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The 5 AM Scholar: How Texas Adults Are Redefining Where and When Learning Happens

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This is a guest post by Vaschni Savain of Brainchild Unlimited, a 2025 Annual Conference sponsor.


It’s 5:47 AM in Houston.

While the city sleeps, Jasmine sits in her parked car outside the elementary school where she works as a custodian, earbuds in, reviewing fractions on her handheld device. In two hours, she’ll clock out, drive across town to her second job at a retail store, then pick up her three kids from aftercare. But right now, in these stolen 20 minutes before her shift starts, she’s mastering algebra.

Sound impossible? If you’re an adult literacy educator, you know it’s just another Tuesday.

The Myth of the “Traditional” Adult Learner

We talk about adult education like it happens in neat, scheduled blocks. Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6 – 8 PM. But here’s the reality: your most determined students are often the ones who can least afford traditional schedules.

Take Jasmine. She’s been working toward her HSE for three years—not because she lacks motivation, but because life keeps happening. When her youngest got sick, she missed two weeks of classes. When her car broke down, she couldn’t make it to campus for a month. When her hours got cut at one job, she picked up shifts at another.

Traditional education says Jasmine is “inconsistent.” We say she’s incredibly resourceful.

Education in the Margins: Where Real Learning Happens

The most transformative education often happens in the spaces between life’s demands:

The Break Room Scholar: Marcus, a line cook in San Antonio, uses his 15-minute breaks to work through science lessons. Three breaks a day, five days a week. In six months, he’s completed two full units while his co-workers scroll social media.

The Commuter Student: Patricia takes public transit 90 minutes each way to her job as a hotel housekeeper in Dallas. That’s three hours daily of uninterrupted study time—if she has curriculum that works offline and doesn’t drain her phone battery.

The Night Shift Parent: After her kids are asleep, Carmen settles into her kitchen with a cup of coffee and her Study Buddy device. No internet required, no glowing screen to wake the baby, just quiet progress toward her goals.

Learning That Bends—Without Breaking

Here’s what traditional education gets wrong: it assumes adult learners should rearrange their lives around their education. But Carmen can’t abandon her kids for evening classes. Marcus can’t leave his kitchen during dinner rush. Patricia can’t afford to cut her work hours.

What they need is education that respects their reality while honoring their ambition.

Flexible doesn’t mean compromised. Just because Carmen studies at midnight doesn’t mean her education should be less rigorous than someone in a classroom.

Self-paced doesn’t mean solitary. When Marcus completes a challenging unit during his break, he’s not just learning science—he’s proving to himself that he can master anything he sets his mind to.

Mobile doesn’t mean minimal. Patricia’s commute curriculum is comprehensive, covering everything she needs for her HSE while fitting into the time she actually has available.

The Ripple Effect: Why This Transforms Families

When Jasmine finally passes her HSE exam, something magical happens. Her 10-year-old son stops saying “I’m just bad at math” and starts asking “How did you figure that out, Mom?” Her teenage daughter, who’s been struggling in high school, suddenly has proof that it’s never too late to turn things around.

But the transformation starts long before graduation day. It starts at 5:47 AM when her kids see mom studying in the car. It starts when Marcus explains photosynthesis to his nephew using concepts he learned during his break. It starts when Patricia helps her daughter with homework using skills she’s developing on the bus.

Honoring the Hustle: What Educators Can Do

If you’re serving adult learners in Texas, you already know your students are incredibly capable. They’re managing complex lives with grace, working multiple jobs with dignity, and pursuing education despite—not because of—their circumstances.

What they need from us isn’t sympathy or lower standards. They need:

Respect for their time: Every minute of study time is precious when stolen from sleep or family time.

Honor for their intelligence: They’re not “behind.” They’re moving forward—at the pace life allows.

Tools that work anywhere: In break rooms, on buses, in cars, in quiet kitchens after midnight.

Content that builds on their experience: They’ve been problem-solving, budgeting, negotiating, and leading all their lives. Education should acknowledge that wisdom.

