Riding Life’s Waves: Confronting Procrastination – The Surfer’s Way
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?” – Hillel the Elder (110 BC-10 AD), Jewish religious leader Why do we procrastinate? Whether the tasks be large or small, it’s all too easy to put off unpleasant tasks – and even easier to keep letting things pile up. Yet, In ‘The Unexpected Antidote to...
Read MoreReview: How to Have More Engaging Conversations in Everyday Life
“Confidence contributes more to a conversation than wit.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer How can we help English language learners in the U.S. have more long-lasting, compelling conversations with native speakers? Sometimes it can be difficult to transition from small talk to a more personal, in-depth conversation. Feelings of intimidation, or...
Read MoreReview: How to Have More Engaging Conversations in Everyday Life
“Confidence contributes more to a conversation than wit.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer How can we help English language learners in the U.S. have more long-lasting, compelling conversations with native speakers? Sometimes it can be difficult to transition from small talk to a more personal, in-depth conversation. Feelings of intimidation, or...
Read MoreNew Year’s Resolutions: Discussing Change in English Class
“To modernize is to adopt and to adapt, but it is also to recreate.” Octavio Paz, (1914-1998), Mexican writer and diplomat. Holidays and anniversaries often prompt personal reflections. As a new year beckons, millions of English language learners and thousands of English teachers reflect on their lives and make new year resolutions. In that same spirit, here are a few...
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...
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