ESL 1 is a course designed for beginner English-as-a-Second Language students. The basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are developed. These four skills will be integrated into a variety of activities to reinforce key vocabulary, grammatical structures and ideas. Creative and varied exercises, as well as out-of-class projects and assignments, call for considered opinion and critical thinking. American culture and customs are discussed and contrasted with the students' native culture This course will meet the objectives of the New York State Common Core English Language Arts Learning Standards.