Practical Tools: Meeting Students Where They Actually Are

Ready to support your 5 AM scholars? Here are concrete strategies that work for students with complex lives:

Flexible Learning Solutions

“Study Anywhere” Kits: Provide offline-capable devices or printed materials that don’t rely on WiFi. Students like Patricia can study during long commutes, and Marcus can make the most of his breaks—without worrying about data limits or dropped connections. Devices like Brainchild’s Study Buddy III handheld make this possible, delivering a full curriculum anytime, anywhere—without the frustration of low bandwidth, drained batteries, or inaccessible content.

Micro-Learning Modules: Break content into 10-15 minute chunks. A complete lesson that fits into a work break is more valuable than a 2-hour session they can’t attend.

Multiple Access Points: Offer the same content through different delivery methods—online for when they have WiFi, offline for when they don’t, and print backup for emergency situations.

Schedule-Smart Strategies

Rolling Enrollment: Let students start anytime rather than waiting for traditional semester starts. When Carmen finally gets childcare figured out, she shouldn’t have to wait three months to begin.

Competency-Based Progression: Focus on what students know, not how long they’ve been studying. Some students master concepts quickly during intense study bursts; others need longer, steadier approaches.

“Life Happens” Policies: Build in formal accommodations for the realities of adult life—sick kids, car troubles, work schedule changes. Make re-entry seamless, not shameful.

Communication That Works

Text-Based Check-ins: Quick encouragement via text fits better into busy lives than lengthy phone calls. “Great progress on Unit 3! You’ve got this.”

Peer Connection Networks: Connect students with similar schedules or life circumstances. The single mom working nights can support the single dad working days.

Progress Celebrations: Acknowledge small wins immediately. When Marcus completes a unit during his break, that achievement deserves recognition right away, not at the next class meeting.

Family-Centered Approaches

Take-Home Learning: Provide materials that students can share with family members. When Jasmine reviews math concepts, her kids can learn alongside her.

Flexible Testing: Offer multiple testing times and formats. Some students test better at 7 AM before work; others prefer Saturday mornings when childcare is available.

Success Documentation: Help students track and share their progress. A certificate for completing a challenging unit means more when the whole family can celebrate.

Resource Maximization

Community Partnerships: Connect with local businesses that employ your students. Maybe Marcus’s restaurant would support a 15-minute learning break policy if they understood the long-term benefits.

Technology Lending: Provide devices that students can take home. Learning shouldn’t stop because someone can’t afford the latest technology.

Bilingual Support Systems: For Spanish-speaking learners, provide content that switches seamlessly between languages—building on linguistic strengths rather than treating them as barriers.

The key insight: Your most successful interventions will be the ones that honor your students’ intelligence while adapting to their reality. They’re not failing to fit your system—your system needs to evolve to serve them.

The Quiet Power of 5 AM

There’s something profound about studying at 5 AM. The world is quiet. The day’s demands haven’t started yet. It’s just you, your goals, and the belief that this moment—this lesson, this practice problem, this small step forward—matters.

Jasmine knows this truth. So does Marcus. So does Patricia. They’re not studying at unconventional hours because they have to—they’re studying because they want to, because they’ve found a way to make education fit into lives that don’t stop for traditional schedules.

As educators, our job isn’t to change their lives to fit our systems. It’s to build bridges between their dreams and their reality.

Because transformation doesn’t keep office hours. It happens at 5 AM in a parking lot, during 15-minute breaks, on evening commutes, and after kids are tucked into bed. It happens whenever someone decides that today is the day to take one more step toward who they’re becoming.

How are you supporting the 5 AM scholars in your program? Share your stories—because every unconventional learning journey deserves recognition, and every creative solution might inspire another educator.

Contact Brainchild Unlimited | 800-811-2722 | www.brainchild.com

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A Letter to the Literacy Texas Community

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Salazar, Magda

Author: Magda Salazar, Literacy Texas Board of Directors

I share this message as Literacy Month comes to a close, and right in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month. I share it in what, I hope, is a message of kudos to all of you.

