I mentioned back in May that I decided to volunteer with the local library to teach English as a second language. All the classes would be on Zoom. After going through several virtual training classes, I would either work one-on-one with a student or teach an entire class. I was assigned to co-teach an English Conversation Club. Essentially, the point of the club is just to get people to talk. Coming up with topics is another matter altogether.
I’ve taught three classes so far and the students are great. They’re all over eighteen and none of them were born in America, so they bring a rich variety of culture and life experience with them. My co-teacher and I have also learned from them. We did a lesson on the first day of Summer, where we mentioned the northern and southern hemispheres. One woman from Peru said that in her country, it’s cold during June and July and warm during November and December. I’d never realized the Peru was in the southern hemisphere.
All these people want to learn, grow, and thrive here in America and knowing English is a good first step. It’s hard to live anywhere, if you don’t know what people are saying. The English Conversation Club’s purpose is to give them practice, so they are comfortable conversing with others in this great melting pot we call America.