| | |  SEPTEMBER 19, 2008  Hi Jane,
My name is Adam Mastroianni and I am (almost!) ready to embark on my teaching experience in Zaragoza, Spain. Marybeth instructed me to email you and perhaps you could send me a few ideas on teaching. The family consists of a Mother (who can basically already speak English- I think she just wants practice speaking), a Father who (I believe....has no interest in learning!...sounds like a busy man!); and two sons 11 and 13 years old who have a school level of knowledge in English. I have been in close contact with the family almost everyday, and they are extremely nice.
The two boys have interest in Tennis and Music, so I've brought some magazines/books accordingly. I also went to my local AAA dealer and got some random magazines and brochures about various locations around the US, figuring that would also be an interest topic for them to learn about (new locations and monuments). Do you have any other suggestions for children this age? Any books in particular or games you'd suggest?
I'd appreciate any help you can! I'm sorry this is last minute, as I'm leaving on Tuesday, but I hope you can send me a few quick suggestions!
Thanks a lot and have a great day,
Adam Hi, Adam,
What a great adventure for you! Thank you for writing. Sounds as if you are joining a great family. For how long will you be there? Beautiful season for Spain.
Position: Sounds as if the parents are OK in this assignment. It will be the children who might need the guidance. It is very good if you can communicate openly with the mother. The children may be seekiing help with not only vocaulary and speaking, but also with homework. Yo may be asked to help in this area.
Music: What kinds of music? Anything you can integrate with the Internet - Or can a harmonica or anything you might play be of use? It sounds as if you are on the right track with what you have already explored. You may wish to try Word Puzzles (99cents at the local newsstand) of the simple variety. Vocabulary specific and fun to work out as puzzles. See wht their own English books bring you and how you might back them up. If you have studied another language in the US, you may remember how 'dry' they can be without some outside guidance and injection of humor or explanation.
Travel Scrabble is particularly good, as words can be small or greater. Pictionary is also good. If there are no other props available, charades are a great way to get around ords and phrases. It will be iimportant for the children to show you the sights and sites of the area - in their own words - and that you correct them gently as you go along. I know they will be anxious to show their new guest everything. I suspect the parents would also like to enter into this adventure.
I have attached some possibilities for your use with younger people, along with some Internet sites that offer ideas. Let me know if these help. I don't know if you will have Internet access, but I hope so.
Let me know how it all goes. I can understand your anxiety at the moment, having been there before. Don't worry.....The family is also wondering about this new person entering its life. I am certain it will all work out well and that your adventures will be memorable.
If you need more help as your adventure progresses, pleast just contact me and we will see how to resolve any teaching/guiding situation.
Very best wishes to you!! Jane
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