Redwood ESL

Free ESL Tutoring For Immigrants

Your free ESL tutor classes 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. Never. This ESL service is 100% free because all tutors are volunteers.

• I speak limited English. Is that OK? Yes. Almost all immigrants struggle with English. If you can read 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. All sessions are in English.

• Who qualifies for this free service? Adult immigrants who are working, 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 do not have the time or funds for a compensated tutor. Here are some examples of students we have tutored.

• What can you tell me about my tutor? Your tutor will be a patient and experienced volunteer, who has mastered English through teaching or other work. They are all lifelong American-English speakers who will help you speak like a native. Here is a profile of a Redwood ESL Tutor.

• Can I meet my tutor before I start the program? When you get in touch with us, we will schedule an introductory Zoom meeting where 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. 

• 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 are the sessions? Tutors' schedules are flexible, so you will usually be able to find a time that works for both of you, and you will often be able to start learning without delay. Occasional cancellations are acceptable.

• Will my tutor speak my native language? Many tutors are multilingual, but we tutor online and in-person in English.

• What counties does Redwood ESL work in? We tutor adult immigrants who live in the following counties: San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa.

• Where are the meetings? For in-person sessions, 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 computer with a working camera and microphone. Our tutoring approach requires a computer; a phone will not work for most sessions. 

• What computer skills will I need? You will need to be familiar with your computer and know the basic functions of Zoom and Google Docs. 

• How do I apply for this English learning service? Click the Contact Us button. Your tutor will respond to invite you to an introductory Zoom meeting

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

Act now!