Tag Archives: ESL
One Child Left Behind
I haven’t wanted to post about the Virginia Tech shooting because there’s really nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said more eloquently. Yesterday when I got to LCC, I had a new handout in my mailbox. It’s all … Continue reading
2 3/4 Classroom Hours Until April Vacation
I think no matter how much you like your job, there are going to be days when you’d rather stay home and sleep off yesterday’s chardonnay and jelly beans. And remember that when I say “you”, I actually mean “me”. … Continue reading
Going To
I went back to work yesterday, and I got to see one of Mikhail’s finest moments. Mikhail is in his seventies, he’s got a masters in engineering, and he speaks Russian and Hebrew fluently. He’s taking my English class more … Continue reading
Universal Game Culture
My students were having trouble with the difference between an action in the present and a habitual action. The book seemed a little technical here, so I pulled out my cell phone. “I’m going to call my boyfriend,” I said. … Continue reading
No One Said Arbor Day
Today I asked my students to choose the most important holiday in their home country and tell me how that day is celebrated and why it’s important. I thought this would be an interesting topic that everyone would relate to, … Continue reading
A New Semester
It’s the beginning of the semester, and I need a new parking pass. At UMass, I go see Marcus but at Local Community College, I end up waiting for a while, trying to catch the attention of one of the … Continue reading
Without Thanksgiving
I’m heartbroken that I’ll miss Thanksgiving at home this year. I love every part of the holiday, but especially the food and my family in all our dysfunctional glory. I love getting home on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Last year … Continue reading
For Love Or Money
This story on Laowai!Laowai! talks about running a speaking exercise for high school age ESL students. This exercise asks each student to choose between Love or Money, and explain why. Without exception, the boys in his class chose Love while … Continue reading
Rorschach ESL
Fall has come rapidly to Yantai, as if the weather is trying to match our textbook’s explanation that September, October and November are autumn. It’s beautiful here, although it’s strange to feel fall and be going back-to-school on the other … Continue reading
My Parents
I’ve already talked my sister into visting me in China in August. (This is a picture of her with her Chinese music ensemble at Wesleyan… guess which one is my sister!) Now I’m trying to convince my mom and my … Continue reading
