New Scots are learning English through the power of stories as part of Council language programme
Posted on 19 Jul 2024
Our photo shows the Story-Listening group - including Tetyana, Victoriia and Nadia – with ESOL Development Worker Calum Paul and Community Development ESOL Tutor Joanna McCulloch at Irvine’s Volunteer Rooms.
People from countries including Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan and Iran are improving their language skills thanks to a Story-Listening programme in Irvine.
North Ayrshire Council’s Community Development team, including ESOL Development Worker Calum Paul and Community Development ESOL Tutor Joanna McCulloch, has embraced a language teaching method - which originated in Japan - to help boost New Scots’ English.
The group at The Volunteer Rooms is learning new words and phrases through the Story-Listening method, which was created by Dr Beniko Mason, a professor in Japan.
This sees tutors using a combination of simple stories, drawings, mime and props to help learners improve their vocabulary, communicate better and settle into life in North Ayrshire.
Nadia, from Ukraine, says being part of the Story-Listening group has helped improve her reading skills, explaining: “My favourite English book is Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. And this class helped me to understand the book.”
The method helps to put ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners at ease because they don’t need to speak at sessions if they don’t feel comfortable doing so – but as they gain confidence they are often keen to talk.
There is no pressure on anyone to speak, and this relaxed approach helps to boost their spoken English and literacy skills.
The focus is on listening, not speaking, and learners pick up words and phrases easier by following the stories without the pressure of having to talk in a group setting.
Group member Tatyana, from Ukraine, said when she arrived in Scotland she had no grasp of the English language. “The tutors have made the lessons very interesting and understandable,” she added.
The first part of Story-Listening sessions sees the tutors doing all the speaking and reading a story to the group, while using pictures, drawings and a white board to engage everyone. And the second part involves the group in activities and discussion.
Victoriia, also from Ukraine, explained: “I enjoy going to the English story classes. The lessons are interesting, and are like a game.”
At the end of sessions, tutors provide learners with a text of the story to read and an electronic recording. Vocabulary sheets are also provided, with translations in the various languages to offer additional support and encourage the group to practise in their own time.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, added: “These sessions are helping people whose first language isn’t English to learn, communicate, hold conversations, read and settle into life here in North Ayrshire. Congratulations to everyone involved for persevering with the learning, which will help them integrate into their community.”
If you know someone whose first language isn’t English and needs support with their English, you can complete a short referral form online here: https://bit.ly/3ZEFrLj
If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering opportunities across North Ayrshire to help New Scots improve their English and integrate into their community, you can fill in a form here: https://bit.ly/411LLO9