Morning “lessons”

Please, not lessons

First of all bear in mind students have studied on books, done grammar, reading, writing and been tested, so much in class already, too much compared to the listening and speaking practice they got. They are looking for the latter.

Chatting freely, with no supporting media and material, is the best outcome possible.

More than teaching and classes, you should imagine this time spent as speaking practice sessions, where any topic will do: their work experience, friends and family, everyday life, culture, history, working and school here and there, typical food, Nottingham, England, gardening, cooking, technology, TV programs, music, art... Make students compare their own country and life experiences.

Simple practical examples

• You may watch the news on TV, or make them read a newspaper, speak about what is going on around the World, your opinions about it.
• You may read magazines and speak about lighter topics, gossip, sports, houses and gardens and so on; you may also find some magazines which are ready made for this, as “Spotlight”.
• Youtube is a goldmine of material, from specific topics such as “B2 level speaking practice” (what is B2 level?) to relaxing music and lyrics.
• The internet has it all. Just look up the things you both like, read/listen/watch and speak about it.
• It is fundamentally a matter of correcting pronunciation and expressions used.

It is important to

• Introduce one another, to know what you would like to speak about; try avoiding topics where you have differing opinions.
• Ask many questions, and make them formulate some too.
• Make them write down the corrections, new expressions and things you teach them (not single words, whole sentences), though not every one: between 20 and 40 an hour.
• Have a pile of interesting articles ready to be read.
• Change topic, switch from reading to listening, from listening to watching, as often as it takes to keep the hour dynamic.

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More tips to be a successful School House · Afternoon activities