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...
Read MoreCulture 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...
Read MoreCulture 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...
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...
Read More
