Conversation+Classes

Conducting Conversation Classes: = = toc =Why Conversation Classes? =

=Materials:=
 * Students being tutored need **PRACTICE** at speaking English. **REPETITION IS NECESSARY!!**
 * Students must feel comfortable, competent, supported and be able to speak English in a non-judgmental environment.
 * Conversation classes encourage "trying out" English without fear.
 * Conversation classes allow us to help students learn about American culture, history, and current events by providing topics to discuss.
 * Conversation classes are "social events", which allow our students to get to know each other, form friendships and have some fun while speaking and listening to English.
 * Our conversation classes allow any student of that level ( beginner, intermediate, advanced) to attend whenever available. Continuity between classes is not always possible, but frequently a core of students attend regularly, allowing for some flow between classes.
 * Newspapers and magazine articles dealing with current events, holiday celebrations, American customs and traditions, maps of the US and the world.
 * Discussions of instructor lead topics, i.e. "What was a memorable day in your childhood?" "What did you do last weekend?" "Have you traveled to other states in the US? Can you show them to us on the map? "Can you tell us about your family?"
 * Song lyrics and poetry can offer expressions using "economy of words" with great meaning and help with remembering.
 * Questions that begin with .... "What do you think about"..... climate change ... snowbird arrival... your child's choices in clothes ... playing a musical instrument. ... Your favorite restaurant or food your favorite TV program ... a movie you enjoyed ..... etc ..

=Contained within each session:=
 * Clarity of diction (understandable)
 * Grammar (correct)
 * Idioms and slang (how conversational English is used)
 * Synonyms, homonyms, and other confusions in English
 * Listening skills and what to do if you don't understand what is being said.

The above material was prepared by LVCC Tutors Harriet Adelstein and Flora Metrick.

Currently, one conversation class is conducted weekly at LVCC. It begins on Monday at 10a.m. The following link provides more information about these classes: