Introduction

Welcome to EnglishConnect!

EnglishConnect brings together people who are seeking to expand their opportunities through learning English. We all come from different backgrounds and speak different languages. We may have different levels of English ability, but together we can achieve our goals.

Why Are You Learning English?

Having a clear purpose can help you stay focused and motivated. Let’s consider why you are learning English. Are you hoping to get a better job? Do you need to learn English to further your education? Take a moment to write down your reasons for learning English.

I want to learn English because:

Learning English can increase your opportunities for education, employment, service, and friendship. EnglishConnect can help you reach your goals.

What Is EnglishConnect?

EnglishConnect is a unique English-learning program provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. EnglishConnect is designed to help you develop English skills in an environment of faith, fellowship, and growth. That means you won’t be doing this alone. You will learn with others and support and encourage each other. You will also be able to grow your faith that God can help you learn.

EnglishConnect includes multiple levels. EnglishConnect 1 and 2 help learners develop basic English skills. EnglishConnect 3 prepares learners for education opportunities—specifically BYU–Pathway Worldwide. You can learn more about BYU–Pathway at byupathway.org. Learn more about EnglishConnect at englishconnect.org.

What Makes EnglishConnect Unique?

In EnglishConnect, we develop English skills in an environment of faith, fellowship, and growth.

Faith

In EnglishConnect, we learn by study and by faith. Every lesson begins with a principle of learning. These are spiritual principles that help us rely on God to increase our capacity to learn. The beliefs you have about your ability to learn will have a significant impact on your effort and outcomes. The principles of learning can help you understand your true potential and God’s ability to help you. The following are principles you will study:

You Are a Child of God

“I am a child of God with eternal potential and purpose.”

(see Romans 8:16–17; The Family: A Proclamation to the World)

Exercise Faith in Jesus Christ

“Jesus Christ can help me do all things as I exercise faith in Him.”

(see Philippians 4:13; Ether 12:27; Moroni 7:33 )

Take Responsibility

“I have power to choose, and I am responsible for my own learning.”

(see 2 Nephi 2:14, 16; Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28)

Love and Teach One Another

“I can learn from the Holy Spirit as I love, teach, and learn with others.”

(see John 13:34–35; John 14:26–27; Doctrine and Covenants 88:77, 88:122–123)

Press Forward

“With God’s help, I can press forward even when I face obstacles.”

(see 2 Nephi 31:20; 2 Nephi 32:9; Doctrine and Covenants 50:41–42)

Counsel with the Lord

“I improve my learning by counseling with God daily about my efforts.”

(see Proverbs 3:5–6; Matthew 7:7–8; Alma 37:37)

The principles of learning are statements of truth. You can say these statements to yourself when you need motivation or encouragement. As you apply these principles, your ability to learn will increase. You will know that with God’s help, you can achieve your goals.

Fellowship

An important part of the EnglishConnect experience is learning with others. EnglishConnect groups love, help, and support each other. Your group meetings are a safe place to practice speaking and make mistakes. Participating in an EnglishConnect group can help you stay motivated and build friendships.

Growth

EnglishConnect is more than just a program for learning English. No matter where you are starting, the experiences you have will help you become a better learner. You will have opportunities to:

• Practice English daily.

• Track your progress.

• Learn with others.

• Pray to God for help to achieve your goals.

What Will I Do in EnglishConnect?

In EnglishConnect, you will do personal study, group conversation practice, and daily practice. Each lesson in the EnglishConnect learner manual is divided into two parts—“Personal Study” and “Conversation Group.”

Personal Study

The “Personal Study” section prepares you for your conversation group. In “Personal Study,” you complete the following activities:

Study the Principle of Learning

Each lesson includes a principle of learning. These are spiritual principles that help you partner with God in learning English. Before your conversation group, read the principle of learning, ponder the questions, and write down your thoughts.

Memorize Vocabulary

Learn the meaning and pronunciation of each word. Use the vocabulary to practice the patterns. You can also look up additional vocabulary words that can be used in the pattern.

Practice the Patterns

Start by memorizing the sentence patterns. Then use the patterns to create your own questions and answers. You can replace the underlined words with other words from the vocabulary list. Continue practicing aloud until you can use the patterns confidently to ask and answer questions.

Conversation Group

The “Conversation Group” section includes activities you will use to learn with others. In the “Conversation Group,” you complete the following activities:

Discuss the Principle of Learning (20–30 minutes)

In your group, read and discuss the principle of learning. This is an opportunity to share and learn from others.

Activities

In activities 1, 2, and 3, use the vocabulary and sentence patterns to engage in meaningful conversation. The activities help you progress from repetition practice to creating your own conversations. Each activity prepares you for the next activity.

Activity 1: Practice the Patterns (10–15 minutes)

In activity 1, review the vocabulary and patterns you learned in your personal study. Your goal is to use the patterns to say and understand simple questions and answers.

Activity 2: Create Your Own Sentences (10–15 minutes)

In activity 2, focus on using the patterns to create your own sentences. Be creative. Your goal is to use the patterns to create as many questions and answers as you can.

Activity 3: Create Your Own Conversations (15–20 minutes)

In activity 3, practice complete conversations in real-life scenarios. Your goal is to have meaningful conversations using the English you have learned.

Evaluate (5–10 minutes)

At the end of each conversation group, evaluate your progress on the lesson objectives. Use the “Personal Study Tracker” to evaluate your effort in personal study, and set goals to improve. Take time to celebrate your progress and your efforts.

Daily Practice

To learn English, you need to develop a habit of daily practice. In addition to dedicated study time, find ways to replace your daily activities with English. For example, when you listen to music, listen in English. When you watch a movie, watch in English or turn on English subtitles. Whenever you are waiting somewhere, practice English conversations in your mind. When you pray, say as much as you can in English. The key to daily practice is to use English in your normal routine.

You can also complete lesson activities and assessments online at englishconnect.org/learner/resources and in the EnglishConnect Workbook.

As you complete the personal study activities for each lesson and practice daily, you will learn faster and be better prepared for your conversation group. Use the “Personal Study Tracker” included at the end of this introduction to track your efforts and your goals.

Remember This

As you complete the personal study activities, practice English daily, and actively participate in your conversation group, you will develop English conversation skills. More importantly, as you apply the principles of learning and pray for God’s help, He can help you achieve your goals now and in the future.