Last month, I was excited to meet Linda Felix during the Literacy Texas state conference in San Marcos. I was moved by Linda’s story. Her growth, confidence, and strength to persevere. My few exchanges with her have been filled with such positivity, decorum, and that grit that comes from developed strength.

Often, we think about the logistics of learning and teaching in terms of reaching goals, such as reading, writing, communicating effectively, and being understood. The work, the showing up, the repetition, and the practice. Students progress, grow, improve, and go on to do incredible things.

Linda Felix addresses attendees at the 2025 Literacy Texas Annual Conference

Such was the case with Linda. When she spoke at the conference, she mentioned running into her former teachers at an event years later and updating them on all that she had accomplished; you see, she was there as their peer. I choked up, imagining the impact of the story, for both student and teacher.

Linda’s story played out for me personally when I saw my own name included in a new industry textbook. Alongside other professionals, we contributed to the conversation on the impact of diversity in public relations. A textbook, y’all! Like, a book that others will use to learn and develop their own skills, LOL.

I took some time to think about the people in my life who created a path for my own literacy: my mother for ensuring my siblings and I had access to books, materials to read, and creative arts programs; my high school teachers Mrs. Kim Nabours (English literature and poetry), and Mrs. Jane Hambric (journalism and yearbook), and Professor Carla Holmes for including me in this project.

Similar to the support, access, and opportunities that I had, there is all of you, standing by the students with your passion for literacy that knows no boundaries. Many will never know the level of organization, the time, the trial and error, the frustration, the hope, the energy it takes to be positive, the effort required for the math to math, and the fundraising acumen required to do what teachers, volunteers, coaches, and leaders do.

I had a chance to meet some of you during the state conference. You shared positive feedback and experiences, and you opened up about the struggles you personally endure. Some of the numbers are daunting to say the least, but the numbers that show progress exist because you are part of the equation.

During Literacy Month and every month, know that what you do matters. By being a part of the conversation and showing up, lending your heart and strength to the literacy community, sharing your time and expertise, you create impact and new opportunities.

As we celebrate you, I also close today by reminding each of you to prioritize yourself with the resources we often encourage for others, to care for your physical and mental health, and to seek support where you can.

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Adult Literacy and the Workforce: Building Skills for a Better Future

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This is a guest post by BurlingtonEnglish, a 2025 Annual Conference sponsor.

In today’s job market, literacy extends far beyond the ability to read and write. It includes understanding, communicating, and applying knowledge in practical ways that enable individuals to function effectively at work and in daily life. Yet over 43 million adults in the U.S. possess low literacy skills, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That’s nearly one in five adults who may struggle with filling out a job application, understanding workplace safety protocols, or even reading a paycheck.

This skills gap has a ripple effect not just on individual careers, but on families, communities, and the economy. To meet the demands of today’s workforce, adult education must take a holistic approach, integrating job preparation, soft skills, digital literacy, and financial literacy into literacy instruction.

One powerful tool addressing this need is Burlington Ready to Work, a comprehensive course designed to help adult learners build the essential skills they need to find and keep employment in today’s competitive job market.

Why Adult Literacy Matters More Than Ever

Workforce success begins with literacy. Adults with strong literacy and communication skills are more likely to obtain steady jobs, earn higher wages, and pursue career advancement. On the flip side, low literacy often correlates with low wages, job insecurity, and limited upward mobility.

But employers also feel the impact. From errors in communication to safety concerns and limited productivity, businesses lose time and money when their workforce lacks basic skills. That’s why investing in adult literacy and equipping learners with relevant, work-focused education is critical for long-term economic stability.

Job Preparation: More Than Resumes

Today’s job seekers need more than a polished resume, they need to understand how to interpret job postings, complete online applications, and prepare for interviews. Burlington Ready to Work directly supports this need by providing workforce readiness vocabulary, functional language practice, and real-world job scenarios.

