This week we celebrated Halloween together!  The topic of our class was scary stories, ghosts, strange energies, and bizarre happenings that keep us up at night.

Listening:
Learners can try an activity from ELLLO about people discussing their beliefs about ghosts.  Are they real?

For original version listening, try one of the latest episodes from the podcast Criminal, Ghostwatch or The Hammersmith Ghost.

Reading:
Learners can try a reading comprehension activity about A paranormal experience? Or a text called the only thing to fear is...

For original version, try a humorous article from the New Yorker called The Scariest Story Ever told.

Writing:
This week for writing, please write a a scary story.  It can be something that truly happened to you, a moment went you felt fear or something unsettling, or you can use your creativity and make it up!
Best,
Kelly

First off, I want to remind you that next week we are starting our intensive pronunciation course.  It will be every other Thursday starting October 20th 17:30-19:30.  Contact me for more information or if you want to sign up!

Now, on to the homework!  This week we based our discussion about Artificial Intelligence by using the amazing tool Dall-E.

Listening:
Learners can try a listening comprehension activity from Breaking News English about  Artificial Intelligence

For original version listening, listen to an episode from Intelligence Squared US called  Will Artificial Intelligence Do More Harm Than Good?

Reading:
Learners can try a reading comprehension activity from British Council called Robots: friend or foe?

For original version, go read an opinion article from The Guardian about Dall-E called AI Generated Art illustrates another problem with technology.

Writing:
This week for writing, please write an essay about Artificial Intelligence.  Which are the valuable applications of it? What are some aspects that make you nervous?
Best,
Kelly

October Week One:

Before we get started with this week's topic, I wanted to let you know about a couple upcoming activities.

We are going to have our first extra activity of the school year!  This Thursday at 17:45 we will visit the current exhibit at the Würth Museum and discuss it in English. Please email if you are interested in joining.

Secondly, I am offering an intensive pronunciation course over the next couple months.  It will be every other Thursday starting October 20th 17:30-19:30.  Contact me for more information or if you want to sign up!

Now, on to the homework!  This week we discussed personality and really tried to expand our vocabulary when describing ourselves and others.

Listening:
Learners can try a listening comprehension activity about The personality of centenarians.

For original version listening, try an episode from the podcast, Hidden Brain.  For instance, What Can A Personality Test Tell Us About Who We Are?

Reading:
Learners can read (and test their comprehension) about the relationship between Personality and health

For original version, I recommend reading an article from the NYTimes about how Susan Cain Instigates a 'Quiet Revolution' of Introverts.  Or try an article from the New Yorker, I'm Not An Asshole, I'm an Introvert.

Writing:
This week for writing, please respond to the following prompt:
 Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life. Which do you consider to be the major influence?Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Best,
Kelly

Week One:

Welcome back!  It was great to see some familiar faces today and to welcome new students in our conversation groups.  Everybody is ready to get back into our groove studying English.  As every year, the first week is dedicated to setting goals and brainstorming techniques to establish a productive study practice.  You can check my list of favorite resources online (in addition to the links below).

Your main homework this week is to establish your study practice for this year!  Think about our conversation and ask yourself, which tools and techniques do I want to incorporate in my routine?

Listening:
Learners can check out some of the recommended BBC Learning English Podcasts: 6-Minute English or The English We Speak.

For original version listening, check out some of my favorite podcasts in original version: The Daily, Serial (esp. season 1), Invisibilia, Rough Translation.

Reading:
Learners can try some of the top websites recommended for practicing reading: Breaking News English,Voice of America, Learning English - BBC.

For original version, head on over to The Guardian, BBC, New York Times.  Or check out a beautifully written article by Jumpa Lahiri about finding your voice in a different language: Teach Yourself Italian - In Translation from The New Yorker.
This week for writing, please write your study proposal!  Of all of the ideas, techniques and strategies that we threw around in class, which ones are the ones that could work for you? Be specific about your goals, plans, times and materials. 

Now get to work!
Best,
Kelly