Brit-brit-style ESL

I have a masters degree in Teaching Foreign Language, something I have done for over six years of my life, though not in the last couple of years. I have been missing it a lot, especially now that we're all settled into life with a child and not traveling as much anymore.

I picked up at the library this week a copy of Travelers' Guides Tales: Prague and have been reminiscing about my years in this part of the world. I spent those years teaching the most gifted, intelligent, and original students one could ever hope for, and I thank the creators of facebook every day for allowing me to stay in touch easily with them as they scatter their brilliance throughout the world. I have former students who are now doctors, European financial movers-and-shakers, computer whizzes, parents (oh, how that makes me feel old), professionals in the travel industry, and even a couple of graduates of Cambridge University.

I am dipping my toe back in the classroom these days by taking on a class of senior immigrant-refugees from various countries in Africa. It's like no other class I've ever taught. These students are all my parents or grandparents' age, some of whom are still learning to write the English alphabet. I think we're a long way off from explanations of when to use the past perfect as opposed to the past perfect continuous. Right now, we're doing a lot of, "Now try spelling your name for everyone to write down." It's a fascinating process. Truly fascinating. These people are so incredibly brave, and I look forward to learning from them.

I found this clip today advertising a language school in Russia, apparently one that teaches seniors as well. I'm wondering how quickly I can get my class to the point that they can sing along to pop songs...


This clip makes me incredibly happy. The "and I" lady is the best. I'd take her on as my assistant in a heartbeat.