The past few posts have been so heavy....
Here's a quick story:
Yesterday while reviewing my ESL students for their comprehensive final, we were practicing making questions with the 5 Ws. I showed them a picture and asked a student to make a question about it using the word "Why". Immediately, Jorge, my Panamanian student broke out into song...
"TELL ME WHY....AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT A HEARTACHE,
at this point, two more students joined in
TELL ME WHY, AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT A MISTAKE, TELL ME WHY, I NEVER WANNA HEAR YOU SAY......I WANT IT THAT WAY!"
I, of course, cracked up and my sweet Arab girl looked on in confusion.
And while we're on the topic of international celebrities, the following people are the celebrities my students most recognize:
Angelina Jolie
Michael Jackson
Mel Gibson
Justin Bieber
Spend a day with me and you'll laugh more than you'd think....
Showing posts with label Teaching ESL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teaching ESL. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Simple Future...
Since I teach English as a Second Language, I spend my time making connections with grammar and real life. As you may or may not realize, one of the English verb tenses is called "Simple Future" or "Future Simple." This name makes me chuckle because, well, how often is the future really that simple?! In my own experience, the future is quite confounding, complex, and complicated!
With that being said, I'm headed to California to pursue a master's degree. Out of all the directions my life could go, I think this is the best thing.
In a LOT of ways, I didn't see that one coming. God seems to enjoy surprising me, and he doesn't disappoint!
With that being said, I'm headed to California to pursue a master's degree. Out of all the directions my life could go, I think this is the best thing.
In a LOT of ways, I didn't see that one coming. God seems to enjoy surprising me, and he doesn't disappoint!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Cultural Night...
Last week, one of the students where I teach organized a Saudi Cultural Night. He shared music, photos, crafts, and food from his home culture. It was very interesting. One of the major things that I learned is just how much his home country is trying to change their image. They want other nations to see how they are progressing in all aspects of life. I think their current king really has made some reforms, but it seems as though they have a long way to go. Anyhow, it was nice to experience that culture for one night. The food and music reminded me of Armenia. Any time I hear Arabic music, I have to stop myself from flailing my arms in the air and dancing. Continuing to pray for my students!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Poor little lamb...
So, the lamb roast was a great time.
We truly had a great time together that day.
I intentionally watched them kill the poor little fellow. (His name was Jimmy). I wanted to see what it really looks like to "lead a lamb to the slaughter." Here is a list of things I noticed as I watched and some things I've thought of afterward. Not only, did I enjoy the party, but I was able to experience some things I've read about at a greater level.
1. We don't beat lambs before we eat them. Jesus not only died for us, but was brutally beaten.
2. I saw the blood poor from the lamb as they slit its throat. (So sorry for the graphic nature of this post!) That moment was a glimpse into the idea of Christ's blood being poured out as an offering for my sins.
3. The guys were so giddy as they took part in one of their beloved pastimes. It sounds so odd, right? When you think about it, we also take great joy in the death of Christ.....but only because of the resurrection.
4. Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. Gen. 22:7-8
5. Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Our little sheep didn't struggle or make a sound.
6. Revelation 7:9
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
I pray my students will be among the multitude.....
We truly had a great time together that day.
I intentionally watched them kill the poor little fellow. (His name was Jimmy). I wanted to see what it really looks like to "lead a lamb to the slaughter." Here is a list of things I noticed as I watched and some things I've thought of afterward. Not only, did I enjoy the party, but I was able to experience some things I've read about at a greater level.
1. We don't beat lambs before we eat them. Jesus not only died for us, but was brutally beaten.
2. I saw the blood poor from the lamb as they slit its throat. (So sorry for the graphic nature of this post!) That moment was a glimpse into the idea of Christ's blood being poured out as an offering for my sins.
3. The guys were so giddy as they took part in one of their beloved pastimes. It sounds so odd, right? When you think about it, we also take great joy in the death of Christ.....but only because of the resurrection.
4. Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. Gen. 22:7-8
5. Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
Our little sheep didn't struggle or make a sound.
6. Revelation 7:9
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
I pray my students will be among the multitude.....
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Things I like about my job this week.....
1. I feel like God is speaking and moving in the hearts of my students. :) I've had a couple of random conversations with them this week that give me hope.......hope that they are asking questions and looking for answers.
2. I just loved this conversation today.
2. I just loved this conversation today.
Student: Um, Teacher.....Could I ask you a question?
Me: Sure.
Student: It's a personal question. Can I ask you?
Me. Ok......
Student: Are you rich?
(At this point I am trying not to crack up...)
I mean, you have perfect clothes. Everyday you wear perfect fashion with new clothes and different earrings. So, we were wondering if you are rich. Maybe you don't need this job and just like to work here.
Me: (STILL trying not to crack up). Oh, wow. No. I'm not really rich. Girls are just tricky. Sometimes I mix different clothes to make new outfits. I've had some of my clothes for a while. Most of my earrings were given to me. Yeah, girls are just tricky like that. I need this job. I'm not rich, and neither is my family. So, I'll take that as a compliment!
Me: Sure.
Student: It's a personal question. Can I ask you?
Me. Ok......
Student: Are you rich?
(At this point I am trying not to crack up...)
I mean, you have perfect clothes. Everyday you wear perfect fashion with new clothes and different earrings. So, we were wondering if you are rich. Maybe you don't need this job and just like to work here.
Me: (STILL trying not to crack up). Oh, wow. No. I'm not really rich. Girls are just tricky. Sometimes I mix different clothes to make new outfits. I've had some of my clothes for a while. Most of my earrings were given to me. Yeah, girls are just tricky like that. I need this job. I'm not rich, and neither is my family. So, I'll take that as a compliment!
3. We are going to have a lamb roast this weekend as a student activity. That's right....slaughter and roast. I'll let you know how gross it was! I'm actually looking forward to hanging out with the students outside of class. I'll be glad to talk about something besides noun quantifiers or paragraph structure.
4. Did I mention I get to be with a UPG [unreachedpeoplegroup] everyday? Once again, I just wish we talked less about grammar and more about important things.....
4. Did I mention I get to be with a UPG [unreachedpeoplegroup] everyday? Once again, I just wish we talked less about grammar and more about important things.....
Monday, October 11, 2010
English on this side of the pond....
Funny and random things connected to my job:
1. The Korean student in my class loves to share his Little Debbies. He's always curious about what I've brought for lunch. I'm hoping to finish telling him the story of Noah this week.
2. One week, a student of mine wrote sad faces on all his papers because I made him take a test. (He is not a child or teenager.) As we say in Armenia...mama jan.
3. Be careful with cut and paste! I typed the vocab word next to the definition on a test. So much for matching! Extra points for all.
4. I told my students that I, too, have studied another language. This brought warm fuzzy feelings for all until they recently enjoyed throwing that in my face when the homework got hard.
5. I do not have a name. I am called "Teacher" most of the time. One of my female students calls me "Miss".
Although teaching ESL here is quite different from teaching in Armenia, I still have the opportunity to pray for my students. They are in dire need of hope, truth, and the Good News.
1. The Korean student in my class loves to share his Little Debbies. He's always curious about what I've brought for lunch. I'm hoping to finish telling him the story of Noah this week.
2. One week, a student of mine wrote sad faces on all his papers because I made him take a test. (He is not a child or teenager.) As we say in Armenia...mama jan.
3. Be careful with cut and paste! I typed the vocab word next to the definition on a test. So much for matching! Extra points for all.
4. I told my students that I, too, have studied another language. This brought warm fuzzy feelings for all until they recently enjoyed throwing that in my face when the homework got hard.
5. I do not have a name. I am called "Teacher" most of the time. One of my female students calls me "Miss".
Although teaching ESL here is quite different from teaching in Armenia, I still have the opportunity to pray for my students. They are in dire need of hope, truth, and the Good News.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Working Girl
I'll be starting my 3rd week at my new job on Monday. Yes, it's been busy, so I'm just now getting around to blogging much about it.
I'm teaching English as a Second Language to international students. It's an intensive language course that will prepare students to make a good grade on their TOEFL (Test of English Language Fluency), which will allow them to enter an American university. Each "session" is 4 weeks long and we move through the material like there's no tomorrow. (Which would actually make knowing English irrelevant. I digress.)
Anywho, right now, I'm teaching 2 hours of grammar, one hour of idioms, one hour of reading, and one hour of writing. Most of my students are from Saudi Arabia, but I have one Japanese student and one Korean student. There are already a lot of cultural lessons to learn, which makes it interesting. It's an interesting job, but takes a lot of hard work, too. I'm trying to get into the rhythm of lesson planning and grading.
I feel like I have a sympathetic heart towards my students since I know how it feels to live in a strange place learning a strange language. I try to speak clearly and make sure they get as much help as I can give them, while also making them do the homework and take the tests.
Until I know where God is leading me next, this is a good job. I get to do something I did in Armenia, be with internationals, and pray for specific people who don't know Him.
I'm teaching English as a Second Language to international students. It's an intensive language course that will prepare students to make a good grade on their TOEFL (Test of English Language Fluency), which will allow them to enter an American university. Each "session" is 4 weeks long and we move through the material like there's no tomorrow. (Which would actually make knowing English irrelevant. I digress.)
Anywho, right now, I'm teaching 2 hours of grammar, one hour of idioms, one hour of reading, and one hour of writing. Most of my students are from Saudi Arabia, but I have one Japanese student and one Korean student. There are already a lot of cultural lessons to learn, which makes it interesting. It's an interesting job, but takes a lot of hard work, too. I'm trying to get into the rhythm of lesson planning and grading.
I feel like I have a sympathetic heart towards my students since I know how it feels to live in a strange place learning a strange language. I try to speak clearly and make sure they get as much help as I can give them, while also making them do the homework and take the tests.
Until I know where God is leading me next, this is a good job. I get to do something I did in Armenia, be with internationals, and pray for specific people who don't know Him.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ahhhh.....Foreigners!
People stare at you.
You try to speak English very discreetly.
You have no idea what the shampoo bottles actually say.
You wish people would learn what standing in a line means.
Etc. Etc. Etc.
I've SO got the foreigner thing down! I was the foreigner for 2 years, living with people who seemed like foreigners to me. Now, I'm back in America, which seems foreign at times. Oh, I just want to be with some foreigners!
It felt so good yesterday to fill in as a substitute teaching ESL at the university where I graduated. I got into my ESL groove, made ridiculous examples, made the student laugh, almost translated words into Armenian 1000 times, and genuinely had a good time.
You try to speak English very discreetly.
You have no idea what the shampoo bottles actually say.
You wish people would learn what standing in a line means.
Etc. Etc. Etc.
I've SO got the foreigner thing down! I was the foreigner for 2 years, living with people who seemed like foreigners to me. Now, I'm back in America, which seems foreign at times. Oh, I just want to be with some foreigners!
It felt so good yesterday to fill in as a substitute teaching ESL at the university where I graduated. I got into my ESL groove, made ridiculous examples, made the student laugh, almost translated words into Armenian 1000 times, and genuinely had a good time.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to English I go.....
Teaching conversational English has become almost a profession, it feels like. I do not have a degree in ESL (English as a Second Language) or EFL (English as a Foreign Language) or any other English-y subject! But, I am a native English speaker and I did score well on the English and Reading portions of the ACT! So, I'm qualified!
I started a new English group today, and the logistics of organizing it has been a little frustrating. Oh well, I press on! I only had 3 show up for today's first lesson, and it's a shame because I think the first lesson is always the most fun! I'm sure that others will come once word gets around. (That seems to be the way news travels).
Here is my current English teaching schedule for those who are curious....
Mondays: 4:00-5:00, private lesson with one of my students. We read her Economics
textbook, which is in English, and discuss new words or ideas. I often find myself
remembering my college
5:00-6:30, Intermediate/Advanced group. I usually have about 7 young women
show up. They are great girls! And I often have the opportunity to share with them
and invite them to events.
Tuesdays: 3:30-4:30 private lesson with Economics girl
4:30-6:00 High Beginners/ Low Intermediate class. They often drive me CrAzY,
but i love them! I've got people ranging from 10 years old-60 years old in that group.
(And at least 2 mentally ill!)
6:30-8:00 My new beginner's class at the college!
Wednesdays: Village day! In addition to visiting people, sharing, and ch. planting, I teach two
hours of English as an after school activity for kids.I wish I could bottle up their
smiles. They are also pretty wild, but I love them, too! (Where's the course on
Foreign Classroom Management when you need it?!)
Thursdays: 3:30-4:30 You guessed it, Economics girl! (But sometimes she doesn't come)
4:30-6:00 High Beginners/Low Intermed. group again.
Fridays: 5:00-6:30 Intermediate/Advanced group again.
Saturdays: 2:00-3:30 New beginner's group at the college
Sunday: NO ENGLISH CLASS!
All that to say this: Remember me as I'm teaching. My goal is not just to teach English, but for it to be a way to build relationships and bridges so I can share more important things with them. And although, teaching English is not necessarily my only goal, I do want to teach with excellence.
P.S.
After writing about my language triumphs, I have a confession to make relating to my English teaching. One Armenian word I just CANNOT seem to say is the word for "conversational".....as in "conversational English". Of course!
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