Redwood ESL

Free ESL Tutoring For Immigrants

Your free ESL tutor classses will help you learn English quickly. You will increase your vocabulary and understand the simple rules of English. With these ESL tutoring classes, your tutor will help you become fluent in English and speak like a native.

What happens during a Redwood ESL tutoring session?

During your English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring lessons, your tutor will talk with you about topics that interest you. This will help you with your vocabulary and will help you learn English. Different people work at different speeds, so we help you become fluent at a pace that works for you.

You start each session/lesson with a casual conversation. Then you will review what you learned in the last session and what you have been practicing. This helps you with what you have been learning. It is conversational, so you grow your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation.

Following that review, your tutor will introduce a new ESL subject, such as nouns or punctuation. For this part of the meeting, you and your tutor will often view online video lessons on your computer via Zoom. Sometimes, you will write sentences or correct sentences that you have already written. You will learn new words and new ways to talk more confidently.

At the end of the tutoring session, the tutor will suggest additional ways to improve your English and will give you an assignment to complete for the following session. Your tutor will work at your pace, and you will soon become more comfortable with English conversation.

People frequently ask these questions about our service:

• Will I have to buy books or pay fees? There are no costs, books, or fees. This ESL service is 100% free.

• I speak limited English. Is that OK? Yes. Almost all immigrants struggle with English. If you canread and understand this page, and if your English is good enough to order a meal at an American restaurant, your English is good enough for this program.

• Who qualifies for this free service? Immigrants who are working, or supporting a family, or taking an ESL class. Candidates need basic computer skills and agree to practice between sessions. We aim to provide English instruction to those who cannot afford a private tutor. Here are some examples of students we have tutored.

• Can I cancel a session if I have an unexpected conflict? You can always cancel or reschedule a meeting if you give your tutor notice.

• Can Redwood ESL tutor my child? Sorry, this service is meant for adult immigrants 18 years of age or older.

• What can you tell me about my tutor? Your tutor will be a patient and experienced volunteer, focusing on your specific ESL needs. All of our tutors have mastered English through teaching or other work. They are all lifelong American-English speakers who will help you speak like a native. Profile of a Redwood ESL Tutor.

• Can I meet my tutor before I start the program? You and your tutor might work together for months or years, so it is important that you talk with each other before you start. We will schedule an introductory Zoom meeting where you can you can introduce yourself to your tutor and ask questions about the program. Your tutor will be interested in your background, your interests, and your language skills. You will also be able to talk about schedules and your plan for improving your English.

• Will my tutor help me with situations that require English support? Yes. Working on real-life situations is one of the best ways to master spoken English and become fluent. Here are some success stories.

• When can I start? You can usually start without delay.

• What days and what times are the sessions? Tutors' schedules are flexible, so you will usually be able to find a time that works for both of you.

• Is one-on-one tutoring a good way to learn English? This is an effective way to improve basic English. We tutor you in those parts of English that you find difficult. Each lesson is prepared especially for you. Speaking English in your workplace and with your family is even more helpful; in fact, it is almost essential.

• Will my tutor speak my native language? In some cases, your tutor will be familiar with your native language. Our tutors are skilled at guiding people with limited English skills. We tutor in English to help you become fluent in English more quickly. We tutor online and in-person. All sessions are in English.

• What area does Redwood ESL work in? Some lessons are better understood in person, so we primarily tutor people who live in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. We limit ourselves to a small region because we sometimes need to meet with the student.

• Where do we meet? For in-person meetings, you and your tutor will meet at a school, a library, or some other public place that is convenient for both of you. For online meetings, you should be in a quiet place with a reliable internet connection.

• What equipment do I need? You need a laptop with a working camera and microphone. Our tutoring approach requires a computer; a phone will not work. 

• What computer skills will I need? You will need to be familiar with your computer. Necessary functions include: cutting, pasting, saving, logging on to sites, and following your tutor's instructions.

• Does Redwood ESL provide technical training? We'll be able to assist you with basic technical issues, but we expect you to be able to use your laptop.

• Why is this program free? Every Redwood ESL tutor is a volunteer.

• How do I apply for this English learning service? Click the Contact Us button. Your tutor will respond within 48 hours.

You can improve your English, and we're here to help.

Act now!