How Do I Lead a Conversation Group?

You will use EnglishConnect 1 for Learners or EnglishConnect 2 for Learners to lead the group. Each lesson follows this same format:

Welcome: Warmly welcome learners and introduce new participants. Establish the expectation that you will speak English and invite everyone to use English as much as possible. Briefly introduce the topic of the lesson.

Prayer: Invite a learner to pray aloud. Try to choose a learner who feels comfortable praying in English. You can invite the person to prepare beforehand by studying “Praying in English” in the appendix of the learner manuals.

Principle of Learning: Read and discuss the principle of learning located in the “Personal Study” section in the learner manual. The goal of the principle of learning is to invite the Spirit as you share and learn together “by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118).

Model how to discuss the principle by briefly sharing how you would answer one of the discussion questions. Use simple words and phrases.

Invite learners to share their thoughts and experiences with each other. Learners can discuss in their native languages. If they feel comfortable, learners can choose to use words or phrases in English as they discuss.

Activity 1: Lead learners through the activities in the “Conversation Group” section of the learner manual. Each activity prepares learners for the next activity. The activities help learners progress from repetition practice to creating their own conversations.

In activity 1, help learners review the vocabulary and patterns in the “Personal Study” section of the learner manual. The goal is to prepare learners for activities 2 and 3 by helping them understand a few key words and say the patterns.

Activity 2: In activity 2, learners use the vocabulary and patterns to practice asking and answering questions with a partner using provided information. The goal is for learners to create as many sentences in English as they can.

Encourage learners to change partners to increase practice opportunities. As you interact with learners, try to find those who need additional support. Be encouraging and uplifting.

Activity 3: In activity 3, learners have an opportunity to use the vocabulary and patterns to have a complete conversation in a real-life scenario. The goal is for learners to have meaningful conversations in English.

Encourage learners to change partners often to give them more practice opportunities. By the end of activity 3, ideally all learners are speaking English without referring to their manuals. The group should have energy and movement as learners interact and practice together. As you engage with learners, you might notice that some understand well and are excelling at this activity. Consider challenging these learners to deepen their learning by including more details or doing the same activity in a different context. For example, when learners practice meeting someone, ask them to practice different scenarios like meeting a new friend or a new boss.

For each activity:

Demonstrate how to do the activity.
Place learners in pairs or small groups to practice.
Observe each group and provide support.

Evaluate: Help learners evaluate their progress and efforts. Help them feel successful by pointing out what they can do to improve. Help learners use the “Personal Study Tracker” to set goals for daily practice.

Act in Faith to Practice English Daily: Read the quote aloud with your group. Express your faith that the Lord can help them learn English. Invite them to practice English daily and prepare for the next lesson by completing the “Personal Study” activities.

Prayer: Invite a learner to offer a closing prayer in English. Choose a learner who feels confident or one you invited beforehand.

EnglishConnect lessons are designed using proven principles of language learning. You will be successful as you follow the lessons and create an environment of faith, fellowship, and growth.

Virtual Groups

If needed, groups can meet online using a remote meeting platform. Keep in mind that EnglishConnect is most successful when all learners are interacting and practicing conversations. Ensure that there is interaction throughout the experience. The best way to facilitate interaction is to put learners into pairs or small groups. Use breakout rooms and other tools to help learners talk to each other as much as possible. For example, instead of having one learner speak while the entire group listens, break learners into groups of two or more to have conversations. Then regroup for the next activity. Encourage everyone to use video if possible.

Use the “Guide to Leading Virtual Groups” as you prepare and lead online EnglishConnect groups.

Share the “Virtual Group Participant Guide” with your learners by putting the link in the chat during your meetings. Refer to it as needed.

Use the approved EnglishConnect 1 and 2 “Conversation Group Presentation” at englishconnect.org/resources/teaching-materials. You can display the presentation to help guide learners through the activities in each lesson.