<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[English Skills Learning Center]]></title><description><![CDATA[The English Skills Learning Center (ESLC) integrates and strengthens communities by breaking language and cultural barriers.]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2026 01:30:09 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.eslcenter.org/fa/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Teacher Tip: Teaching Vocabulary and Numeracy in Context]]></title><description><![CDATA[Activities like this are a great reminder that meaningful learning doesn't always require elaborate materials. ]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/teacher-tip-teaching-vocabulary-and-numeracy-in-context</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ada8202799cb52c76472247</guid><category><![CDATA[Teaching Tips]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:16:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_beaab41985324e239e16e9e8c98158e8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding the Right Volunteer Opportunity at the English Skills Learning Center ]]></title><description><![CDATA[My advice is to look for a role that fits your strengths, interests, and availability, and that you feel confident committing to over time. The ESLC always has volunteer needs, but that doesn't mean every volunteer role is the right fit for every person. ]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/finding-the-right-volunteer-opportunity-at-the-english-skills-learning-center</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ace951b563851b15edf82dc</guid><pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:19:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_fec15314a62a4bcdb7ec3eee287637ec~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jessica Hercules</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why I Volunteer to Teach English and Family Literacy: Meet Chelle]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chelle loves that the program she works in helps parents learn the English language and allows them an opportunity to connect with and teach their children. “It's such a great program because it's an encouragement to help them to get comfortable with their English skills while also spending some time with their kids. It's a great program.” ]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/why-i-volunteer-to-teach-english-and-family-literacy-meet-chelle</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a6799c6d1a59ce0fe2946e6</guid><pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1d181_6da623e9bffc404d8d119dbe3bb596b1~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Zane Poss</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why I Volunteer to Teach English and Citizenship: Meet Mike]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mike is passionate about working with individuals and seeing them be successful at the end of a hard road. One day, “there were two or three citizens being sworn in as United States citizens, that was an exciting thing, just the enthusiasm and the love that they had for America,” he said. Mike proudly holds his experience working at the ESLC on his business card. He has received two Hands and Hearts awards for his volunteer work. ]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/why-i-volunteer-to-teach-english-and-citizenship-meet-mike</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a67979e65a8c8dd285d933e</guid><pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1d181_f15ebc4911094247b120399c11fb7fb1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Zane Poss</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why I Volunteer to Teach English: Meet Kent]]></title><description><![CDATA[“These people come because they want to be there. There's hope in their eyes when they walk in the door. They want to improve themselves and improve their situation. Some of them also just want friends to socialize to be around people who are going through the same thing they're going through.” ]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/why-i-volunteer-to-teach-english-meet-kent</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a679cf7388acffd1e3bec78</guid><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1d181_f78848d9f02e404090819e112c4127a3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Zane Poss</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why I Volunteer to Teach English: Meet Dylan]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dylan moonlights as an Uber driver. One evening in 2025, he had a ride that inspired him to do more to help immigrants. The woman Dylan was driving around seemed reluctant to say where she was from. Dylan wondered if it was because of a controversial comment made by a politician. “I wonder if this woman in sort of the aftermath of that is a little bit, it's something she doesn't want to bring up just to anyone. I just kind of had that in my mind, and I thought that's such a shame,” Dylan said....]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/why-i-volunteer-to-teach-english-meet-dylan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a6798cdb59210289e95d379</guid><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_bc86c42f4a334ac38f9af11cc8e1f782~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Zane Poss</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Black History Month Spotlight: Honoring Voices That Shaped Language]]></title><description><![CDATA[Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the large impact that Black leaders, thinkers, artists, and scholars have had on every facet of society. While many names are widely known and celebrated, countless others have transformed entire fields without receiving deserved recognition. In language, education, and sociolinguistics, Black scholars have challenged harmful narratives, affirmed the legitimacy of African American Speech, and reshaped how we understand language and identity....]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/black-history-month-spotlight-honoring-voices-that-shaped-language</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a719f3a29c2f981472ab7a</guid><category><![CDATA[Info and Advocacy]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_c4ce771adbf9442fba5ba9479c7bb6fc~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_536,h_475,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teaching Tip: Using Minimal Pairs to Build Listening and Pronunciation Skills]]></title><description><![CDATA[Minimal pairs are two words that differ by only one sound, such as ship/sheep , fan/van , or cut/gut . Practicing them helps learners hear distinctions that may not exist in their first language and improves both listening comprehension and pronunciation. A key reminder: students will struggle with different sounds depending on their language background. This isn’t about labeling learners or making assumptions about individuals, but about ensuring we rotate practice so everyone  gets targeted...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/teaching-tip-using-minimal-pairs-to-build-listening-and-pronunciation-skills</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6987bc7196663872686239c3</guid><category><![CDATA[Teaching Tips]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 22:38:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_77fe316892e84eba8ab920ed7efa137d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_904,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teaching Tip: Engaging Students  with Visual Aids ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Engaging students in speaking and writing activities can be challenging. Visual aids offer a practical solution to this problem. A single image can spark creativity, encourage discussion, and deepen understanding. Using visuals in the classroom transforms lessons from passive listening into active learning experiences. How Visuals Stimulate Student Production Visuals provide a concrete starting point for students to build ideas. When students see an image, their brains connect it to memories,...