Green Eggs and Ham 2008

When I was as the TexTESOL state conference earlier this month, I saw a demonstration by John Schmidt (Texas Intensive English Program) that I knew I had to try with my class. He and a volunteer did an interpretive reading of "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss — good for practicing American English vowel sounds. It's a long poem, so I divided it into six parts and had a different pair of students read each part. Here's how it came out with my beginning ESL class...

Democracy: Yes we can!

The world stayed up late last night to watch the results of the U.S. presidential election and Barack Obama making his first speech as the president-elect of the United States. I have to say I am filled with feelings of optimism and hope today. To me, Obama's win is important because it shows that many people making small contributions can achieve the result they want. As Obama reminded us last night, change won't come by magic, but with the work and support of those who want it — just the way the election was won. Yes we can! See news reports, photos, and videos about the election at CNN.

Birthday Surprise

My ESL class surprised me with the most awesome birthday party this year. There was enough food for a village, and I have no idea how they ever found so many candles! Thank you, Sergio, for contributing your photos. Thank you everybody!

Dialogue Line

Dialogue lines are a great way for English learners to practice conversational skills. In this video, beginning-level students are telling about something that is important to them or to their families. Before the activity was over, each of the 16 students had told their story to eight different conversation partners and engaged in English conversation for more than half an hour!

Patriot Day

On September 11, 2001, terrorists flew two hijacked planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Photos and videos of the resulting devastation, terror, and heartbreak are etched in our memories. Now on September 11 of every year the U.S. observes Patriot Day as a day of remembrance and honor for those who were killed on that day in 2001 and for those whose heroism in rescuing survivors will not be forgotten.

New York Magazine photos
BBC videos
Survivors' stories

Beginning Again

Doors close, and other doors open. This semester, many things are new for me; many new doors have opened:

1. I am at a new location. The people I have met at Southwest Key are very nice and helpful. Usually, there are not any other classes or meetings near us, so we can be as loud and noisy as we want to be.
2. I have a new class. Almost all of the students speak Spanish, and all are at or near the beginning level of learning English.
   
3. I am learning again how to teach beginners. They are very patient with me, energetically enthusiastic, extremely eager to learn, and diligent about using — if not only, then mostly — English in class.
   

I have a feeling it is going to be a very good year. I hope everyone reading this is having a good year, too!

2008 Olympics: One World One Dream

This has been the week of the 2008 Olympics in our house, from the awesome opening ceremony last Friday through the continuing coverage on cable channel 4 (KXAN TV). The dedication and performance of these athletes is inspiring (so maybe I'll try harder to open a jar of jelly before I ask my husband to help). While I was looking on YouTube this morning for video of the opening ceremony, I found a slide show with the official song of the 2008 Olympics — You and Me. Here are the words to the song in Chinese and English:

我和你 Wǒ hé nǐ
You and me
Wǒ hé nǐ， xīn lián xīn， tong zhù dìqiúcūn, 我和你，心连心，同住地球村，
You and me, From one world, We are family.
Wéi mèngxiǎng， qiānlǐ xíng, xiānghuì zài Běijīng。 为梦想，千里行，相会在北京。
Travel dream, A thousand miles, Meeting in Beijing.
Láiba！Péngyǒu，shēnchū nǐ de shǒu， 来吧！朋友，伸出你的手，
Come together, Put your hands in mine,
Wǒ hé nǐ， xīn lián xīn，yǒngyuǎn yìjiārén. 我和你，心连心，永远一家人。
You and me, from one world, We are family.

(from http://bbs.english.sina.com/viewthread.php?tid=124)

If you change Beijing to Austin...

Visit the 2008 Olympics official Website to learn more about the athletes, events, and history of the Olympic Games.