Getting started
What is the purpose of a Language Club?
Language Learning Clubs are friendly and supportive places for people who speak little or none of the language of the country they live in. They enable people to practise and improve their spoken language skills in groups of 8-12 for a few hours each week. Importantly, Clubs encourage learners to take part in their local communities and progress to more formal language learning when they are ready.
Here is an example of a Language Club in London – ‘Speaking English with Confidence’
Where can the Clubs be located?
Clubs are based in the community – for example: libraries, schools and pre-schools, places of worship, cafes
– even outdoors in parks and markets.
This photo was taken in Perugia
who can attend?
The Clubs are specficially designed for those who speak only a little or even none of the language of the country they are currently living in. Some Clubs may be created for specific groups – e.g. women
Who runs the Clubs
A club is co-ordinated by a coach usually based in a community organisation. Often they are volunteers. Coaches do not need to be professional teachers but they do need to read and understand the guidance on this website.
How many people can attend?
We have found that Language Clubs work best with 8-12 people, meeting for 2-3 hours each week but you can meet with fewer people for a longer or shorter time – it really depends on the individual group – they’re all different. We recommend 2+ coaches for groups with more than 12 learners.
Is a lot of money needed to set up a club?
No. Providing you can find a quiet and secure space so people can hear each other you can start a club. They can work successfully in markets, nursery schools, libraries, faith centres and other community organisations.
Of course though, a few resources are useful. You may decide you need all or some of the following:
- Flipchart and markers
- Some language learning activities
- Pens and paper for the group
- Laptop/tablet with access to the Internet
- Smartphones with access to the Internet
- Photocopying facility
- Access to refreshments
- Audio/camera/video (usually on a smartphone)