Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association (ECALA)

ELL Essentials (Level 2) - Bridging Course: Advancing from Foundations to Proficency
2022-09-26 - 2026-06-30
Are you a CLB 2-4 learner? In this class you will learn more words, practice grammar, and speak English more easily for day-to-day life. You will learn:

Greetings
Asking for directions
Reporting a problem
Small talk
Making reservations
And more!

ELL Essentials (Level 3) - A Progressive Pathway to Proficiency
2022-09-26 - 2026-06-30
Ready to take your English to the next level? This course is for learners at CLB 4 – CLB 6. Boosts vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills with real-life topics. You will learn English for:

Work
Travel
Small talk
Sharing opinions
Jobs interviews
Making reservations
And more!

ELL Intensive (Level 2) - English Foundations and Practical English for Everyday and Employment Success
2022-09-26 - 2026-06-30
Ready to take your English to the next level? This course is for learners at CLB 4 – CLB 5. Boosts English skills in daily life and work. You will learn English for:

Greetings
Small talk
Describing your family
Telling time and job schedules
Shopping
Problem solving at work
And more!

ELL Intensive (Level 3) - Building Confidence and Proficiency for Life and Work
2022-09-26 - 2026-06-30
Ready to take your English to the next level? This course is for learners at CLB 5 – CLB 7. Boosts English skills in daily life and work. You will learn English for:

Sharing opinions
Work reports and emails
Job interviews
Problem solving at work
Career planning
And more!

Digital Literacy Learning Class (Basic Low Level 1)
2022-09-26 - 2026-06-30
Ready to take your English and Digital skills to the next level? You will learn:

Mouse and keyboard skills
Getting onto the internet
Emails
Internet safety
And more!

Digital Literacy Learning Class (Intermediate Level 2)
2022-09-26 - 2026-06-30
Ready to take your English and Digital skills to the next level? This class is for CLB 3 and CLB 4 learners. You will learn:

Mouse and keyboard skills
Going on the internet
Google meets, Microsoft Teams and Zoom
Organizing information
Emails
Internet safety
And more!

Daily Literacy
2022-09-28 - 2026-06-30
In these sessions, you will be able to meet other parents while learning fun ways to practice English skills and help your children be happy and healthy. You will discuss topics like:

Reading books with children
Registered education savings plans
Healthy eating and cooking
Sensory play and games
and more!

Learning our Indigenous History
2022-09-30 - 2026-06-30
Do you want to know more about your Indigenous history? Do you want to learn some Cree? Do you want to get better at writing in English and using everyday math skills? Come to one, two, or all of the workshops to find out more about:

Tobacco Tie Teachings
Turtle Island
Tipi Pole Teachings
Medicines and Medicines Bags
Dreamcatchers
Beading
Dancing
Drum and Rattle
Bannock Making
Indigenous Nutrition
Talking Stick
Moss Bag Teachings

Basic Digital Learning Skills for African Seniors
2022-10-03 - 2024-06-30
Do you want to learn how to use your computer or smart phone? Do you want to find things on the internet, connect with family online, and send emails? Come to our Basic Digital Learning skills for African Seniors course. In this course you will learn how to use

WhatsApp and other texting
Emails
Social media like Facebook
Video conferencing like Zoom
YouTube
Websites for online shopping
And more!

English as a Second Language
2022-10-10 - 2026-06-30
Are you at CLB Level 2 – 4? Do you want to use English in your daily life? This class helps you with listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. We talk about things like:

Reading phone bills, medicine labels etc.
Paying bills online and reading bank statements
Talking with teachers at parent-teacher interviews
Writing emails to your children’s school
Filling out forms
And more!

You will get to do role plays, practice computer skills, do quizzes, watch ESL videos, and speak with your teacher and classmates.

Reading and Writing Skills
2022-10-12 - 2026-06-30
Do you want to write good sentences and paragraphs? Do you need to improve your reading skills? In this class you will:

Learn to write good sentences
Learn to write good paragraphs
Learn grammar
Practice reading and writing
And more!

Literacy for Living - Basic Digital Skills
2022-10-13 - 2024-06-30
Knowing how to use a computer is something everyone needs to be able to do. You need computers, phones, or tablets to get information, services, to do schoolwork, and even to find a job.
In this course you will learn to

use computers, smart phones and/or tablets
find things on the computer
use the internet to learn new things about parenting
use the internet to find resources for you and your child
use the internet to find a job
and more!

Refresh Circle 1 (Evening)
2022-10-17 - 2026-06-30
Are you working or busy during the day? Are you CLB level 2-4? This class is for you! In this class you will:

Practice English listening, reading, speaking and writing
Learn grammar
Use a computer
Read ads, bills and school emails
Answer the phone
Take or leave a message
Book an appointment
Answer questions for a job interview
Write work emails and fill out application forms
And more!

Refresh Circle 2 (Morning)
2022-10-17 - 2026-06-30
Are you literacy to CLB level 1? Do you have little schooling in your own language? This course will help you practice English in the classroom and use English in your daily life.

