Conversation Tip #2: Listen louder!
September 27, 2014
Chimayo Press
Without listening, there’s no conversation Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak.” -Simon Sinek (1973-…
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Conversation Tip #1: The right attitude is key
September 20, 2014
Chimayo Press
Positive attitudes generate positive experiences Photo by Teresa Ling “In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” -Tenzin Gyatso…
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How do you teach the difference between “a” and “the” during conversation class?
July 20, 2014
Chimayo Press
Helping English language learners distinguish articles remains important in advanced ESL and English conversation classes “Great things are done by a series of small things…
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Paraphrasing is an Essential Conversation Skill!
July 10, 2014
Chimayo Press
If English students can accurately paraphrase a reading, a radio segment, or a verbal statement, they can actively participate in common conversations and classroom discussions.…
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Volume Matters – Even in Personal Conversations
July 2, 2014
Chimayo Press
Why volume matters, especially in difficult student-teacher conferences “Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.” ―Rollo May (1909-1994) American author…
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Creating Simple ESL Lesson Plans Around Top Ten Lists for Advanced English Classes
July 1, 2014
Chimayo Press
Advanced ESL/EFL classes benefit from making top ten lists “Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.” ―Tenzin Gyatso (1950-) 14th Dalai Lama Americans…
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Learning by Doing and Making “Good Mistakes” in English classes
June 28, 2014
Chimayo Press
Why English learners must practice and make “good mistakes” in order to grow “A man’s mistakes are his portals of discovery.” ―James Joyce (1882-1941), Irish…
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Conversation Tip #9: Ask Clarifying Questions!
September 20, 2010
Chimayo Press
What is a clarifying question? What do you mean? Can you be more specific? Can you give us some examples? What do you exactly mean?…
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Reading Pleasures and Conversation Starters
September 11, 2009
Chimayo Press
Teachers, especially English teachers, love to talk about their summer reading. Reading remains a cheap pleasure and an excellent conversation starter. Can you recommend a…
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Conversation Tip #4: Ask Questions and Take Turns
September 5, 2009
Chimayo Press
Asking follow up question can provide clarity and allow our conversation partners to elaborate on details. Use these simple phrases to go beyond hello and…
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