Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Hokey Pokey


 

 

You…put…your…right…hand…in…you…put…your…right…hand…out…you…do…the …hokey…pokey…

 

It was an amusing scene.  Speaking in exaggerated slow motion, one of our Northwestern students began to teach a “new” song in a small auditorium full of attentive Thai adults from some combined classes.  After a few moments, the whole group was up to speed and having a great time acting out the song complete with motions.  This was part of an event called “English for Fun” built into yesterday’s classes which included games as well. Self-consciousness gave way to laughter.  Most class sessions fall into more traditional formats, but this was an event that helped build rapport and make a relaxed atmosphere.

The downstairs lobby at Santisuk English School is usually a gathering point for students  (remember, these students can range anywhere from high school student s to business professionals who come daily for their two-hour English classes, which happen from 7 a.m. through 9 p.m.)  Before or after class, many will stay to “hang out” with our Northwestern “teachers” to do more informal English practice or to plan the outings they want to do together.  Yesterday, a young woman, a lawyer by profession, told me she has started taking classes to improve her English for her job.  Because she likes the way the courses are taught and the friendly atmosphere, she is looking forward to joining a social outing this weekend with a mix of Thai and Americans.

Tomorrow our Northwestern team will head out to an outlying community to do a full day “English camp” at a Thai high school.  All the students in the school will rotate through several stations manned by our team to do sports and games and other activities, all aimed at improving English. 

No comments:

Post a Comment