Open repository. Multimedia texts organized thematically using a genre approach. - ESL Intermediate Reading and Writing (Al Haider) (CC BY)
Level: 2 below TLEE; Skills: reading, writing, vocabulary; Resource type: Textbook
Description: Intermediate-level reading/writing textbook uses themes from the novel Uprising. Includes pre-reading, comprehension questions, graphic organizers, and writing prompts. - High Intermediate Academic Grammar for ESL Students (Al Haider) Google Drive (CC BY)
This thematic integrated-skills textbook includes reading, writing, speaking and listening activities on themes such as Psychology, US History and Lifespans. CEFR B2 level.
- Intermediate Academic Grammar (Al Haider) Google Drive (CC BY)
Level: Two below TLEE; Skills: Listening, speaking, reading writing, grammar; Resource type: Textbook; Description: An integrated-skills intermediate grammar textbook.
- LCC College Transition Listening and Speaking (Lane Community College) (CC BY-NC)
Level: 2 below TLEE, 1 below TLEE; Skills: listening, speaking, vocabulary; Resource type: Course
Description: Audio-visual texts (e.g., This American Life and TED Talks) accompanied by lesson plans, worksheets, and slide presentation. Includes worksheets and instructions on strategies for listening, presentations, research, and more. Multimedia, interactive, complete and accurate. Uses authentic texts and is organized thematically using an integrated skills approach. - OER Communication with Hamilton (Ramirez) (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 2 below TLEE, 1 below TLEE; Skills: listening, speaking, pronunciation, vocabulary; Resource type: Workbook; Multimedia (interactive, audio-visuals).
Description: Workbook teaches IPA, pronunciation (stress, intonation), vocabulary and presentation skills using an integrated skills approach through examples from Hamilton. - PDX Journeys: Studying and Living in the U.S. (Calderon) (CC BY-NC)
Level: 2 below TLEE: Skills: reading, vocabulary; Resource type: Textbook
Description: An intermediate reading and vocabulary textbook about teachers and students in Portland. Comprehension questions, discussion questions, reading strategies, vocabulary from AWL.
Three Below Transfer Level English Equivalent
- BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English 3 (Ivits) (CC BY)
License: 3 below TLEE: Skills: Grammar instruction, vocabulary, writing, reading
Resource type: Textbook, Workbook
Reader and course pack. The theme is British Columbia mysteries. - BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English 4 (Ivits) (CC BY)
Level: 3 below TLEE; Skills: grammar instruction, reading, vocabulary, listening, speaking, writing: Resource type: Textbook, Workbook
Reader and course pack about human rights and biographies. Course pack is available at the link under “readable” or search BC Open repository. - BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English 5 (Ivits) (CC BY)
Level: 3 below TLEE; Skills: grammar instruction, reading, vocabulary, writing
Resource type: Textbook, Workbook
Reader and Course Pack about the brain (intuition, how we learn, memory, etc). Course pack is available at the link under ”readable” or search BC Open repository. - Communication Beginnings: An Introductory Listening and Speaking Text for English Language Learners (Abrahams) (CC BY-SA)
Level: 3 below TLEE; Skills: listening, speaking, grammar; Resource type: Textbook
Multimedia listening and speaking textbook with chapter themes such as jobs, travel, introductions, food. Text comes with audio links to listening activities. Approach: Integrated skills, thematic. - Cuyamaca ESL 1 High Beg. Writing: Accelerated Remote Course (ARC) (Woods) – Canvas Commons (CC BY-SA)
Level: 3 below TLEE; Skill: Reading. Resource Type: Course
Canvas Commons course based on the novel The Wishtree. Companion grammar course can also be found in Canvas Commons. - Getting to Know You (Ferguson) – LibreTexts
Also on Canvas Commons (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 3 below TLEE: Skills: grammar instruction, vocabulary, reading, speaking, listening, writing. Resource type: Thematic Module
From the author: “In this ESL module you will learn how to interview a classmate and write a profile, or short biography. The module includes reading and vocabulary lessons, listening and speaking exercises, writing practice and grammar lessons.” Authentic text organized thematically. - Introduction to Academic Writing for ESOL (Thomas and Krause) (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 3 below TLEE; Skills: grammar, writing; Resource type: Textbook
Textbook, classic paragraph-to-essay focus. Focus on rhetorical modes (narrative, compare-contrast) Some grammar included. Topic sentences, formatting. - People and Places (Ferguson) – LibreTexts
Also on Canvas Commons (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 3 below TLEE; Skills: grammar instruction, vocabulary, speaking, reading, listening, writing.
Resource type: Thematic Module
From the text: “This module has materials to learn and practice language skills at the intermediate level in college ESL. It is recommended for the first few weeks of a semester, since it covers fundamental sentence grammar and basic email communication etiquette.” Authentic texts organized thematically. - Speaking, Listening and Pronunciation Projects for ELLs – Intermediate Level (Zemlick) – LibreTexts (CC BY)
Level: 3 below TLEE; Skill: pronunciation; Resource type: Modules
Multimedia thematic modules. These modules integrate with other level modules ‘Getting to Know You’ and ‘People and Places’ by Ferguson, also on Libretexts. Authentic texts thematically organized.
