Blogs
First Hit of Our English Corner
|
Last Saturday night reminded me of the first time I came to an English corner in the English Park in Hunan University three years ago when I was not confident enough to speak more than three words in front of others. But this time, I became the host of the English corner which made me feel really proud.
It was still raining heavily in Changsha on Saturday morning when I realized that my pray for a sunny weekend did not work out. I started to worry about the weather because such a torrential downpour could be the major menace to our outdoor activity. To my great surprise, however, sunshine came out in the mid-day and I felt really relieved.
When I arrived at the park at 6: 30, only a few guys turned up. To tell you the truth, I was a bit worried but this concern disappeared rapidly as many members called, informing me that they were only a few stones away.
Our English corner was officially started at 7 when almost 20 participants gathered as a circle. We lucked out that the park was really spacious enough to accommodate as many people as we want. Most newcomers came here with their friends and some even brought their international friends to join us.
Our English corner consists of four sessions: opening speech, ice-breaking, main discussion and free talking. Following my brief introduction of the English corner, Fiona and Keri both shared their own experience of learning English. Their speeches were so terrific that the listeners exhibited great interest. In the next round, I randomly separated our members into five groups, each of which consists of 4 to 5 people who broke the ice mutually. The purpose of the ice-breaking part was to let us to get to know each other and find out the partners you want to talk with.
Eventually, we came to the highlight of our activity, Main Discussion. The topic of this week was ‘English Learning and Sharing’. It was an old yet classic topic but the reason of picking this is quite simple because that is the major hindrance to most English learners. The groups had a deep discussion on the three questions related with English learning and they all gained some novel prospective on this topic.
When I realized how late it was, it was already 8:45 when I announced it was close to the end of our English corner. And then we started to talk freely and chat over anything we felt like. I felt really pleased that everyone gained a little bit of something from our English corner.
Thanks to all our group members. I think this English corner will be an invaluable yet unsuspected asset for all of you.
PS: Sorry for the mosquito bites on that night. It seems that we sent away the rains but called in the mosquitoes. Our next meet-up is very likely to be set in the classroom so hopefully, it will be bug-free. LOL
Post comment Comment (14 replies)
- Reply rich
- your blog reminds me of the times when i went to english corners. like you, i was so much scared the first time. it seems that you did a good job organizing this social event. it was wise of you to pre-set a discussion topic. usually people are very enthusiastic at the beginning. but as time goes on, there will be less and less to talk about, always with the same partners. good luck with your work!
- Reply Catherine陈
- I have few chances to communicate with others in English . I hope my colleagues won't be too busy and she will spare more time to chat with me in English .
- Reply Raphaellin
- cutehu: i hope i were a college student again, so that i can attend your english cornerWell, anyone who has interest in english is welcome to our English corner. In fact, we have many job-takers and graduates.
- Reply Raphaellin
- rich: your blog reminds me of the times when i went to english corners. like you, i was so much scared the first time. it seems that you did a good job orgaThx, Rich. It's true a target topic can lead our group members to explore the topic and eventually come up with some novel ideas.
- Reply Raphaellin
- Catherine陈: I have few chances to communicate with others in English . I hope my colleagues won't be too busy and she will spare more time to chat with me in EnglYou can always come to English corner like ours. It serves as a perfect platform to practice speaking skills as well as communication abilities.
- Reply Catherine陈
- There is an English corner in a coffee shop , which is held every sunday . But I don't like the smell inside . The air isn't fresh and clean . It seems it is full of the smell of smoking . I have reached an agreement with my colleague to chat for a while after work every day .
- Reply Raphaellin
- Catherine陈: There is an English corner in a coffee shop , which is held every sunday . But I don't like the smell inside . The air isn't fresh and clean . It seemSounds nice. I don't like rooms full of smoking guys either. But English corner is a perfect place to meet new friends.
- Reply Jennsweetie
- haha..good try
- Reply Raphaellin
- Jennsweetie: haha..good tryThx~Jenn, I hope to make it better~
- Reply lushanshan9010
Next time, you may go to the countryside, cause all the factors are in your favor. And tell your students, you cannot make omelettes without breaking eggs.
- Reply Raphaellin
- lushanshan9010:It's true that we cannot make omelettes without breaking eggs but it doesn't mean we cannot eat them. I love omelettes even though I never made one before~~LOLNext time, you may go to the countryside, cause all the factors are in your favor. And tell your students, you cannot make omelettes without br
- Reply lushanshan9010
- Raphaellin: It's true that we cannot make omelettes without breaking eggs but it doesn't mean we cannot eat them. I love omelettes even though I never made one beYou have a good sense of humor. Nice meeting you here!
- Reply Raphaellin
- lushanshan9010: You have a good sense of humor. Nice meeting you here!Likewise, see you around~
