English for Life: Language Learning through Community + Connection

Over 90% of Literacy NRV’s adult students are English language learners. Over thirty languages are spoken among them. Their English abilities range from beginner (knowing little more than how to say their name, “Hello” and “thank you”) to the advanced (casually buying groceries and dropping their children at school). So how does Literacy NRV serve these 300+ students? We offer English For Life classes.

Literacy NRV provides free English For Life classes to cover all forms of English our adult students may need in their day-to-day lives. We cover the fundamental skills needed for language acquisition: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students study with Ventures, an established, multi-level adult English curriculum. But they also learn what they need. How? They tell us. 

Yes, we use books in the classroom. We also use community. The community of the classroom is a space for students and instructors to build practical English lessons. When students ask for help learning English, we provide it. Maybe they have a parent-teacher conference soon and they aren’t sure how to prepare. Or they have a job that uses specific vocabulary they haven’t been able to understand yet. Sometimes, it’s as simple as learning fruits and vegetables. Other times, it’s the complexity of healthcare forms and asking for a translator. Always, it's a safe place for them to engage with other people in the NRV. Adult students attend English For Life classes because they learn the language they use in their lives.

Our students are adults with jobs and families. They’re busy, and we provide classes for them. We offer a variety of English classes throughout the New River Valley. For our fall term, weekly English For Life classes will be held in Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Pulaski. (We’re also developing classes in Radford and Shawsville.) Classes will meet in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings. They’ll meet on weekdays and weekends. Some classes have childcare provided by our community partners. They’ll meet in trusted community buildings like libraries and faith organizations. Frequently, classes will meet in Literacy NRV’s classroom. We always ensure a comfortable learning environment for all students. 

Our volunteers and staff are a great help in providing these free classes to our adult English students. Every class offers an opportunity for newcomers and immigrants to improve their lives. The little boost of confidence, or a new word, or finally understanding what “under the weather” means gets the people we live with further along in life. The few hundred students we serve can do better in their lives by coming to English For Life classes.