Unconscious and Implicit Bias - Evenings Part 1
2023-01-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton)
Date: Tuesdays, January 17, 24, and 31, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Online
Facilitators: Launa Clark, Imagine Insitute
Description:
In these three-part evening sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about how unconscious bias works and how it shows up in the places we are the most comfortable. Using research and activities this session will uncover how difficult conversations help uncover bias and how tough conversations are not confrontational but validating. No preparation is necessary, as you will all come with your biases, as we all have them.
Learning Objectives:

Understand unconscious bias and the ways it can show up.
Explore ways bias shows up in the way we interact with colleagues.
Increase communication skills related to bias with tools to support challenging conversations related to bias.
Explore methods to help check bias in the way decisions are made.

Please note the following:

– Priority will be given to ECALA-funded agencies. If interest in the sessions exceeds availability, we will consider repeating the sessions in the spring

-This workshop is the same content as the January 23, 2023, Unconscious and Implicit Bias full-day session.
Click here to register.

English Language Learning Resource Sharing
2023-01-18 12:00 - 13:00
Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Online
Facilitators: Leanne Adegbonmire
Description:
This session is exactly what’s in the name — We want to provide a space for ELL educators (instructors, facilitators, teachers, tutors, coordinators, etc.) to come together and share resources that work well for your learners! Come prepared to share a resource with the group (2-4 minutes).
Click here to register.

Unconscious and Implicit Bias - Full Day
2023-01-23 09:30 - 16:30
Date: Monday, January 23, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Online
Facilitators: Launa Clark, Imagine Insitute
Description:
In this full-day session, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about how unconscious bias works and how it shows up in the places we are the most comfortable. Using research and activities this session will uncover how difficult conversations help uncover bias and how tough conversations are not confrontational but validating. No preparation is necessary, as you will all come with your biases, as we all have them.
Learning Objectives:

Understand unconscious bias and the ways it can show up.
Explore ways bias shows up in the way we interact with colleagues.
Increase communication skills related to bias with tools to support challenging conversations related to bias.
Explore methods to help check bias in the way decisions are made.

Please note the following:

– Priority will be given to ECALA-funded agencies. If interest in the sessions exceeds availability, we will consider repeating the sessions in the spring

-This workshop is a repeat of the January Unconscious and Implicit Bias evening sessions.
Click here to register.

Unconscious and Implicit Bias - Evenings Part 2
2023-01-24 18:00 - 20:00

Padlet Playtime
2023-01-26 12:00 - 13:00
Date: Thursday, January 26, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Online
Facilitators:
Description:
This hour-long session will provide you an opportunity for guided practice on Padlet. You’re welcome to bring a Padlet that you’re working on, or one that you may have already used with learners. We expect you to have a Padlet account and at least be familiar with the platform to join this informal session.
Click here to register.

ECALA Class Visit and Edmonton Literacy Coalition
2023-01-27 09:00 - 12:00
Date: Friday, January 27, 2023
Time:
Part 1: 9:00 am – 10:20 am
Part 2: 10:30 – 12:00 pm
Where: Online (Zoom links to be sent before the event)
Facilitators: Leanne Adegbonmire, Marnie Rempel Friesen & Debbie Clark
Description:
This is a two-part session and participants are welcome to attend both or either part.
Part One: Class Visits
We want to host a conversation to discuss process and feedback for CALP-funded class visits. Edmonton CALP-funded agencies have agreed to support ECALA staff to attend classes during the funding year. ECALA staff currently visit most classes once per funding year. The class visits have provided opportunities for educators or volunteers to ask ECALA staff questions before and after class, request support with accessing materials or resources and discuss any professional development needs they have. ECALA would like to create a guidance document on class visits during the session based on ideas and input from Edmonton CALP-funded agencies.
Part Two: Edmonton Literacy Coalition
The idea of collaborating on Adult Foundational Literacy priorities in Edmonton was introduced at the ECALA Fall Community Conversation. If you are interested in continuing to participate and determine priorities and activities for the Coalition, please register.
Please note: this event is for ECALA-funded agencies only.
Click here to register.

Unconscious and Implicit Bias - Evenings Part 3
2023-01-31 18:00 - 20:00

Using Plain Language Principles
2023-02-03 10:00 - 12:00
Date: Friday, February 3, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Online
Facilitators: Wendy Peverett
Description:
Did you know that approximately 40% of adult Albertans struggle with literacy and numeracy? Do you use Plain language principles in your programs? Plain language is writing for your audience in a clear, concise way that helps ensure that your message is understood the first time. It is about using simple vocabulary that makes your writing more effective and inclusive. In this workshop, we will:

Examine who your audience is
Explore ways to ensure your writing works for your audience
Review Plain Language Best Practices
Learn new strategies
Practice

Click here to register.