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/teaching-tip-engaging-students-with-visual-aids</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6941d5aa6e99824bc103e795</guid><category><![CDATA[Teaching Tips]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:51:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_086ba9d5c1e24e608ff94510f91aa917~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_668,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honoring and Remembering Judy Taylor]]></title><description><![CDATA[Judy with her grandchildren at the ESLC's Annual Picnic. The ESLC community is mourning the loss of a longtime volunteer, Judy Taylor (1949–2025). Before joining the ESLC team, Judy built a meaningful career as a teacher of gifted and talented children, and she was well known for her commitment to learners who needed additional support in the classroom. Education was at the center of her life, and she carried that commitment forward in every space she entered. At the ESLC, Judy became a...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/honoring-and-remembering-judy-taylor</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69443e16321595a831ae2464</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:56:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_cc069ac60adb4454b31dfd316b9044b1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Utah Philanthropy Day 2025]]></title><description><![CDATA[From left to right: Roya R (ESLC Volunteer), Katie Donoviel (Executive Director), Jessica Hercules (Community Engagement Director), Liz M. (ESLC Volunteer), Kelsey R. (ESLC Volunteer), Jeremy Franklin (ESLC Volunteer &#38; Board Member), Deborah Dilley (Administrative Operations Director). Not pictured: Terri H. On Friday, December 5, Utah once again came together to celebrate Utah Philanthropy Day, the state’s flagship celebration of volunteerism, generosity, and civic spirit. The annual...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/utah-philanthropy-day-2025</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693c4e0c38266d8ba6240d44</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:30:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_6b22a534f0d449e0a0cf0c043402ab6b~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_300,h_168,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jessica Hercules</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ESLC's Annual Picnic]]></title><description><![CDATA[Each year, the English Skills Learning Center looks forward to our annual Picnic in the Park , a special event where staff, students,...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/eslc-s-annual-picnic</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68d43a36736eb5b065cfad53</guid><category><![CDATA[Info and Advocacy]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:36:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_e0f2de1891d74609a341bd521fbc1d4d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jessica Hercules</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[August 2025 Volunteer of the Month: Aimee B. ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Aimee poses for a picture with ESLC students. For the past three years, Aimee has been a dedicated volunteer with the ESLC, showing up...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/august-2025-volunteer-of-the-month-aimee-b</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68b1ecf5a87801a2371710f5</guid><category><![CDATA[Volunteer of the Month]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 18:39:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_978ea9c2f2044d468125b7366158181f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teaching Tip: Model Accessible Speech]]></title><description><![CDATA[When we slow down, simplify, and support our spoken language with visuals or gestures, we’re doing more than just making communication...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/teaching-tip-model-accessible-speech</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68adf55ccdd969a2029d9b00</guid><category><![CDATA[Teaching Tips]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 21:11:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f607cb_b4d4207e15fd45439d83e9ff3832e58e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jessica Hercules</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[August 2025 Students of the Month: Farhad &#38; Haydeh]]></title><description><![CDATA[Farhad &#38; Haydeh pose with volunteer teacher, Ilene. We’re lucky to have students like Farhad and Haydeh in our classes. Their dedication...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/august-2025-students-of-the-month-farhad-haydeh</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68ae15e3cdd969a2029deded</guid><category><![CDATA[Student of the Month]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:21:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_94a7ee5bc6f3484dbeb1131fd2ef5b72~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_603,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Student of the Month: July 2025]]></title><description><![CDATA[Introducing Chrisay, our student of the month for July 2025!  Chrisay is a dedicated student who has been a valuable member of our...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/student-of-the-month-july-2025</link><guid isPermaLink="false">689b6ba44a03ec7637b88ab2</guid><category><![CDATA[Student of the Month]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2025 01:00:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/293ac7_fdb6a3782b0d437ea54a014f7c11711e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teaching Tip:  Supporting Mental Wellness in the Classroom During Stressful Times]]></title><description><![CDATA[Adult learners have a lot going on outside the classroom. They might be working long hours, caring for family, adjusting to a new...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/teaching-tip-supporting-mental-wellness-in-the-classroom-during-stressful-times</link><guid isPermaLink="false">688147af9120874be7c46a27</guid><category><![CDATA[Teaching Tips]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:09:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_b8ee62cf4e744d1f947f083583202d47~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Department of Education Funding Freeze Hits ESLC]]></title><description><![CDATA[On June 30, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) froze nearly $7 billion of federal funding that supports educational programs...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/department-of-education-funding-freeze-hits-eslc</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6876cd66fede8b31186d6b7e</guid><pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:09:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fd42a4_3f0a8b7cbeaf455893bafb1e0bc2d3b1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teaching Tip: Roll, Read, Erase – A Fun and Flexible Warm-Up for Literacy Learners]]></title><description><![CDATA[This simple activity is a favorite for literacy classrooms because it combines movement, numeracy, reading, and fun—all in a low-prep...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/teaching-tip-roll-read-erase-a-fun-and-flexible-warm-up-for-literacy-learners</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68409342827bcdfa93237592</guid><category><![CDATA[Teaching Tips]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:44:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_4a980c992b434d5ca90d121406a77bd8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_708,h_944,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Juneteenth, Literacy, and the Power of Information]]></title><description><![CDATA[On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and delivered news that should have already been known: all enslaved people...]]></description><link>https://www.eslcenter.org/post/juneteenth-literacy-and-the-power-of-information</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68409cef28052d1ee73b14f8</guid><category><![CDATA[Info and Advocacy]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:42:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00591_dc01e6e87ea144bcb675159972175992~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ESLC</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>