Does anyone know where I can get books, or CDs, or computer programs to help my wife and daughter learn English? We are stiil in the early stages of the visa process, but she is anxious to try to improve her English. Not only for when she arrives here, but for her interview. There are schools that teach English where she lives, but are very expensive and very far away in the city. (URUMQI)
I thought is I could locate some books, or something, I could send then to her. Any ideas?

I found this website that says English course are free, maybe you want to check it out http://www.english-online.org.uk/

You might try Rosetta Stone. Classes really are important though. How do you communicate now?

She can speak a little English, But here is an amazing thing. She can read and write English. Anytime we had a problem with the spoken word, she would ask me write it down on paper. She would then reply, by writing. On my two trips to China, we filled about 3 notebook, (AND SEVERAL DOZEN NAPKINS). She works for a company that ships things all over the world, so she deals in many languages, but mostly English.
We talk each day on the web, once again by writing. Sometimes, she uses an electronic translator, for unfamiliar words.

Sounds like you have a leg up on my wife and I. Why not use a messenger with text and voice and start teaching her the common interview questions and answers yourself. Sounds like she's well educated in English but needs help with speaking and pronunciation. If so, Rosetta Stone and your own help would be quite effective.

I like bookstores and visited a few in China. Most had a fairly good selection of English learning books.

I found some of the books made for kids very useful, as the phrases are kept quite simple and the lessons are about common things everyone needs to know.

I found I had to be pretty selective about the books for adults. Many of them seem to be written by people who haven't mastered the level of English they attempt to teach.

It sounds like you have a leg up on Li & I too. She started out not speaking a word of English.

I've gotta tell ya (I think this is really cute): The first thing she learned to say in English was "Richard, careful, your head!". I'm a bit taller than a lot of doorways and clearances in China. After bonking my head once in the stairway, she asked me how she could warn me in English.

I have a couple of thoughts. First, Rosetta Stone is nice, I have used it with some success to learn Vietnamese. It's not very good for normal conversational things, though. But if your sweetie can read and write fairly well, you just need to talk with each other! A lot! I had the same situation as you.

Here's what worked for us: Skype. Yahoo with voice might work also, but in my experience, the sound quality is not near as good as Skype. But here's the key: You can type as you talk. Kind of like having subtitles. Ever seen a Scottish movie? Sometimes for the U.S. market, they have subtitles, even though they're in English! Some of you may know what I'm talking about. This is exactly the same things. Spoken English, English "subtitles." Worked great for us. Mai is speaking English so well today! You need to talk a little bit every day, if possible. Both of you will be amazed at the results.

Then you can try it in Chinese! Then you can write (and say) a lot: 我不明白你说什么。 Or maybe 我不知道写这些。Hahahahaha. I crack myself up. Seriously, I hope your Chinese is going well. I suck at Chinese! Too many homophones! I don't hear nearly as well as I read.

Robert given what you say, hearing and trying out words with someone she trusts (you) might be best.
Get a china phone number (I use ITalkBB) and every day when you chat with text, repeat what you type so she can hear it.
When she types something, read it back to her, and let her try.

If you do this, after a while she will pick it up just from practice. I think this would be faster, cheaper and more fun than any lesson.

I agree with that 100%. It's an awesome way to learn, and fun too! You are very lucky she can read and write English. Best wishes to you both.

It should be a mix of spoken and book learning I think. Typing and speaking is good for learning spelling and words, books can teach in a more organized manner. Learning the alphabet and numbers/units/$ denominations is a good start too. This link at Purdue University has a bunch of links:

ESL Resources for Students
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/eslstudent.html