The wealth of the countries of the world is always changing. When times are good everyone thinks that prosperity and growth will never change. It seems, however, that the economies of many countries are declining while some are improving at a surprising rate. Regardless of the world’s ups and downs, the Internet continues to grow and the need for English second language materials increases. This article outlines ways in which universities, schools, and organizations can cut their expenses during difficult economic times by adapting the presentations of their printable ESL materials.

Textbooks for Adults or Teen-agers
Some programs suitable for teen-agers and or adults offer a separate student reader, student workbook and teacher’s guide. Although many organizations print a student book and workbook for every student, some schools cut their costs by printing the lessons onto transparencies and using an overhead projector. The students make notes and complete the written exercises in an exercise book. There may, however, be some assignments such as crossword puzzles that need to be printed. The conversational activities can be followed with the same efficiency as if they were provided in a printed book.
Only one teacher’s guide is needed for each teacher. It can, of course, be used many times. Activities provided in the guide can be printed once and laminated, allowing teachers to use them again and again.

Textbooks for Young Children
Young children need to have a book for writing and drawing. Depending on their age the use of the overhead projector might prove to be too abstract. A teacher’s guide for a children’s program, however, usually provides many colorful pictures for games and activities. These can be printed once and laminated in order to preserve them for many uses. This simple adaptation allows for savings in both time and money.

English Second Language Storybooks
Storybooks are an important part of any English second language program. Many of those that are written for children of seven to twelve years provide a separate storybook, workbook and teacher’s guide. Children of that age will enjoy reading the story on a screen but may have some difficulty doing the workbook exercises in an exercise book. Assignments such as crossword puzzles would need to be printed. The student’s ability to adapt to the use of an overhead projector will vary from group to group.
Some storybooks videos are available. They also provide the written story and a workbook. These can be a refreshing change for young students.

These suggestions for cutting costs can save a considerable amount of money. Every organization, school or teacher will need to assess the needs of their classes before adopting any of these cost cutting adaptations. The necessity of following through with these suggestions will change with the ups and downs of each country’s economic prosperity.