ESL Reading Circle
The State Library of Western Australia released its current Literacy Strategy mid-2017. One aspect of the strategy highlighted the importance of library programs for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse community. The ESL (English as a Second Language) Reading Circle program is a response to this.
Based on traditional book clubs, the program is designed for adults and aims to improve confidence in English speaking and reading as well as promote social connectedness. The program also introduces new Australians to Australian culture and history, and plays a role in reconciliation and harmony.
Participants read aloud to each other under the guidance of a facilitator who corrects pronunciation, explains meanings of words and phrases, and leads a discussion based on the text. The program is held in the library and participants are introduced to library resources that support their English language study.
About
In 2016 I was working at Victoria Park Library. I was asked to give the local English Conversation Class a tour of the library and, after showing the group the LOTE collection, the Foreign Film collection and the ESL resources, I asked them if there was anything further they needed that the library could supply. The answer was a book club that catered to the needs of adults who were learning English. At the same time I needed to choose a topic for my Masters dissertation. Designing a book club program for the culturally and linguistically diverse was the solution.
Since facilitating the program, I have been privileged to meet and share knowledge and experiences with a diverse range of wonderful people. I encourage you to embrace the program and reap the benefits.
Rosalie Foss
