We have really jumped right into things here at Lycée Baggio. I have had zero time observing any French teachers in action. I worked with two different classes today, and they consisted of sitting in a classroom by myself until the teacher sent in 3 students whom I was supposed to converse with. The kids are studying for a B.T.S. exam, which is a higher education degree in electromechanical engineering, and a major portion of their upcoming exam is geared towards English oral skills...So my only instruction is that I need to get the kids talking. This is more difficult than it sounds because some do not have the greatest comprehension skills. Even when I can think up interesting questions to ask, most of the time they do not understand, and I have to give up and move onto another question.
A big problem that I have encountered is just thinking up enough questions to fill an hour's worth of conversation. After going over the basics regarding their studies, educational background, work experience and goals for the future, it really starts to get difficult. Before arriving I figured the easy fall-back if I hit this road block would be to talk sports, and more specifically soccer. Unfortunately, unlike the stereotype suggests, not every European is in love with the sport, and even more so they just do not like sports at all. This of course is a big problem for me because, as most of you know, sports are a major part of my life. Also, given my university degree, I enjoy talking politics, and bad-mouthing (in a very informed and evidentiary way) Republicans. This I cannot do because of our Devoirs des Reserve, preventing me from truly expressing my political or religious opinions.
Finding myself in this predicament I would like to turn to you, my reading audience, for comments/suggestions of anything and everything I might be able to discuss or pose to my students. Kathryn gets to play games and teach numbers and the alphabet, but I really need to get these kids talking. Any and all ideas will be carefully considered, and I will report back which were most helpful. There may be a prize as well (in case you lack motivation). I have Wednesday off, and my next class is not until Thursday morning, so lemme have 'em!
I thank you all in advance for your assistance.
-Jordan
P.S. - If you have not yet learned how to comment on the blog, click on the word comment just below this blog and it should give you directions. If that still doesn't work you can email me at jataren@gmail.com
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Jor,
ReplyDeleteCheck out this website entitled "English as a Second Language Lesson. Plans and Ideas for Teachers"
www.eslflow.com/
Also, for what its worth, here are a few of my own non-controversial topic areas for discussion. (though I think all kids would rather talk about controversial items)
Vacations: Where have you gone. Where do you want to go. Why.
Food: What do you like to eat. What do you hate. What does your family cook.
What American food would you like to eat more.
Books, Art, Music: What do you like. What do you hate. Why? How are your interests different than other kids?
Cars
Happiness. What makes you happy. What pisses you off.
Plans for the Future. Jobs. Family. Money. The Environment.
Mis: Life on other planets. Why is Jerry Lewis so popular in France. What's with all the scarves?
Why don't you ask them to tell you what their favorite things are about school and out of school in english of couse! Do you remember the old what I did on my summer vacations? You can ask them where they have traveled and what they liked best about that. It seems simple, but they can start out simple then try and go a little deeper and see if they have any favorite artist, musicians, etc. I know this is pretty basic, but can be an easy ice breaker. Think of it more like socializing than teaching.
ReplyDeleteHmmmmmm......how about hobbies, siblings, aunts/uncles...maybe show some pictures of our crazy clan. You could draw a "family tree" of ours and let them do one of their own. How about TV shows/movies? Dating....french kissing....oooooops, better stop now!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Your Godmother, A. Margaret
Here's a few:
ReplyDeleteTravel - where would they like most to go in the world?
Growing up - what they remember from childhood, what scared them as kids, what they wanted to be when they grew up
Hypothetical power trips - like, if they were in charge of the school, what would be different? If they were president, what would they change? etc.
Sounds kinda fun - maybe they'll surprise you!