List of Classes

9b-This is a "freshman" bi-lingual class. They are mostly 14 or 15 years old. This year, they are taking 18+ hours of English per week. I'll have them for 4 of those hours. We'll use class time for practicing what they study with the other teachers. We will play some games and listen to lots of songs.

10a-This is my 2nd year with this class. They are a lively bunch! I'll have them twice a week. Last year, they had 18+ hours of English per week. This year, it's only 4 (2 with me and 2 with a Hungarian teacher.) We'll be reading graded novels and working on pronunciation.

11b-This is a class the I've had since my first year at Gundel, as well as theirs. We'll be working more on individual projects and reading our first non-graded reader. Many of them will be practicing for their drivers licenses this year (they can get them when they're 18!)

12a-I've been with this class since they were 10a. They have matured so much in 2 years. We will be working on pronunciation and writing this year. Of course, we will continue our conversation practice.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Rainbows and Butterflies

I was teaching 11b today and had a student say something I just HAD to share. Roberta (Babetta) is a pretty high level student. She often dresses in black, and wears heavy black eyeliner and heavy metal band t-shirts. She doesn't look like the sensitive type. But, today, we were practicing dialogues "Going to the Doctor." I started the lessons with brainstorming ailments and illnesses. Babetta got so concerned and was complaining about having to talk about this topic. "Why do we have to talk about this bad stuff. Why can't we talk about rainbows and butterflies."

Wow, she totally reminded me that the exterior is often quite different than what's on the inside. Babetta is a very sensitive girl. She's always showing concern for her classmates and is very polite to teachers.

So, I'm going to try to keep "upbeat" lessons going for this group.

Thanks for reading, and please comment!

Blessings,
Ms. Barrett

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

First day!

Today was the first day of regular teaching. The students were all at school yesterday for opening ceremonies and meeting with head teachers...I'm not one of them. I didn't have to go in, but I did anyway to get ready for today.

I met with 10a, 11b, 12a, and 9b (both halves.) For all the classes, but 9a, we didn't have to do any introduction because I know these groups. For 9a, I did individual interviews to get an idea of where they are with English. Some could answer my basic questions (How old are you? How many people in your family? etc.) Only one students couldn't understand anything! Poor guy. I think he was really embarrassed. His classmates were kind though.

So between my evaluation of their speaking skills, and the written exam their other teacher gave them, we'll be able to split them up into two groups for language class.

12a-This group is really great! Their English has really improved since our first year (when they were 10a). Gabor asked me if I missed them this summer..I had to say "yes," I missed them. When I was visiting Cornerstone Clinic this summer, I picked up a game called The Ungame...Thank you Carol Elliot for getting it for me! :-) It's a version for kids. I played this game with 12a for the last 20 minutes of class. I think they enjoyed it. When we were finished with class, Akos went up to Janos and asked if he wanted to go un-smoke. I had to laugh. I'm not a fan of their smoking, but it was funny how Akos used the "un" and made a joke.

Well, there's always things to tell about my students. Thank you for reading and keeping up with them. Please remember to keep them in your prayers!

God Bless,
Erin