ECALA Classroom: Lesson Planning & Structure
2023-02-10 10:00 - 12:00
Date: Friday, February 10, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Online
Facilitators: Leanne Adegbonmire and Wendy Peverett
Description:
In the community learning environment, sometimes it’s challenging to find a balance between Learner Centred Practice and too much Structure. In this session, we will explore how clear Learning Objectives, Interactive Activities, and a clear plan going into a class can provide just enough structure for your learners to thrive. This session is for educators working in all funded categories.
Click here to register.

Introduction to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs)
2023-02-17 10:00 - 12:00
Date: Friday, February 17, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Online
Facilitators: Selestia Herrera-Ganton, Rural Routes Regional Advisor (North, East-West)
Description:
Rural Routes is presenting this orientation to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) will help you determine learner proficiency, plan instruction, and assess learning.
Click here to register.

Reading Strategies for Working with Adult Learners
2023-02-23 09:30 - 11:30
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Where: Online
Facilitators: Bonnie Caron (PALS), Wendy Peverett
Description:
Are you working with adult foundational learners? Are you looking for strategies and tools that will help you with your learners? Join ECALA and Bonnie Caron, PALS Adult Literacy Coordinator, to examine the five basic elements of learning to read:

Phonics
Word families
Sight words
Prefixes and Suffixes
Syllables

Bonnie will share excerpts from a comprehensive curriculum she has developed that helps teach literacy from pre-reading to Grade 8. You will also receive an amazing list of resources and where you can purchase them. You want to be there!
Click here to register.

Strategies for Teaching Multi-Level Classes
2023-03-14 17:30 - 19:30
Date: Friday, March 14, 2023
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Online
Facilitators: Selestia Herrera-Ganton, Rural Routes Regional Advisor (North, East-West)
Description:
Most ESL practitioners have students at different levels in one group. Rural Routes will share some strategies to help you manage multi-level classes and maximize student learning.
Click here to register.

Adult Literacy Resource Sharing Lunch n Learn
2023-03-15 12:00 - 13:00
Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Online
Facilitators:
Description:
This session is exactly what’s in the name — We want to provide a space for basic digital skills/digital literacy educators (instructors, facilitators, teachers, tutors, coordinators, etc.) to come together and share resources that work well for your learners! Come prepared to share a resource with the group (2-4 minutes).
Click here to register.

Making Numeracy Learning Less Daunting
2023-03-20 13:00 - 15:00
Date: Monday, March 20, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Online, Zoom
Facilitators: Jeb Gaudet, CanLearn Society
Description:
Numeracy and math can present challenges to learners and instructors alike. Jeb Gaudet from CanLearn Society will look at some of the unique aspects of numeracy and math instruction, and how to use this knowledge in supporting learners.
Some topics that we’ll explore include:

the difference between numeracy and math,
assessing a learner’s strengths and needs (including our own, as instructor-learners),
and features of good numeracy and math instruction.

Above all, the invitation is to be curious – about our learning, the learning of those we work with, and about how to make sense of numbers and math.
Click here to register.

ECALA Spring Literacy Day
2023-03-31 08:30 - 15:00
Date: Friday, March 31, 2023
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Facilitators: ECALA Team and Guests
Where: Abbottsfield Recreation Centre (ARC)
Address: 3006 119 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5W 4T4 (just north of Riverview Crossing)
Join ECALA staff and our Guests Elder Ed Lavallee, and Rebecca Still for a morning of networking, adding to your adult literacy practice toolkit and taking away practical ideas you can use in your classes.
8:30 am – 8:45 am: Registration
8:45 am – 9:15 am: Smudge Ceremony and Opening Prayer Ceremony, Elder Ed Lavallee
9:30 am – 10:30 am: Indigenous History and Culture: Truth or Myth, Elder Ed Lavallee & Brittany Whitford
10:30 am – 10:45 am: Break
10:45 am – 12:00 pm: Planned Workshops:

Marnie Rempel Friesen & Chelséa Legg-St. Pierre (ECALA) -Digital Literacy Resource by Immigrant Services Society of BC
Wendy Peverett (ECALA) – Integrating Everyday Numeracy in Your Class
Rebecca Still (CLN) – Teaching Reading Strategies and CALP Portal Resources

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Lunch Provided
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Community Fair
You’re welcome to attend the afternoon resource fair featuring agencies and programs in North East Edmonton. Learn more about what’s offered by agencies like Action for Healthy Communities, Candora, PALS, and services at the Edmonton Public Library, The Today Centre and others.
Click here to register.
Click here to view the poster.

ECALA Community Fair
2023-03-31 13:00 - 15:00
Date: Friday, March 31, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Facilitators: ECALA Team and Guests
Where: Abbottsfield Recreation Centre (ARC)
Address: 3006 119 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5W 4T4 (just north of Riverview Crossing)
Are you interested in free classes and drop-in activities for adults?
How about free resources in your community?
The Community Fair is a great way to learn about the classes and resources offered by agencies like Action for Healthy Communities, Candora Society, PALS, E4C, Today Centre, C5 Hub, Primary Care Network and the Edmonton Public Library.
You can stop at each agency table and pickup information on classes.
Click here to view the poster.
