Compelling American Conversations – Teacher Edition Comes Out!
October 30, 2015
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“Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” ~ John F. Kennedy…
Read MoreCompelling Conversations – Japan Focuses on Fluency and Authentic Communication for Japanese English Language Learners
October 28, 2015
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“The most important thing we learn at school is the fact that the most important things can’t be learned at school.” ~Haruki Murakami (1949- ),…
Read MoreConversation Tip #9: Ask questions
November 15, 2014
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Questions keep the conversation flowing Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” -Voltaire (1694-1778) French Enlightenment WriterAsking questions always…
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Conversation Tip #8: Engage in the surrounding world!
November 8, 2014
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Immersion in literature, current events, arts stimulates conversation Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” -Walt Disney (1901-1966)…
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Conversation Tip #7: Appreciate silence
November 1, 2014
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Accept–and enjoy–the inevitability of silence! “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.” -Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English philosopher Many Americans feel uncomfortable with silence, even on…
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Conversation Tip #6: As always, consider context
October 25, 2014
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Context determines boundaries of conversation “Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” -Laurence Sterne (1713-1768) Anglo-Irish novelist How wonderful that…
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Conversation Tip #5: Search for common interests
October 18, 2014
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Finding commonalities sparks conversations Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me, I may not…
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Conversation Tip #4: Carry a respectful tone
October 11, 2014
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Pair your words with a respectful tone Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “Beautiful tone, beautiful heart.” -Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998) Japanese violinist, creator of the “Suzuki Method”…
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Search and Share exercises enhance learning resources
October 10, 2014
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Explore with Search and Share worksheets Photo Source: Photo taken by Nicola Sapiens De Mitri “In any field, find the strangest thing and then explore…
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Conversation Tip #3: React appropriately
October 4, 2014
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Exude interest with body language and facial expressions Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “The body never lies.” -Martha Graham (1894-1991) American modern dancer A conversation composed…
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