Week 1: So much done!

Hello, Friends:

I am so glad to have our first full week of classes and meetings under my belt. What a great bunch of people are gathering together this year! There is so much to cover specifically to each of our meetings and classes. I hope you had as much fun as I have had.

under (my/your) belt: experience gained; or a meal enjoyed...which do you think this one pertains to

Meet up and Beer Club: Over the summer we enjoyed social time in the various parks. We also established the "Beer Club" (another reason to get together and enjoy the things we love with the people we enjoy). Join old and new Friends at CLC's Oktoberfest enjoy great German food and beer. The event opens at 4:00-10:00 on Friday, September 28. You can order tickets on line or at the event. There are fun activities for the whole family including a polka band for dancing. I plan to be there early...I hope to see you!

English Practice
What is the worst thing to study that is most necessary when learning a new language? Vocabulary!
Repetition and flash cards are always a great way to memorize words. What can make this tedious study relevant and memorable (especially for grown adults)?

Try Vocabulary.com to boost your wordcount. There are a whole slew of options.

worst thing: most serious or unpleasant thing
repetition: do over and over
boost: improve or increase
tedious: tiring because it goes on and on and on
wordcount: number of words you know
whole slew: a lot of

International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00, Room 100

The first chapter of the gospel of John is packed with so much insight into who Jesus is. In the first five verses, John connects Jesus to the deity of God, distinct from but equal to God the Father. Jesus became human, came into our world, and sacrificed his life for the sins of all people. Why did he do it? Because he loves us so much!

We read in John 1:6-18 that John the Baptist (a different John than the writer of this book of the Bible) was chosen by God to prepare the people for the arrival of Jesus. He never claimed to be the Messiah, but rather pointed people to Jesus as the one who was sent to be the Savior of the world. John’s work was to testify that Jesus was the Messiah.

September 18: John 1: 19-34 

These are some amazing ideas to discuss in a language that is not one's native language! We really enjoy the opportunity to talk about the Bible with our International Friends.
Next week we will continue our study as we talk about John 1: 19-34. Please join us!

insight: understanding of the true nature of a thing
deity: divine character or nature of God
distinct from: not identical; separate
sacrifice: the surrender of something prized for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim
testify: to bear witness; to give evidence

International Friends: Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30, Room 100

We had a great discussion about "back to school". We shared what back-to-school is like at all levels: preschool, elementary school, high school and college. We recounted some memories from our own back-to-school time. We compared expectations for American schools (our school days are so much shorter than many other countries and we expect parents to be involved in learning and all aspects of schooling) and American colleges (American colleges are easier to get into, but be prepared to work hard). 

Homework: in two weeks we will go apple picking. Please do some research and discover what orchard for us to visit. Bring your ideas to our next meeting.

expectations: what people thing should happens
in two weeks: not next week but the week after; many people say "from two weeks"
our next meeting:

September 18: Let's Tailgate!

Tailgating is a popular preparation for fall sports. We love to pre-game in the parking lot after arriving at our favorite sporting event. 

Join us as we experience this warm up event for a sporting event.

Wear your fan gear and join this fun and festive foodie event in the back parking lot (or under the front "porch" if it is raining). Look for Carolyn's yellow Jeep for the location. Bring:

A snack or picnic dish to share

Lawn or sports chairs

BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage/bottle/beer)

We will have a grill ready and available!

We will have a corn hole tournament!

tailgating: a party in the parking lot from the trunk or back of your car
warm up: get ready

Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, beginning September 12, Room 100.

We met for casual conversation. We had a great conversation and learned so much about each other. We learned about each other's families. We identified articles of clothing and names of different types of shoes (dress, casual and tennis or running). We talked about returning and exchanging purchases. We used translators to share concepts and then practiced integrating our ideas into English conversation.

September 19: We will meet to continue getting to know each other. We will talk about the 50 most frequently used English words.  

articles of clothing: different pieces or
exchanging: to take an item back to get another of the same item in a different, size, color, etc.

English Classes: Thursdays, 9:00-11:30, upstairs classrooms.

It was great to get everyone together for our fall sessions. We had a short time in our classrooms with our teachers. This time is critical for getting to know each other and to know your teachers and classroom helpers. Do you feel like the English is over your head? Be patient. Part of learning a new language is getting used to the context where you are learning. Not all classes will get books next week. This is to give you time for you and your teacher and your classmates to get to know each other and get comfortable. This is one of the most important aspects of learning a new language: getting to know the people you will be communicating with all year. Please be patient with yourself and with your ability! 

September 20: Begin in our classrooms with your teachers. 

over your head: above your level or understanding
patient:
context: the circumstances that form the setting

Parents and Children: Thursdays, 9:00-11:30, upstairs classroom.

Your children are always welcome in our classrooms. Sometimes they aren't happy to study English for hours and hours. Sometimes they aren't happy to stay in the nursery. Sometimes the nursery is already full (they can only accommodate 15 or so children). To make the most of your time and your children's we are beginning a drop in parent and child opportunity. Your children can play with one another. Parents can practice English by reading to their children. Learn common American children's songs.