Welcome to a new school year!

This was the first week of classes for CSW. It was good to see the returning students after the long summer, taller, rested, and ready for a new school year! We welcomed two new sections of eager TTO students. I caught my first glimpse of them during their lunch break, taking a look at their new iPads, which will be used in most classes (see photo on left).

As an introductory lesson for a new year of English Fluency lessons, the students learned I only have one rule in my class: RESPECT. Respect yourself, each other, and (of course!) the teacher. Respect means to have consideration for. What does respect look like in a classroom setting?
     Here are some words with the root word respect: 
     respected                      
     respecting
     respectful
     respectfully ...
Can you think of others? What is the opposite of respect?

During this first class, we spent time interviewing each other, using a list of some very thought-provoking questions (thanks to Institute for Research and Reform in Education for these suggestions). Here are a few from the list: 

1. What is your favorite thing you did this summer? Why?
2. What books have you read lately? What was something you found particularly interesting in them? 
3. What movies have you seen recently? How do you feel about the level of violence depicted in movies today?
4. What do you like to watch on TV? Is this a show you feel is appropriate for young children to watch? Why or why not?
5. Who are the members of your family? Who are you closest to? Why?
6. Are you the oldest, middle, or youngest child in your family? How do you like that position in the family?
7. What do you look for in a friend? How easy or difficult is it to find these qualities.
8. What is one thing you like about this school?
9. What is one thing you would change about this school?
10. How do you usually act when you're in a new group?

Students were divided in groups of two and spent time interviewing each other and discussing the questions and answers on their own. Then, some of the pairs came up to the front and conducted the interview with the rest of us as the audience in a Jay Leno, David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon style!

And to close, just one last word on R-E-S-P-E-C-T by the great Aretha Franklin!