So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good bye..

Yesterday was our last class together. Sakura, Rudolf, and Kohsuke reflected on their time here at the AELP in New Hampshire and their time spent in the US over the last six weeks. They talked about the important lessons they learned in and out of the classroom and what things they will always remember about their experiences here. They are excited to go home to see their families and friends, but will miss the friends that they have made here this summer, too. Kohsuke even mentioned that his tastebuds have changed and he is now more used to eating American food. It was a great experiences having these students, and the others that have come and gone during the program, in my class this summer. I have really enjoyed working with them on their English skills and helping encourage them to take risks and step out of their comfort zones with the language. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and I have no doubt that that future holds greats things for them.

Bon voyage!

Fact or Opinion?

Today in class, we began to explore facts and opinions. Students found out that facts are things that can be proven, while opinions differ from one individual to the next and cannot be proven. We worked together to choose and topic (ice cream) and then brainstorm facts and opinions about it, coming up with some really solid work! They were even able to decipher one from the other in context during our class reading. Sakura, Rudolf, and Kohsuke should feel confident in their ability to apply this reasoning to any situation.

Students were also able to draw a strong parallel between this lesson and our discussions on our RLA Weekly Theme: Art & Music. In Content Class, the students reviewed their blog homework on abstract art and realism and they stated facts and their own opinions about the pieces that everyone chose. They engaged in a lively discussion about each piece, respecting each other's opinions and learning more about abstract art, realism, and even pop art, which Kohsuke introduced to everyone today.

Everyone did a great job today! 

CLICK HERE - Homework for Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Abstract Art vs Realism

An abstract piece by Ivuvlad Geanina Iustina of Romania

In class today, students discussed two different categories of art and shared their opinions and preferences with each other as they explored abstract art. Sakura, Kohsuke, and Rudolf all mentioned that they preferred realism over abstract art because there was less to think about. However, Kohsuke did say that although he liked realist art more, he would reserve final judgement until the end of the lesson. Throughout our Content Class, we looked at a variety of abstract pieces from different artists and analyzed their content. Each student formed their own opinions as to the topic and inspiration that might have made the artists create such pieces. What was really interesting for me as a teacher was watching how three students who already decided that they preferred realism were really enthusiastic and thoughtful as they looked at different pieces and interpreted their subject and meaning. They really seemed to have a great time and learned some English along the way. It's my guess that they will all finish this week happy that they spent some time looking more deeply at new and different kinds of art and music.

A piece of realism by Daniel C. Chiriac of Romania.

CLICK HERE - Homework for Monday, August 5, 2013

Take Notes

Today began a new Real Life Adventure Weekly Theme: Art & Music. We began our class this morning talking about music and art and what effects they have on us daily and overall. We discussed different genres of music and how they make us feel when we listen to them, from rock to opera, and pop to classical. Students even mentioned electronic, dubstep, and hip hop as we discussed our preferences and experiences in music. We also found out that some of our students have a musical past. Sakura has played the trumpet and the flute and Kohsuke has played the guitar for the last three years. We also spent some time today looking at instruments that are unique to our home countries and comparing and contrasting them with each other. Sakura, Kohsuke, and Rudolf are excited to continue to explore music this week and to also learn more about art and how we can interpret these subjects in different contexts. Project Class promises to be a very fun and exciting time for all students as they will be working on creating their own music videos for a song of their choice. We are all really looking forward to seeing those as the week draws to a close. Stay tuned!

CLICK HERE - Homework for Sunday, August 4, 2013

I Work Out!

Our class rounded out our week on sports and recreation talking about exercise and the role it plays in our lives. In order to do so, we brainstormed and discussed all of the different exercises we might go in the fitness center, or gym, and what equipment we might need to do these activities. We also focused on muscle groups, calories, and the role of our circulatory, or cardiovascular, system in our bodies. It was a great discussion about which muscles are exercised during which activities and how our heart enables us to do these activities by supplying our body with oxygen carried throughout our body through the circulatory system. The students had a great time this week working out and stretching their bodies and learning about a healthy and active lifestyle. Great work!

CLICK HERE - Homework for August 1, 2013

A Work of Fiction

Rudolf and Sakura escape the frigid ARC to write in the sunshine.

Students today were engrossed in their challenge to write a sports-themed fictional story during our Content Class. They wrote furiously for the 50 minutes they were given to sort out their ideas and put them on paper. The students in my class haven't had a writing challenge as difficult as this in a while and it was a challenge they met with determination and success! Without the use of any technology, the students wrote more than a full page each using our RLA Weekly Theme: Sports & Recreation. I am impressed with their work today and I look forward to reading their completed stories later this week. A job well done, class!

Jimmy, from China, sat on the deck for inspiration.

CLICK HERE - Homework for Wednesday, July 31, 2013

On the Hunt!

Content Class today had a fun twist on the RLA Weekly Theme: Sports & Recreation. Students in our class had to race against time, and each other, in a sports-themed Internet scavenger hunt! Each student received a list of questions about different people, sports teams and leagues, and game rules which they then had to use the Internet to research and correctly answer in a limited amount of time. This assignment combined our reading comprehension and research skills into a fun and exciting activity. All students did a great job, but the title of Scavenger Hunt Champion went to our friend, Kohsuke! Great job, class! 

CLICK HERE - Homework for Tuesday, July 30, 2013