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This website is for anyone interested in Ms. Cromwell’s online ESL tutoring service.
Here, you can preview sample learning materials, class activities, and get a feel for the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the class.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Ms. Lana Cromwell
Certified and successful ESL Specialist with 27 years of teaching English as a Second Language to all ages and grades from kindegarten requiring basic level skills to advanced college level professionals ready to transition to credit college class.
As an instructor, I bring an energetic and student-centered approach to every class. My lively personality helps create a welcoming environment where learners feel both encouraged and challenged to reach their full potential. I combine firm, clear expectations with genuine warmth and support, ensuring that every student—regardless of age or background—feels seen, valued, and motivated to grow.
My teaching style focuses on building strong communication skills through interactive lessons that engage listening, speaking, reading, and writing simultaneously. Over the years, this approach has led to measurable growth for my students, many of whom have shared powerful testimonials about their increased confidence, academic success, and ability to thrive in English-speaking environments.
I take great pride in helping each learner recognize their strengths and push beyond their perceived limits, fostering both skill development and a love of learning.
Learning English in the US is different from learning English in other countries. Also, language learners have different learning strategies. Let's take a look at some of these differences.
Learning Objectives
Read a variety of texts: Read and understand complex materials from different sources on both familiar and new topics.
Find main ideas: Identify and summarize the most important points from what you read.
Think critically: Use critical thinking skills to analyze academic texts and write about your ideas clearly.
Use visual information: Interpret and use information from tables, charts, and figures in both your speaking and writing.
Write a summary: Follow the writing process to produce a well-structured summary paragraph.
Correct your writing: Find and fix your own grammar and common writing errors.
Use word processing: Use computer applications to create and edit documents.
Work with a team: Cooperate with others in group projects and practice different roles.
Learning materials
Video with pre- and post-questions
Idioms
Phrasal verbs
CommonLit (interactive resource for reading and discussion ) article on self-care
Video with pre- and post-questions
Pre-Discussion Questions:
Discuss the questions with a partner, small group, or as a whole class.
At what point in your life did you begin your English language learning journey?
2. Were you introduced to English in your home country, or did you start learning it after moving to the US?
3. In your opinion, are there multiple methods one can utilize to learn a new language? Can you provide some examples?
Post-Discussion Questions:
1. What is the key "takeaway" (main idea) from the video?
2. How many languages is the speaker fluent in?
3. What are some of the different approaches to language acquisition discussed in the video?
Optional: Feel free to enable the closed captions (CC) located in the lower right corner of the video.
2. Idioms
Idioms 2022 class copy - do not download or print.pptx3. Phrasal verbs
Phrasal verbs turned out, top it off.docxPhrasal Verbs with SHOW.docx4. CommonLit (interactive resource for reading and discussion) article on self-care
Article_self-care_student Commonlit.pdfStudents' testimonials
Nallely
Hello my name is Nallely,I was a student of Ms. Cromwell in 2019 before covid 19.
The semester started in person and finished online. Omg the classes in person were amazing, Every student including Ms. Cromwell shared something to eat during break time. She taught the class many things including how to write essays and she always told us it's okay to make mistakes; that’s how we learn. Ms. Cromwell bundled us as a family with her love and caring. She was a mother to all of us. In my opinion her vibes are amazing, that's why she is so special to whoever is around her. During the pandemic together we learned how to have classes and cafe online on zoom, It was something new for everyone. During that time, we talked about history and she opened her heart and shared an emotional moment. Without a doubt, I recommend her for helping anyone improve their English!
To me, she was my best teacher ever. She impacted my life in a good way, and I learned a lot from her. I love her so much and until today, we are still in touch.
Ita
I am Ita, a former student of Ms. Cromwell. Words truly cannot describe what an exceptional teacher and person she is. I took a couple of ESL classes with her back in 2021 and even though the classes were online I enjoyed it so much. The thought she put into each class and making sure we feel comfortable with her, our classmates and ourselves felt in my heart.
She is so passionate about teaching that learning from her is a wonderful journey.
Aida
The biggest thing I learned in Ms. Cromwell’s class is that the secret to speaking English… is just to start speaking! Even if it is messy. Even if you sound like a character from a movie quoting random lines — which, by the way, is also a great learning method.
She always said “It is OK to make mistakes”. That gave me the confidence to actually try, and guess what? It worked.
In her class, there is no way to stay silent — even the quietest student ends up chatting like they have had three coffees 🤣☕️☕️☕️ Because she somehow manages to gently (but firmly!) pull everyone into the conversation😅
Her teaching style is super warm, full of real-life vocabulary, and there is always room to talk about anything. I love that she was open for every topic! It felt like learning English and having a great conversation with a friend.
I would totally recommend her lessons to anyone — beginner, advanced, shy, talkative — because she will make it work for everyone.
Laylane
Mrs. Cromwell is a teacher who teaches with care and commitment. She's a sweet and highly competent person who shows us that learning is impossible without taking risks, and that it's okay to make mistakes, as they're part of learning. I really miss her classes.”
Megumi
I can confidently recommend Ms. Cromwell’s ESL classes because the comprehensive growth in English proficiency—including the ability to express deep and complex thoughts—is inseparably connected to one of the most wonderful experiences in my life: being part of our class family.
Ms. Cromwell is always attentive to each member and to the class atmosphere, creating a warm and emotionally connected “class family.” She lovingly encourages us to take risks and make mistakes, which builds an environment where students aren’t afraid to speak up or share different opinions. For me, this was a big turning point—because for many non-native speakers, the greatest challenge is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of confidence. In her class, everyone’s voice is heard; it’s never a situation where only the fluent students talk.
As a result, we don’t just practice surface-level conversation. We discuss ideas and perspectives in depth, naturally expanding our vocabulary with high-level expressions. Ms. Cromwell also integrates essential grammar, phrasal verbs, and idioms in a practical, communicative way. Using multiple engaging materials, she makes sure the class is always interactive and never just a lecture.
Sigap
"There are several beautiful memories from my journey during the 3.5 years I spent in the city of Chicago. If there is one thing I truly miss, it is definitely the time I spent learning English as my second language with Mrs. Cromwell. Mrs. Cromwell's care for her students, and how she designed and carried out the learning process for us, made it an enjoyable and encouraging experience for me as a new student in this new country. Mrs. Cromwell was very good at building relationships with each of her students, and also at making her students connect with each other. The true definition of teaching with heart."
Elina
If you have a chance to have Ms. Cromwell as your English instructor, you are in for an amazing experience! You will not only improve your language skills and gain confidence boost, but also meet one of the most wonderful teachers. Ms. Cromwell deeply cares for her student’s success, and creates a safe and inspiring space for everyone to develop their capacity to communicate as well as learn about the multicultural American environment. I spent one year having online classes with Ms. Cromwell, and I have never had so much fun and inspiration when learning. There are not enough stars to describe this teacher, because she goes above and beyond. It was my absolute honor to get to know her and enjoy her guidance.
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