Teaching Tips: Discussing Idioms in the Classroom
“Slang is a language that rolls up its sleeves, spits on its hands, and goes to work.” ~Carl Sandberg (1878-1967), American poet and historian Idioms, or phrases that have their own meaning relative to their specific conjunction of words, are a unique feature of language that can be difficult for beginners to make sense of. Here are some common examples of American idioms: You...
Read MoreHome vs. House: What does this mean?
“No matter under what circumstances you leave it, home does not cease to be home. No matter how you lived there – well or poorly.” ~Joseph Brodsky (1940-1996), Russian-American poet & Nobel Prize winner What’s the difference between a house and a home? English speakers clearly distinguish the two words. A house is simply the building where people live. It’s...
Read MoreCompelling American Conversations – Teacher Edition Comes Out!
“Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” ~ John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th President of the U.S. Are you a teacher looking for fresh tips to flip your classroom discussions? Do you ever wish the Teacher Edition of your textbook was more adaptable to your classroom needs? Chimayo Press, an...
Read MoreCompelling Conversations – Japan Focuses on Fluency and Authentic Communication for Japanese English Language Learners
“The most important thing we learn at school is the fact that the most important things can’t be learned at school.” ~Haruki Murakami (1949- ), Japanese author Do your English students want to speak more English? Do you currently teach Japanese English language learners? Are you looking for an engaging, fresh EFL conversation book to guide your English students...
Read MoreConversation Tip #2: Listen louder!
Without listening, there’s no conversation Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak.” -Simon Sinek (1973- ) English businessman, author and philanthropist Do your students pay attention to what others are saying in a conversation? About half the conversation should be spent listening to what the other person has to say; after...
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