Citizenship Summer 2016: USCIS Top 10 Links PLUS Tip Sheets and Idea Boards

USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (10 quick links)

1. USCIS.gov: The Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security
2. USCIS.gov/es: Sitio web oficial del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional
3. N-400: Application for Naturalization 
4. Citizenship Resource Center: Educational Tools and Info for Citizenship Prep 
5. Study Materials for the English Test: the Speaking, Reading, and Writing tests
6. Study Materials for the Civics Test: The 100 US Civics and History Questions 
7. USCIS Multilingual Resources: USCIS Resources in languages other than English.
8. Preparing the Oath: A joint resource of the Smithsonian National American History Museum and the USCIS.  A collection of mini-videos, activities, and quizzes for each of the 100 question.  BEST! RESOURCE! EVER!
9. Oath of Allegiance - Constitution Week 2013 (video): The Oath of Allegiance recited by #newUSCitizens at Oath Ceremonies across America. Very inspirational!
10. Also check out USCIS and USCIS Español and MyUSCIS on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

USCIS: Tip Sheets and Idea Boards

Tips for Teaching Vocabulary in the Adult Citizenship Classroom

Spotlight on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

This tip sheet provides teachers with tips to identify challenging words that applicants may encounter during the naturalization process, as well as strategies for teaching vocabulary.

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Teaching Reading

Basic Strategies for Teaching Reading Skills for the Naturalization Interview and Test

Most permanent residents must demonstrate an ability to read in English to qualify for naturalization. This tip sheet provides strategies for teaching reading skills in the adult citizenship education classroom.

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Teaching Writing

Basic Strategies for Teaching Writing Skills for the Naturalization Interview and Test

Most permanent residents must demonstrate an ability to write in English to quality for naturalization. This tip sheet provides strategies for teaching writing skills in the adult citizenship education classroom.

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Essential Ways to Enhance Learning for Older Students in the Adult Citizenship Education Classroom

The educational needs of older students are diverse and vary from person to person. This tip sheet provides ideas on supporting older learners in your classroom.

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Marketing Your Program

Many citizenship programs rely on word of mouth to inform prospective students about new classes. Learn about more ways to market your program.

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Providing Holistic Orientation to Promote Retention

Think of orientation as a separate event where the goal is retention and consider the ideas found in this document.

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Open Entry/Open Exit vs. Managed Enrollment

Here are some tips for implementing a managed enrollment system, while at the same time providing your students and potential students with high quality services.

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Building a Course Syllabus

A course syllabus identifies the parameters of a course in terms of structure, expectations, and content. Learn more about building a course syllabus.

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Managing Student Levels in a Multi-Level Classroom

Learn about strategies for developing courses that can meet the English-language learning needs of students in a multi-level class.

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Choosing a Textbook for Your Citizenship Class

A textbook sets the scope and sequence needed to build your curriculum to fit the class schedule and number of class hours in each semester, quarter, or session. Check out tips about choosing a textbook at the right level.

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Using Volunteers to Enhance Your Adult Citizenship Program

Volunteers can be a great resource to support the administrative and instructional needs of your adult citizenship program. Use this document for ideas.

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