Its curriculum offers career-focused lessons that simulate real workplace tasks. Whether it’s communicating with customers, interacting with a supervisor, or preparing for a job interview, learners get practical experience that translates directly to the workplace.

This kind of job preparation gives adult learners confidence and competence, not only to get a job, but to succeed in it.

Soft Skills: The Hidden Currency of Employment

In addition to hard skills, employers consistently prioritize soft skills—communication, teamwork, adaptability, and time management. These are the skills that help people work effectively with others and handle the day-to-day challenges of professional life.

Burlington Ready to Work incorporates explicit soft skills training into its lessons. Learners read and talk about teamwork, resolving workplace conflicts, and managing time and tasks efficiently. This focus ensures learners aren’t just trained for the technical aspects of a job but are equipped to thrive in diverse work environments.

Digital Literacy: The New Baseline

In today’s economy, digital skills are no longer optional. Job applications, communication with employers, online scheduling systems, and even time clocks are increasingly digitized. Yet, many adults with low literacy also lack digital access and confidence.

BurlingtonEnglish bridges this gap by integrating technology-based instruction into its platform. Learners not only gain valuable literacy skills and workplace vocabulary but also learn how to navigate digital tools safely and effectively, whether writing emails or using job search platforms. The online platform is intuitive and learner-friendly, making it accessible to adults with limited digital experience.

This dual focus on language and digital literacy prepares learners for the realities of modern workplaces—where being digitally prepared is essential.

Financial Literacy: Empowering Life Beyond the Job

Financial stress is one of the leading causes of workplace absenteeism and distraction. Many adult learners struggle with budgeting, credit management, or understanding their pay stubs, issues that can lead to financial instability.

Recognizing this, Burlington Ready to Work includes financial literacy content that helps learners understand personal finance concepts like budgeting, banking, and credit. These lessons are designed with clear language, real-life examples, and practical tools to empower adults to take control of their financial futures.

Financial literacy strengthens not only the worker, but their household and community, promoting long-term economic stability.

Why this Matters

Adult literacy is a foundation for opportunity, and workforce readiness is the bridge to a better future. With the right tools, training, and support, every adult has the potential to succeed in today’s workforce. BurlingtonEnglish offers a pathway forward, helping adult learners gain the skills, confidence, and readiness they need to succeed at work and beyond.

To learn more, watch our Burlington Ready to Work video!

Click here to reach your BurlingtonEnglish representative.

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Grammar, Reading, and English

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Carroll, Kay

Author: Kay Carroll, Treasurer, Literacy Texas Board of Directors

Literacy. What did it mean to me as a student? 

Grammar, reading, and English.

Honestly, it was my most dreaded subject all the way through college (I had to pass my last English class to graduate college, and it was stressful)! Fast forward to now and all my family, friends and colleagues ask me (I’m the old version of ChatGPT) to proof and rephrase their business projects, policies, procedures, programs, trainings, resumes, and emails, due to my love of and skills in communication and writing.

In my eyes today, the definition of literacy has evolved – to reading a good book; reviewing, researching and writing business professional documents; communication and collaboration.

Though my career path has taken twists and turns that were not planned or expected, thankfully it led to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) of 1977, and it sparked my passion. I work for a bank in CRA and Community Development serving communities by ensuring all individuals and families have access to financial and essential services.

Volunteering with amazing organizations is my way of making the world a better place and giving back to the communities. During my time as a volunteer, it has brought joy and tears helping others, teaching classes and trainings around financial education from children to adult.

The truth is, making a livable wage today, providing for yourself and family, and sincerely feeling good about your ability to exist in our current daily life is a huge obstacle without the necessary skills of the Oxford Language Dictionary definition of literacy – “the ability to read and write”. That’s why Literacy Texas exists, a vital non-profit to elevate literacy across Texas and provide local non-profits the tools and resources to ensure boots on the ground in all communities whether urban or rural.

