Speaking English

I just finished my second session of conversational English classes. I have four teenagers, two 14 year olds and two 15 year olds that come to my apartment once a week to practice their English. Most of them have been taking extra English courses outside of school for years but have never heard a native speaker so my moms really good friend (she teaches them English grammar in her home) thought it would be a good idea to send her students to me for some practice. Today the topic was travel so we talked about different trips we have taken and what happened while we were there. I am still trying to get the hang of planning ideas but this week was better than last week. Next week will be the last week before Clint and I head to the states therefore the topic will be Christmas vs. New Year; the traditions, similarities and differences. I am hoping to do some Christmas cooking baking this next week to give the teens a taste of American Christmas tradition. The class will be a fun opportunity to share traditions and most importantly the true meaning of Christmas and why it is important.

In Russia New Year is the big holiday that is celebrated like our Christmas is celebrated in the states. They have Christmas trees, presents, and food like we do in America but instead of Santa and his reindeer bringing gifts to the children, Uncle Frost and his niece Snegurichka bring the gifts. There is always a program planned with tricks and games under the town Christmas tree to make the children laugh and that is where they get their gifts.  Russian Christmas is celebrated on January 7^th but it is a much smaller event. Because of the closeness of those two holidays everything is put on hold for almost two weeks in Russia. Everything for the farms has to be ordered early and all tickets have to be bought early because nothing is open for that entire period of time.

These are my four students with my mom. They are highly energetic and a lot of fun. I am really enjoying getting to know them. One boy has a four-wheeler and Clint suggests that we move our class from 4PM to 6PM when he gets home from work so he can keep an eye on the four-wheeler so it doesn't get stolen.