Posted by Randy LeGrant on Sat, Nov 29, 2008
When we call you our hero, do you feel like a hero?
I would have never considered myself a hero, and had never really thought about volunteering as such. I considered my stay in France as a shared opportunity - I taught and they shared their life with me. Almost like we were heroes to each other in a sense, my host family and myself. I feel good about myself and what I accomplished, but never really thought of it as hero status - until now.
How do you remind people there is still a lot of work around the world we all need to accomplish?
I consider my accomplishment small in the grand scheme of things, but I try and get as many people as possible interested in volunteer work.
What one positive impact did your volunteer work have (no matter how large or small) while you were there?
I was able to watch somebody learn something I taught. This was huge for me. I didn't graduate with a teaching major, and quite frankly thought of myself as a lousy teacher in something not-quite technical like language. I was filled with a sense of accomplishment from watching some one become proud of themselves because of me.
Please take a moment to share one "moment" with us that gives you goose bumps, brings a tear, makes you smile, warms your heart from your volunteer experience.
It warms my heart that the family I lived with treated me like one of their own. I had many opportunities to meet the whole family, and every single member was kind and accepting of me.
Posted by Randy LeGrant on Fri, Nov 28, 2008
When we call you our hero, do you feel like a hero?
I do not consider myself a hero when I compare myself to others that may have acquired a "hero" status, such as great historical figures. My experience and contribution abroad was intended to spread knowledge.
How do you remind people there is still a lot of work around the world we all need to accomplish?
I remind others of the work we need to accomplish through my own volunteer experiences. I also try to spread the word through email, Facebook, and everyday conversations.
What one positive impact did your volunteer work have (no matter how large or small) while you were there?
Seeing my host family make gains with the English language was very positive.
Please take a moment to share one "moment" with us that gives you goose bumps, brings a tear, makes you smile, warms your heart from your volunteer experience.
I smile every time I think of all the memories I made with my host family in Spain. Keeping in touch with my host family warms my heart from time to time. It was definitely an unforgettable experience!
Posted by Global Work And Service Team on Tue, Nov 11, 2008
From The Tutor:
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:24:24 -0600
Subject: Teaching in Barcelona
Hi Jane,
I am leaving for Barcelona mid January, and was told you'd be a great resource for me! I am tutoring a 26 year old model/actress who has a fairly decent understanding of the English language. She understands and reads fairly well; she wants to improve her proficiency in writing and especially speaking. She wants us to speak in English all of the time, which I believe will already improve her fluency tremendously - and will work well I think given her busy and ever-changing work schedule. Given the circumstances, I believe that much of what we do will be in informal conversation. What other ideas or suggestions do you have for tutoring her? And are there any other resources that I should look into?
Thank you!
Trina
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Reply To Trina From "Help Me Teach"
Hi, Trina!
Wow!! What a great 'assignment'! Sounds like a lot of fun while helping someone else. How long will you be with this person? You start in January. Then what?
You are correct: Just the daily speaking in English on any subject and as a natural course will help her fluency and vocabulary. You will need to become an undertanding chatterbox. She needs to feel comfortable enough to ask you questions on even the smallest items. Given her profession, daily linguistic interaction should be fascinating. If she is able to converse somewhat freely in English, go for the smaller vocabulary challenges that you might find around you...props, lighting, previous films (hers or others), background objects, interaction with others. What a wonderful challenge!
In writing, I would suggest the quick essay on opinion subjects. Read for content and critique for style and the various ways a person can write anything. I have attached some subject ideas to you. Another way might be Scrabble and I would suggest tucking in a travel Scrabble. Pictionary is good with attention paid to the smaller details and describing them. One thing that is fun and creative: Magnetic poetry for the refrigerator. Single words that can be rearranged on a magnetic background. This might be 'whimsy', but certainly lets the mind roam free. Idioms are also a good way to enter the language. There are several books out there on English (combined US and UK) idioms that you might find useful. Working with English Idioms, David Peaty, is a good start. Check your book stores (new and used) for other idiom texts. Most languages speak in idioms.
Always good is the Internet and its use of English. Do you have a couple of books (novels, romance, etc.) you would like to share with her? In reading, she can underline unknown words while getting the meaning of the sentence, paragraph, etc., from the context. How does she want to use the language? Is there a specific direction? Will you have contact with her before your arrival to give you direction? If so, you can pursue texts or information before you go.
I am attaching a listing of possible conversation or/and writing topics. Some may be appropriate to your situation. Some may prove very interesting as a way of getting to know people.
Let me know how this all progresses. A wonderful opportunity for you both - and for you, a great adventure in another country.
Hope this is of help. Please keep in touch! Would really like to learn how this all turns out.
Jane