Curriculum

Why does Graceland write its own ESL curriculum?

Not long after arriving in Poland, Colette and Jay realized that because they were running a school where students moved from one level to the next and just continued to stay on at Graceland, they needed more material. Wanting to stay true to their commitment to use Bible-based ESL and God-honouring texts and materials, they went in search of more curriculum. What they found was some great Bible studies in lower level English or some biblically themed grammar books in King James Version. Now there’s nothing wrong with the King James Version of the Bible or simple Bible studies, however, it just isn’t practical for helping someone with limited access to native English speakers learn how to speak in modern contemporary language and have lots of grammar practice along the way. And so, feeling completely inadequate for the job, the two set out on the adventure of a lifetime . . . studying, writing and rewriting texts that would be suitable for their students. The materials you see listed below aren’t on any curriculum best seller lists, but they have proven to be very effective for the 700 ++ students who have used them to focus on the areas where they and most foreigners struggle the most learning English.

If you, your church, school or ministry could be helped by any of the Bible themed ESL materials below, please contact us and we’d be happy to give you more information.

Each curriculum costs $70 USD and is presented in a PDF electronic copy with a set of teacher's notes where available. This material is intended for use by one teacher in a classroom and may not be given away or used for an entire school. Directors wishing to use this material for their entire school should contact: Jay Bowyer

Christian ESL Curriculum

• The Prince and the Pauper

  (Adult and Young Teen Advanced Beginner)

  This curriculum takes the advanced beginner student to a new level. The classic story of the prince becoming the common man has been rewritten for the lower level student to enjoy. Spiritual content is worked into the discussion questions in a natural way.

  The grammar at this level helps to focus the students on some of the basics such as verbs, pronouns and basic sentence building.

• Adventures in Canada

  (Adult - Lower Intermediate)

  This curriculum is intended to give the student a fun overview of Canada, its history, famous places and a few key individuals. The students enjoy seeing a side of Canada that they might otherwise be unaware of.

  The grammar is centred on verb tenses and usage.

  The spiritual content is not as overt in this program, however, Bible passages are quoted with pertinent discussion questions, related to the topic of the unit.

• Survivor I: The Life of Joseph

  (Adult - Intermediate 1)

  This curriculum takes the student to the next level grammatically by showing various verb tenses and usage of adjectives and adverbs. The intermediate student will enjoy following the biography of a great man of God. Practical applications for vocabulary acquisition and retention, grammar and writing and easy flowing discussions are a part of every unit. The use of puzzles and word games also make this curriculum fun and challenging. Additionally, the student workbook contains 3 progress tests to help students see their improvement along the way.

  Spiritually, the student sees very clearly that the hardships Joseph faced were used for good in his life. In fact, the students will watch “the soap opera” of Joseph's life unfold and see him go from favoured son to prisoner and back to man of power and position.

  (Note: This curriculum is written in such a way as to be used either in the classroom, complete with grammar, or simply as a book for a discussion group.)

  Table of Contents and Sample

• Survivor II: Robinson Crusoe

  (Adult and Older Teen - Intermediate 2)

  This classic story has been rewritten at the next intermediate level to allow students the joy of reading a classic novel. Students get a good workout in verb tenses and have plenty of practice determining when to use which tense. The student is often put in the position of reporter to describe what is happening in Crusoe's life.

  Spiritually, the student hears the full gospel presented from the main character of the book. Having a 3rd party share the message of love and grace gives the teacher the vantage point of asking questions about Crusoe's spiritual journey and helps the student draw personal life conclusions.

  Table of Contents

• Canada Eh to Zed

  (Adult - Intermediate 3)

  This curriculum gives the student the opportunity to explore Canada in ways they have never imagined. From wild and crazy critters to unsolved mysteries to the great minds of Canada, the student will always be experiencing something intriguing about the Great White North! Each unit not only has its focal text, but also highlights a place to visit, a trivia fact or a famous Canadian brand.

  The grammar is tackled in a “natural” format, with greater emphasis on the specifics of usage and practice to go with it.

  The spiritual content of this material occurs primarily in thematic discussion in each unit.

  Table of Contents

• Life in HD

  (Adult - Intermediate 4)

  This curriculum steps into the lives of successful Christ-followers. The students follow the journeys of these believers, their victories and their failures, their struggles and their faith. The lives of the individuals studied make it easy to discuss God’s involvement in our lives and our relationship with Him.

  The grammar focus continues not so much in learning new things but rather on perfecting skills such as the perfect tenses, modal verbs, gerunds and conditionals.

• Power Up

  (Adult - Upper Intermediate)

  This curriculum is focused on the business student who wants to increase vocabulary and discuss aspects of business pertaining to leadership. Short, real-life stories highlight and emphasize business qualities such as integrity, generosity, creativity and the golden rule. A/B partner activities have students working through various business related scenarios. The natural progression of grammar takes the student into phrasal verbs and modals. The students also have 3 tests within the text to help monitor their progress.

  Spiritually this curriculum is subtler than some of the others, as it was originally written to be used on a secular university campus. However, being true to our calling, Bible passages are used, Bible characters are quoted and the text ends using Jesus as the example of the ultimate leader.

  Table of Contents and Sample

Business and Leadership

We love to challenge ourselves and our students to be better leaders. We have offered courses and discussion groups on the following topics. If you are interested in this kind of discussion group, please let us know.

• Discover Your Strengths
• Media and Marketing Trends
• Developing the Leader Within
• The Purple Cow
• 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
• The FRED Factor
• Trombone Player Wanted

Book Clubs

Over the years, Graceland has had a variety of book clubs where students read a novel together and then discuss it, practice vocabulary usage and grammar in conjunction with the text. If you are interested in the materials that we have developed for the following books, please let us know.

• The Shack
• The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe
• Prince Caspian
• The Biography of Walt Disney

TV and Movie Materials

Graceland students have always enjoyed watching and discussing popular films and TV shows. If you are interested in the ways in which we tackled the following, please contact us.

• The Prince of Egypt
• Finding Nemo
• The Bucket List
• Invictus
• Eli Stone (2 seasons)