Today I tutored Yosuke and Yuki. It's nice to be working again. The middle and high schools in this area start again on Monday. I'm so excited! It'll be nice to be busy with homework and projects once again.
You know, I never cease to be amazed by my students. When I start to get frustrated, I just remind myself of the burden being placed on these kids. Their families moved them to a foreign country where they're immersed in a foreign culture and can't speak the language, and yet they're expected to go to school and pass their classes just like the native speakers. Can you imagine how daunting it must be? So that's why I have to have patience. These kids are overwhelmed, and it's my job to help them as much as I can.
Showing posts with label culture exchange. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture exchange. Show all posts
Friday, January 4, 2008
Friday, December 28, 2007
Culture Exchange
One of my favorite aspects of tutoring ESL is the little bits of culture exchange that occurs during conversation. It's amazing how fun it is to both learn about the other person's culture and to teach your own.
For example, Yosuke and Yuki's mother had put up a Christmas tree earlier this month. I was complimenting her on it and the ornaments, when she mentioned that it was a bit of a nuisance. She had placed it at the entrance by the front door, a bit to the side so that you could walk straight by it to get to the living room, but you had to walk around it to get to the study room. I replied that most families put their Christmas tree in the living room, and even though I said it casually to make conversation, she started laughing and said that she had no idea. I had assumed that placing the tree by the entrance was an aesthetic decision, but in reality, she had no idea that the living room is the "proper" place. She, Yosuke, and Yuki marveled over this little bit of information. I, of course, assured her that the Christmas tree can be placed anywhere in the house.
It's little exchanges like this that really make tutoring feel nothing like work.
For example, Yosuke and Yuki's mother had put up a Christmas tree earlier this month. I was complimenting her on it and the ornaments, when she mentioned that it was a bit of a nuisance. She had placed it at the entrance by the front door, a bit to the side so that you could walk straight by it to get to the living room, but you had to walk around it to get to the study room. I replied that most families put their Christmas tree in the living room, and even though I said it casually to make conversation, she started laughing and said that she had no idea. I had assumed that placing the tree by the entrance was an aesthetic decision, but in reality, she had no idea that the living room is the "proper" place. She, Yosuke, and Yuki marveled over this little bit of information. I, of course, assured her that the Christmas tree can be placed anywhere in the house.
It's little exchanges like this that really make tutoring feel nothing like work.
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