My heart breaks for moms, dads, grandparents, family and friends who don’t know what to do or where to turn during difficult times and enormous situations that arise. Having support to overcome obstacles is overlooked and undervalued today!

My grandson had difficulty learning to read, the frustration for him and his parents was crazy, tearful, and stressful. They were ignored, told he would be held back a grade (all the while making Bs on his report card, plus about a month before summer break); the school system he was in failed him and them terribly. You must be the advocate for yourself and your family members, reach out and find the correct path for you or a loved one – knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel if you don’t give up and strive for answers and help. I’m happy to say, he switched school districts (it wasn’t easy to get him accepted but his parents advocated and stood up for him) and he loves school, the teachers, and the kiddos, and his reading has improved beyond our wildest dreams in a short time; he’s exceling all the way around.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Hey this is me or my situation,” I’m here to tell and assure you that many people care and want to give you a hand up. Lots of people around us are unsure where to go for guidance – be the guiding force, point them to a community organization, a new school, or perhaps just give an encouraging word with a smile.

“Reading is dreaming with open eyes.” ~ Anissa Trisdianty

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From Reading to Reality: Turning Literacy Into Livelihood

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This is a guest post by Southern Careers Institute, a 2025 Annual Conference sponsor.

For millions of Texans, mastering basic reading, writing, and numeracy is the first hard-won victory on the road to a better life. Roughly 4.8 million adults in the state still need some form of literacy education.

However, once adults build literacy skills, what comes next? How do newly literate Texans convert foundational skills into specialized expertise that puts food on the table?

Southern Careers Institute, a Texas-born career college with campuses from Brownsville to Austin and a growing roster of online options, exists to answer the question. Literacy opens the door to modern work, but employers hire for competence with specific tools, technologies, and regulations. SCI designs every program with that reality in mind.

Programs in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and more embed industry vocabulary and document-heavy tasks (such as charting vital signs, interpreting wiring schematics, or troubleshooting cloud networks) into daily lab practice so that reading becomes doing.

Contextualized instruction turns comprehension into competence

Research shows that adults learn best when new information is tethered to immediate goals. SCI’s instructors, many of whom bring years of field experience, translate textbook language into job-site readiness the moment a lesson begins. In an HVAC classroom, for example, a vocabulary that includes “thermodynamics” and “refrigerant cycle” is paired with a lab assignment that requires students to read a pressure-temperature chart and adjust gauges on a live system. The reading comprehension built in earlier literacy classes now drives hands-on troubleshooting, and mistakes become teachable moments instead of barriers.

Healthcare programs follow the same pattern. Students study medical terminology one day and transcribe patient-intake notes the next, reinforcing spelling, abbreviations, and privacy regulations in real time. By weaving technical literacy into performance tasks, SCI helps adult learners internalize the specialized language employers expect without forcing them back into abstract theory alone.

Adult-friendly pacing and supports

Time and cost are chief concerns for adult learners who already juggle work and family. Most SCI programs can be completed in as little as five to fifteen months, depending on full- or part-time enrollment, so momentum from an adult-education milestone is not lost to multi-year detours.

Day and evening schedules, online formats, and career-services coaching reduce friction even further. SCI’s CareerHub job-matching tool lets students see Texas-wide openings mapped against the licenses or certifications each role requires, creating a clear line of sight from coursework to paycheck.

Employer alignment closes the skills gap

Texas businesses routinely cite a shortage of workers with soft skills and technical know-how. SCI maintains advisory boards of regional employers who preview curricula and suggest updates so that lessons stay current. Graduates are trained to sit for industry-recognized certifications and when appropriate train on advanced equipment their future supervisors already use, rather than relearning their skills from scratch on the job.

By the time an SCI student unwraps a diploma or certificate, the distance from literacy to livelihood has been reduced to a single step of applying for a new job.

