Teaching Matters: The Perception of Time and Value of Punctuality in American Culture

“If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, Infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro’ narrow chinks of his cavern.” – William Blake (1757-1827), English poet, painter and printmaker The concept of time defies easy definitions, meaning many different things to many different people. Americans often...

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Teaching Matters: Eating Etiquette

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” -James Beard (1903-1985), American author Previously on the blog, we’ve addressed how to make positive first impressions in a variety of settings, from a handshake to a professional email. But table manners also go a long way. Whether you’re grabbing a bite out with friends or visiting a new acquaintance for dinner, the...

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Teaching Matters: Eating Etiquette

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” -James Beard (1903-1985), American author Previously on the blog, we’ve addressed how to make positive first impressions in a variety of settings, from a handshake to a professional email. But table manners also go a long way. Whether you’re grabbing a bite out with friends or visiting a new acquaintance for dinner, the...

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Culture Corner: Identifying & Respecting Personal Space

  “Courtesy costs nothing.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), American writer, philosopher   How close is too close? How can English language learners – and native speakers too! – create more comfortable conversation spaces with strangers, friends and family alike? It often sta… The post Culture Corner: Identifying & Respecting Personal Space appeared...

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Culture Corner: Identifying & Respecting Personal Space

“Courtesy costs nothing.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), American writer, philosopher How close is too close? How can English language learners – and native speakers too! – create more comfortable conversation spaces with strangers, friends and family alike? It often starts with an awareness of others’ personal space. Personal space is the invisible amount of...

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It’s A Breeze: Now available on Teachers Pay Teachers!

 Let’s “learn the ropes” of English – idiom by idiom! Exciting news, English teachers: All seven, thematic units of Chimayo Press’ It’s A Breeze are now individually available on our Teachers Pay Teachers store! Written for high school ESL students and adult English language learners in the United States, It’s A Breeze improves...

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