Four or More Below Transfer Level English Equivalent
- A Closer Read (Krause, 2023) – Google Sites (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: Four or more below TLEE; Skills: Integrated; Resource Type: Textbook; Description: This reading skills workbook for low intermediate students of English is centered on the theme of hobbies such as gardening, pets, board games, music, TV, sports, social media and cooking.
- BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English 1 (Ivits) (CC BY)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE; Skills: Reading, writing, spelling and phonics, vocabulary; Resource type: Textbook, Workbook
Reader and course pack. Word and sentence level. Focus on phonics and vocabulary building. Easy to access. Course pack is available at the link under ”readable” or go through BC Open repository. - BC Reads: Adult Literacy Fundamental English 2 (Ivits) (CC BY)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE; Skills: reading, vocabulary, writing, spelling and phonics; Resource type: Textbook, Workbook
Reader and course pack about Langston Hughes. Focus is vocabulary building, beginning grammar, phonics, and spelling. Sentence writing and listening. Easy to access, multimedia, accurate. Authentic texts organized thematically. Course pack can be accessed by following the link under ”readable” or through BC Open repository. - Beginner ESL for Adult Learners: Teaching with Comprehensible Input (Gorokhova) (CC BY NC SA)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE; Skills: Vocabulary, reading, speaking, writing; Approach: Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS)
Resource type: slides, lesson plans
Description: Beginning lessons for 2-4 (or more) weeks of a 6 unit course. The units are intended for the instructor of the courses to use while leading the lessons with aural and verbal comprehension checks. The materials include videos, slideshows, vocabulary sheets, readings (such as original stories), teacher scripts, and simple assessments. - ESL Beginning Literacy Booklet (Holzknecht) (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE; Skills: vocabulary, literacy; Resource type: printable pdf graphics
From the text: “These printable materials were created for beginning literacy-level adult learners and newly arrived immigrants and refugees who need to develop basic vocabulary to survive and function in our communities. In addition, the materials focus on developing pre-reading skills and pre-writing skills. The 22 units are flexible and can be easily adapted to meet the needs of your learners.” - ESL Career Exploration Communicative Activities (Moore) (CC BY NC SA)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE
Skills: Vocabulary, reading, speaking, writing; Resource type: Canvas Commons course
Description: Slide shows and worksheets that guide students to learn about careers and build interview skills. - Home and School: Ten Easy Picture Stories (Krause) (CC BY)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE; Skills: grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing
Resource type: Textbook, Workbook
Description: Multimedia (interactive, audio-visuals). Short beginning textbook with ten chapters. Each chapter has pictures with sentences, followed by interactive activities. Beginning level students learn vocab such as mother, father, holiday, married and grammar such as is/are. - In the Community: An Intermediate Integrated Skills Textbook (NorQuest College) (CC BY-SA)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE, 3 below TLEE: Skills: functional-notional, listening, speaking, reading, writing; Resource type: Textbook
Interactive, accurate and easy to access. Texts are not authentic but have authentic qualities (e.g., L/S video examples use authentic language and student actors). Focus is not academic. - In the Workplace: An Intermediate Integrated Skills Textbook (BowValley College) (CC BY-SA)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE; Skills: reading, vocabulary, listening, speaking, functional-notional; Resource type: Textbook
Description: Interactive, integrated-skills, multimedia textbook. Texts are not authentic but genre-based (e.g., workplace forms). Appropriate for a low level class with a workplace focus. - Literacy Resources (Theuninck and Diniz) (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE; Skills: literacy, phonics; Resource Type: Slides
Description: A set of slides teaching the alphabet and beginning sound-letter correspondence. - Low Intermediate ESL Writing (Zettelmaier) (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE, 3 below TLEE: Skills: grammar instruction, writing
Resource type: Textbook, Workbook
Description: Textbook using form-focused instruction for word-to-sentence-to-paragraph writing. Covers parts of speech, sentence word order, spelling, paragraph writing. - PCC OER: A Digital Workbook for Beginning ESOL (Dodson, Jordan, and Krause) (CC BY)
Level: 4 or more below TLEE; Skills: grammar, functional-notional; Resource type: Workbook
Description: This interactive workbook allows students to watch ESL videos (grammar and functional-notional) and complete worksheets and games based on the grammar point. Interactive, multimedia, complete, accurate and easy to access. - Stif Digs in and Alma Strikes a Chord (Krause, 2023) – Google Sites (CC BY-NC-SA)
Level: 4 or more Below TLEE; Skills: Reading and Vocabulary; Resource Type: Leveled reader; Description: These two low-intermediate readers include quizlets, comprehension and vocabulary activities.
Using an OER resource that is missing from the list above? If so, please let us know.
This page last updated November 21st, 2022.