Walking through the open door

Texas still has work to do before every adult reaches basic literacy, but thousands cross that threshold each year. SCI stands ready for the adults who built foundational skills, transforming the ability to read about opportunity into specialized training. For adults who have already proven they can learn, the next lesson is simple: specialized skills are within reach, and the classroom is designed for the lives they already lead.

Adults ready to take their next step towards a new career should visit scitexas.edu

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The Power of Connection: Strengthening English Learning Nationwide

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By Rachel Fuchs, Intercambio Director of Product Sales and National Network

Originally published March 24, 2025 | Updated for Literacy Texas

At Intercambio, Connection Drives Everything We Do

Based in Colorado, Intercambio is a national nonprofit that builds meaningful connections and stronger communities through English education. All our programming stems from the belief that shared learning experiences and authentic relationships break down barriers, build confidence, and foster inclusion. While our day-to-day focus is often on supporting one-on-one connections between our 500+ local English learners and their teachers, our national team is focused on expanding that same spirit of connection at the organizational level – ultimately reaching tens of thousands more.

Launching the Intercambio Network

That vision became the foundation of the Intercambio Network. Since 2020, more than 160 organizations have participated in the Network’s growing number of opportunities to connect, share, and grow together. Membership is offered at two levels – Family and Friend – and both provide valuable access to professional development and peer support.

Family members, for example, receive the same comprehensive online teacher training that Intercambio volunteers use to prepare for teaching with our Confidence and Connections curriculum. These workshops not only provide practical tools but also a sense of belonging – more than 1,800 individuals have participated so far, and each cohort is invited into an online community where members can introduce themselves, ask questions, and find support.

“We have really benefited from our membership. It has helped us create more structure in our program and we have received positive feedback from both volunteers and students.”

Andrea De Jong, Permian Basin Adult Literacy Center in Midland, TX

Supporting Educators and Program Leaders Nationwide

In addition to teacher training, the Intercambio Network offers ongoing learning and connection throughout the year. Monthly virtual connection hours, teaching workshops, and an annual online summer conference bring educators together to share practices and stay energized. Last year’s conference welcomed over 270 participants from across the country.

For program administrators, we host structured Networking Calls three times a year. These themed calls create space for leaders to connect, ask questions, and collaborate on common challenges. Past conversations have explored topics like measuring program impact, weaving equity into decision-making, and introducing group classes into historically one-on-one models. Again and again, we see how valuable it is for practitioners to know they’re not alone – and to learn from each other in real time.

Connection as a Core Strategy

I’ve often mused that Intercambio is in the business of connection through mutual learning and relationship-building. We could choose to do that in many different ways; we just happen to do that through English acquisition. And as the Intercambio Network continues to grow in strength, it’s clearer than ever that connection is at the core of what we do there, too.

To learn more about the Intercambio Network and how your program can get involved, visit intercambio.org/network.

You can find Intercambio Uniting Communities among the exhibitors at the 2025 Literacy Texas Annual Conference.

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Elevating English Proficiency through Visual Literacy

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This is a guest post by Tara Benwell, VP of Publishing at Ellii.

You can find Ellii among the exhibitors at the 2025 Literacy Texas Annual Conference.

Visual literacy is an essential life skill that complements language learning. Emily Bryson, a graphic facility expert and guest blogger with Ellii, is a strong proponent of the power of visuals. Emily frequently reminds educators how much of the information we encounter each day comes from images, symbols, signs, and diagrams.

In English language classrooms, fostering visual literacy is key to helping students navigate and understand the world around them. Visual literacy helps learners to:

  • understand main ideas from pictures before reading
  • grasp complex processes through diagrams
  • use online platforms or apps by recognizing icons
  • stay safe by interpreting signs and symbols
  • analyze meaning, think critically, and discuss opinions
  • inspire curiosity and exploration
  • communicate creatively
  • share information effectively

Did you know that Ellii originally started as a library of images? Before it was known as ESL Library—and later, Ellii—teachers subscribed to ESL Images. While teaching English in Japan, Ellii’s founder, Ben Buckwold, relied on visuals to support his lessons. When he couldn’t find the simple, engaging imagery he needed, he created his own library. You can hear the full origin story of Ellii on this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast.

