Open Learning News and Updates

A Gift to Our Students: Expanding the Conestoga English Language Reader (CELR) Collection

We are pleased to announce the release of four new open educational resources (OER) that further strengthen our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable learning opportunities. These titles expand the Conestoga English Language Reader (CELR) collection, and add two new foundational texts, representing an incredible gift to students. Each resource includes unique and engaging multimedia pedagogical features and interactive formative assessments, all designed to enhance the learning experience.  

The authors combine appropriately levelled learning content with local information and references that bring the materials to life for English language learners in our community. From using familiar voices in the audio recordings to featuring their own classmates on the foundational book covers, these free-to-access resources are truly designed for our students. 

The authors’ commitment and passion show through in every detail – even the readers’ book covers.  As author and professor Lesline Fehr explains, “in the Conestoga English Language Readers, affectionately called the CELR series (pronounced ‘seller’), [the] faculty used their front doors, or a door of someone they know. Truly, our book cover pages are metaphors that relay the idea that reading can open many doors of opportunities in life!” 

We encourage everyone to explore these innovative open resources and share them with any English language learners and educators you know!

New Titles in the CELR Collection 

Conestoga English Language Reader 1 
By Lesline Fehr                                                 
A high beginner-level reader featuring vocabulary lists and articles relevant to the newcomer experience in Ontario.

Conestoga English Language Reader 2 
By Sarah Darling and Cheryl Knapp 
A low-intermediate-level reader with engaging, general-interest topics designed to build reading skills and academic vocabulary.

Foundations of Reading and Writing  
By Lindsey Kasch and Lesline Fehr 
Designed for learners beginning their English language journey, preparing them for Level 1 of the program. A terrific foundational resource for anyone wanting to begin their English language journey.

Foundations of Listening, Speaking, and Pronunciation 
By Larissa Conley 
Supports early learners with listening and speaking skills for Level 1 readiness. An awesome foundation resource for anyone wanting to begin their English language listening, speaking, and pronunciation journey.

Why This Matters 

The CELR collection has already saved hundreds of thousands of dollars for Conestoga College students. Beyond the financial savings, students appreciate the local content that the authors have woven into these resources. These OER also advance Academics & Research (AR) Action Item 2 in the Conestoga Sustainability Plan and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #4: Quality Education.