Mar 14

English Conversation Practice at American School

Posted by Don Ray on Mar 14 2010 at 08:41 am

Yesterday there was a request for guest English speakers to participate with students of the American School in conversation practice. These are activities I always enjoy. This was the first time I had done this activity at the American School, which is a stone’s throw from where I live.

There were five English speaking volunteers, so the students were broken up into five groups. In the time I had, I was able to talk with all but two students. I am sure this activity will be held again.

For English speaking retirees that are interested in meeting Panamanians, and helping them learn the English language, this is an excellent way to do it. If you follow the TAG ( English Lessons), you can see some of the past times I have done this.

This is the first group I was with.

All groups asked the typical questions:
What is your name?
Where are you from?
Do you like Panama?
Do you live in Boquete?
What is it like in the US.

Here was my second group. I remember the one on the right was a lawyer and the one in the middle was studying to be an environmental engineer (definitely a growing need for that in Panama).

Here was my next group. The lady on the left was a teacher to the east of San Felix.

I didn’t get much time with these two in this photo.

This young lady had joined my first group after I had left. My last group was next to her and I got to visit a little, so she deserved a photo as well.

We took a break and they served cheese sandwiches, cookies, chips and sodas. They wanted a group photo, so here is the entire group of students and two of the volunteers.

Another fantastic time with some Panamanians interested in learning English. I always enjoy my time in this activity. I always learn something. It is a good way to give something back to the community and it only costs you a little time. Give it a try. You will enjoy yourself. I guarantee it.

7 Responses to “English Conversation Practice at American School”

  1. Michael says:

    Great post! This looks like it would be fun and valuable to all. Before I got back into photography about 7 years ago, I tried tutoring a couple of high school kids. It was a challenge when students are not already motivated to some degree. Teaching a Sunday School class of older adults for a couple of years was a lot of work but was fun and seemed to be valuable to everyone involved. This is a great idea!

  2. ray mill says:

    My wife & I were among the volunteers. We had a good time & learned a few things. We will do it again.

  3. Don Ray says:

    Hi Michael. It was fun and reqarding.

    Hi Ray. It was good seeing you and your wife again.

  4. Don Ray says:

    Hi Michael. It was fun and rewarding.

    Hi Ray. It was good seeing you and your wife again.

  5. patricia says:

    I wanted to stop by and thank you once again for helping me out. My students thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Hope to see you guys at the next activity, which I plan to do on Saturday, April 10th. I will let yo know. Thanks!

  6. Don Ray says:

    I only know a couple days ahead. If possible, I will be there.

  7. [...] I stopped into the American School for another session with some English students. Patricia had asked for some volunteers and six showed [...]

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