Adults who want to practice their English have many opportunities to do so in Canton. But what about families with young kids?
English language skills boost confidence and give kids the tools they need to succeed. If enrolled in Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, families can access resources through the school district’s ELL website.
For those seeking more, we have five suggested resources.
1. Programs
Check out our storytimes throughout the year. These programs are great opportunities to be immersed in language together as a family. Many storytimes are intended for families with kids ages 0-5 and open to all. Check individual storytime listings for more details.
Our full program listings can be filtered to show just offerings for kids or families. These events provide a chance to engage with peers in a friendly environment.
2. Collections
Explore the Canton Public Library’s access to audiobooks. Note that e-audiobooks, such as the ones available through Libby and hoopla, can have their speed adjusted so families can listen at whatever rate they feel is easiest to understand.
- Libby – Look for the format “read-alongs” to find titles that will read to you and highlight the words along with the narration.
- hoopla – Search for “read-along” to find titles that will read to you. Many will also highlight the words along with the narrator.
- Books on CD can be listened to for an immersive audio experience.
- Wonderbooks include a wide variety of print books with an audio player that will read to you as you turn the pages.
Browse the international language collection for books in your family’s language or for bilingual books that include English.
- Check out these kids foreign language books. This is a brief list featuring children’s books organized by language. Building language skills in your family’s language will help in continuing to learn English.
- Tips for searching our catalog for books in non-English languages.
3. Online Resources
Mango Languages – This resource is for kids of reading age with familiarity in their home language. With Mango Languages, they can learn a new language with fun and interactive lessons, including important cultural contexts and realistic conversations. This resource requires a Canton Public Library card and PIN.
Pronunciator – This language learning resource covers more than 160 languages, including many ESL courses. Pronunciator requires a Canton Public Library card.
4. Online English Practice Resources for Kids
Duolingo (recommended by P-CCS) is a game-based language learning program that accommodates multiple languages and offers ways to connect with friends and share progress. Sign up for a free account to use this resource.
Learning Chocolate (recommended by P-CCS) provides vocabulary games in multiple languages.
Unite for Literacy (recommended by P-CCS) offers simple online books in English text, with audio read-along options available in multiple languages.
5. Online English Instruction for Kids
Outschool offers a wide variety of English classes, tutoring, and conversational opportunities for kids ages 3-18.
Nova Kids is an online English school for children aged 4-12 that provides lessons with native speakers using a syllabus that corresponds to the European Standards CEFR.
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