Text-to-Speech programs are computer software that translate text into audio speech that sounds relatively natural. They allow ESOL learners to listen to text read aloud and to hear how certain words are pronounced. However, the audio is computer-generated, so there is no emotion or intonation in the text being read aloud. Text-to-Speech programs can also help ESOL families in day-to-day scenarios when they need to communicate. For example, a tutor can help type in daily useful phrases and sentences, then ESOL families can write down the translations and practice these phrases to build their English knowledge and try to use these words and phrases daily.
Various reading material for ESOL students of all ages are available to use to help them practice reading English. There are comic books, children's books and magazines for an easier, more basic level, and newspapers and novels for more advanced students. The more varied and diverse your reading materials, the more you will be able to increase your English vocabulary. Much of this material is free, such as newspapers you can pick up on the street, online newspapers and websites that feature "fan fiction" or short stories.
The VOA (Voice of America) Special English and the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) Learning English websites (see Resources) are two great resources for ESOL families. They contain news and information about international current events presented in a way ESOL students can understand. They provide news stories in audio form as well as text. They also include supplemental materials to help students learn new vocabulary and grammar forms and also give students the opportunity to think critically in English. These resources are free.
There are ESOL classes as well as private tutoring offered at many colleges and universities. A student should sign up for a class long before the term starts, and he should make it clear he is learning English as a second language. Many colleges and universities also have writing laboratories or centers where students can set up appointments or in some cases drop in to seek assistance with their writing. Writing tutors can help clarify what assignments are asking for and assist the student with the actual writing.
Several churches and other religious organizations have ministries that work to help immigrants and refugees learn English. This might involve help with homework or an evening class at a community center that you might need to register for.