Today, Ellii is both an LMS and a content library full of ready-made lessons, courses, and visuals to keep language learners engaged, especially in those crucial emerging levels. Ellii’s Media Gallery offers a comprehensive collection of high-quality images and videos to help teachers elicit, teach, and reinforce vocabulary and grammar structures as well as spark engagement and interaction in the classroom. And the best part? The content was created specifically for ELLs.

Here are four types of visuals Ellii suggests experimenting with to elevate English proficiency:

1. Flashcards

Over the years, countless marketing experts have tried to convince Ben that the concept of a “flashcard” is outdated. However, Ellii’s founder strongly believes in classic teaching tools, including printable lessons and images, and our friends at Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUPA) agree. At a recent TESOL session, Ventures author Gretchen Bitterlin recommended sending flashcard sets home in an envelope to help promote family literacy.

Today’s flashcards are not just printable images. Many platforms, including Ellii, offer digital vocabulary images with audio support and gamification features to go along with digital (or printable) lessons. At Ellii, flashcards are created specifically for English learners by real illustrators who understand the importance of simple, iconic imagery. Teachers can edit the text that goes with these 5,000+ images, making them a practical tool in bilingual programs or for leveling vocabulary up or down in a multilevel setting. Teachers can even get creative and make their own conversation question sets!

Flashcard Library on Ellii

2. Photo Prompts

Why do you think the popular Ventures series starts each unit with a scene called The Big Picture? CUPA author Donna Price often pulls out these detailed image scenes during teacher training sessions to reinforce the power of an image in eliciting language. Each Big Picture scene includes a critical incident, activating students’ prior knowledge and creating opportunities for thematic discussion.

Ellii does something similar with its That’s News to Me section using real photos or videos from The Associated Press. There is also a full section of Photo Prompts that can be used for a variety of activities from vocabulary building to critical thinking. As Emily Bryson points out on the Ellii blog, “Using just one image, students are prompted to describe the photo, make predictions, research the history… explore reasons” and more.

Photo Prompts on Ellii

Language Scenes are a tried-and-true method for eliciting vocabulary and assessing grammar knowledge, helping teachers identify new students’ levels and needs at intake. For the lowest-level learners, including adults preparing for CASAS STEPS, identifying vocabulary through visuals is something emerging learners need to practice in order to demonstrate proficiency.

3. Silent Clips & Video Lessons

“Sometimes the best way to get a conversation going is to stay silent,” says Emily. Silent Clips are a great way to introduce and review tricky words, including action verbs, emotions, and workplace vocabulary.

Silent Clips on Ellii

And if you want to keep your students truly engaged, video lessons are the number one recommendation, especially in those no-phone classroom zones where students are likely craving more screen time. Over the last few years, Ellii has built up its video library to include 600+ ESL videos, reinforcing everything from grammar targets and pronunciation to life and workplace skills.

4. AI-Generated Imagery

Does AI-generated imagery have a place in ELT? While Ellii is sticking with its human illustrators and photographers for now, there are countless activities that teachers and students can do to hone their prompt-engineering skills. From creating 3D dolls to spotting AI-generated errors, the language opportunities are endless. And, as Caitlin Thomas of National Geographic Learning pointed out at TESOL 2025, “AI fluency is the new digital literacy.” Have some fun! We are!

Ellii plays with AI-generated images

What Literacy Teachers Are Saying about Ellii

"Ellii is the one resource that I recommend to every new teacher. It has a wide range of materials for different student needs. Daily, I use flashcards for my newcomers and the academic resources with my higher levels. Ellii has innovated so much in the past few years and continues to improve the resources available."
Lynn
"Ellii offers great collections to use as an additional resource for younger English learners. The Word Bank lessons can be used to enhance vocabulary and language acquisition and begin the foundations for writing. My students have thoroughly enjoyed the Phonics Stories this year, and flashcards help to facilitate great discussions! A parent of one of my students has even started using Ellii to help with everyday tasks. "
Anon

More #Love4Ellii

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Help Families Achieve More with BurlingtonEnglish

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This is a guest post from BurlingtonEnglish.

