We asked each learner to write down a subject on a piece of paper that included one of the vocabulary words shown in blue on the board. We then randomly drew two subjects for a writing exercise. I was impressed by the subjects the learners came up with for the exercise, including these examples on the whiteboard. One, in particular, was quite metaphysical.
Category: Volunteer
Classroom Distraction
Working for a few hours in this classroom made jet lag disappear, at least temporarily. Bright light, mental focus, and social interaction all helped.
Germ Transmission 101
In today’s Certified Nursing Assistant class for English language learners, the subject was germs. To illustrate the concept of germ transmission, each learner received four slices of potato, untouched by human hands. They then performed three actions: rub one slice on the floor, breathe on another, and rub the third on their hand. Next week,… Continue reading Germ Transmission 101
Back to School
It was a morning of acronyms preparing non-native English speakers for CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification, and assisting with ELL (English Language Learning).
School’s Out
After last night’s imagined English Language Learning classroom, I stepped into a real one today for the final day of summer school. School starts again early September when I’ll continue working with the same teacher. I enjoy working with her: she prepares thoroughly, she uses my time well, and the students love her.
Classroom and Greenhouse Care
Wet-wiped eraser dust and pencil marks from classroom tables, as I do every week before class. Meanwhile, Dwight cleaned the drains at the greenhouse.
Growing the Future
While Dwight was volunteering at the university greenhouse involving a microscope, an entomologist and a literature search dealing with this sad specimen, I assisted with English language learners. In one class we brainstormed food truck ideas—ice cream, coffee/tea, and Somali sambusa—and started budgeting. In another class we focused on job-searching skills.
Budgeting and Job Hunting in English
In an ELL (English Language Learning) class, covered language and strategies for budgeting. In a subsequent session, assisted learners with the job search process.
School’s Out
It was the last day of the semester, classrooms have gone silent for the next two weeks. After the break I’ll be back here for summer school. (The device on the table on the far left is assistive technology for a visually impaired learner. The tower rack in the back corner stores and charges laptops.)
Thriving
Debriefed our respective days at our local bar. Dwight spent much of his day mitigating black mold at the greenhouse, oh, and spotting these native Minnesota cacti outside at the entry to the greenhouse. Seriously, they survive our winters! I shared about the vagaries of the English language, working three 90-minute classes with learners from… Continue reading Thriving