This lesson assumes that learners have sufficient literacy skills to know what signs are and that they are able to read the most basic signs, such as a stop sign.

The Basic Activity

1. Ask your learner/s what signs are and why they are important to understand. Draw an example, such as a stop sign and point to signs in the room.

2. Discuss what signs they see at work or in their community. Encourage learners to draw the signs if they are unable to explain them.

3. Walk through the library, neighborhood or any nearby stores and look for signs. Take pictures if you have a camera or Iphone, or draw the sign. Talk about what signs were found.

4. To expand the topic you will need a computer and internet access. Go to the website called Reading English Signs (http://www.manythings.org/signs/) which is part of the website Interesting Things for ESL Students. Reading English Signs has links to hundreds of photos of signs. The signs are organized into categories, such as Everyday signs, Travel, Driving, and Shopping.

5. Signs should be selected that are important for your learner and what they may encounter in his or her life. Ask the learner to read the sign and discuss the meaning of the sign and where it will be found.

6. Ask your learner if they see any of these signs in their community. They should also look out for new signs during the week and draw them or take pictures to show you at the next lesson.

7. Review by asking your learner to look at pictures of the new signs and to explain what the sign is for and where it is found.