You can visit them at the 2024 Literacy Texas Annual Conference.

In today’s fast-paced world, where information is abundant and constantly evolving, the ability to read, write, and comprehend is more crucial than ever. Yet, many adults face challenges in these fundamental skills, which can affect not only their personal growth but also the ability to support their families.

English proficiency is especially important for language learners and key to accessing better job opportunities, educational resources, and participating fully in the community. Family literacy plays a vital role in enhancing educational outcomes, as parents who improve their skills can better support their children’s education and development. As noted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, family involvement in literacy significantly boosts children’s positive feelings about learning and their overall literacy performance.

Our Focus on Family Literacy

 Imagine this: a father confidently communicating with his child’s teacher, understanding report cards, and participating in school meetings, all thanks to his improved literacy skills. This scenario showcases the impact of Burlington Core, a standards-based, blended curriculum that equips individuals with essential skills to enhance their personal and professional lives.

 Our curriculum opens doors for adult learners by equipping them with the skills needed to find a job and succeed at work, assist their children with homework, and communicate effectively at school or the doctor’s office. This involvement doesn’t just boost academic and professional performance; it contributes to building family literacy.

Personal Challenges for Adult Learners

 Adult language learners often face barriers to learning such as financial constraints, lack of access to resources, and time limitations due to work. By increasing the availability of flexible learning options and offering personalized support and guidance, we can empower individuals to overcome these obstacles and achieve their educational and life goals.

Our Solution to Overcoming Challenges

 Burlington developed our standards-based, flexible curriculum using the best methods identified by linguists, educators, and software developers for overcoming the specific challenges of language learning. Our unique blended learning solution combines face-toface teacher-led instruction with anytime, anywhere access to online independent student lessons.

Success Stories

 Behind every family literacy and adult education program are inspiring success stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through learning. Take, for instance, Helen (Hoa), who came to the U.S. from Vietnam. She began her English studies at Simi Institute in 2010, determined to improve her language skills despite being deaf in one ear. Helen’s dedication drove her to set an alarm for 4:00 am daily to practice pronunciation using BurlingtonEnglish. Her improved communication skills boosted her confidence and enabled her to better support her children’s education.

In 2018, when Helen’s husband became seriously ill, she became the primary income provider. Despite these challenges, she continued her education and completed a Business English course. In October 2021, Helen achieved her dream of becoming a business owner by purchasing a salon in Westlake Village. Her success story illustrates the profound impact of adult education on family literacy and economic stability. Helen’s story is just one example of how BurlingtonEnglish can transform lives.

 Here are some more powerful testimonials from educators and students who have experienced the benefits of BurlingtonEnglish firsthand:

Sarita Akhtar, ESL Program Developer/Trainer at Indian River State College, shared: “Burlington has helped our students achieve their goals and make their career dreams come true. I have had students pass their State Board Exams for CNA/Home Health Aide and credited using the Burlington program. What an incredible tool we have provided them with. Thank you, Burlington!”

Karen Ling, Supervisor at Shared Time/Adult Education recounted another impactful story: “My student shared a powerful success story with the class. She explained that the Health unit in BurlingtonEnglish really helped her communicate with her child’s pediatrician. I know this seems simple, but I think we all know just how empowering this is for our students. Thank you, BurlingtonEnglish!”

These testimonials highlight the real-world impact BurlingtonEnglish has on individuals and their families, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

Conclusion

 Burlington’s approach to family literacy and adult education is not just about teaching basic skills; it is about empowering individuals to create a future where every adult has the chance to reach their full potential, every child grows up in a nurturing learning environment, and every family thrives.

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