Reading group helps learners with language skills
Adult learners from various countries are improving their English by reading books together in group sessions.
The sessions operate like a book club and stories are chosen to suit the English level of participants. As well as reading, they take part in activities to familiarise themselves with the story – and their fellow learners.
The group started in May and New Scots from Ukraine, Syria and Hong have been thoroughly enjoying the stories, getting to know each other and improving their English language skills.
Tutor Melissa Frost, who works with North Ayrshire Council’s Community Learning and Development team leads the classes at the Woodland Centre in Irvine as part of the Council’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programme.
Group member Cathy, from Hong Kong, said: “I really enjoy the stories and getting to understand them as well as learning to make sentences” while Sum, also from Hong Kong, added: “I enjoy the stories and talking with my classmates. I like learning about punctuation – and the teacher is very nice!”
Andrii, from Ukraine, attends different Council ESOL sessions three times a week to help develop his English.
He said: “I studied German at school in Ukraine. When I came to Scotland a year ago, I didn’t speak English but have been studying it for nine months.
“This reading group is so cool because we have big conversations about books, and it is improving my English.”
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands, said it is great to see New Scots enjoying the book club.
Quote: It is really encouraging to see the group appreciating books like Dracula, discussing the stories and enhancing their English with support in a relaxed setting. I have no doubt that this is helping them to make new friends and integrate well in their community.
Quote from: Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands
Please note: If you know someone whose first language isn’t English and needs support with their English, you can complete a short referral form online. Volunteers with ESOL qualifications - and other qualifications including a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - are needed to support the Council’s various ESOL sessions. If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering opportunities across North Ayrshire to help New Scots improve their English and integrate into their community, you can fill in a form online.
Published: 25 July 2025