The Importance of the Academic Word List
“One forgets words as one forgets names. One’s vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die.” – Evelyn Waugh (1903-1966), British author and journalist What is the Academic Word List? Why does it matter? How can it help English language learners get a higher TOEFL Score? How can it help them learn and participate more in your college classes? Essential to...
Read MoreCompelling Conversations – Vietnam is here!
Become who you want to be – in English! Vietnamese teachers of English: are you developing a more fluency-focused curriculum for your ESL/EFL class this fall? Are you seeking new, engaging communicative activities that encourage class discussions? How about flexible lesson plans with a built-in homework assignment per unit? Perhaps we can help! I’m pleased to announce that...
Read MoreMaking Introductions, Part 2: Small Talk
“A conversation can be easy. Just ask a question and then listen.” -Robert Bly (1926-), American poet and author Previously on the blog, we discussed the importance of first impressions. A firm handshake goes a long way, but what happens afterward? How do we teach English language learners to keep a conversation going post-introduction? When speaking with someone new, many Americans...
Read MoreMaking Introductions, Part 1: Shaking Hands
“From small beginnings come great things.” – American proverb First impressions matter. The gateway to many compelling conversations remains the greeting. As the proverb says, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. However, breaking the ice can often be an awkward, even difficult task. For shy international students, greeting and meeting strangers...
Read MoreChimayo Press Catalog Spotlight: Compelling Convesations – Vietnam
Vietnamese readers and teachers of English: do you wish to create a more fluency-focused curriculum for your ESL/EFL class this fall? Are you seeking new, engaging communicative activities to encourage class discussions? How about flexible lesson plans with a built-in homework assignment per unit? This year we’ve updated our catalog with two new Compelling Conversations titles,...
Read MoreTeaching Matters: Email Etiquette Part 2
“Education is learning what you didn’t even know you didn’t know.” —Daniel J. Boorstin (1914–2004), American historian Reviewing email etiquette in the classroom remains an essential challenge for English teachers. We must prepare English language learners for the professional world. Last week, we discussed how to write a clear, concise subject line, and...
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