Hello, Friends.
As our classes get rolling, we are discovering more about each other. Be sure to visit the notes for all of our classes. Each of the classes contain information from our conversations that can help you grow in understanding American English or culture.
We are shifting our American English and Culture meetings on Zoom to 9:00-11:00 AM. See you sooner than later!
We are continuing to assess and get to know each other to build a comfortable community for learning and growing.
Pay Attention
People lose track of things all of the time. They misplace keys, glasses, cups of coffee...These lapses in memory have nothing to do with memory but have everything to do with paying attention. When you forget your purse or credit card or when you struggle to memorize a list of words. People do not pay attention to every detail (not that they are not aware of what is happening around them) of a moment. That odd or frustrating feeling that you are forgetting things is only because no memory was ever created in the first place (there were other. more interesting things occupying your mind or your super efficient brain decided that that particular detail was not necessary to notice at that). You have 15 to 30 seconds to "pay attention" to a new name or where you put your keys or some other commonplace (or maybe not very engaging) event. You can't forget something you didn't commit to memory. When we think we are engaged, our mind may be engaged in planning or anticipating rather than present to the moment. Next time, pause and pay attention. Notice what is surrounding you to add more meaning to the moment and make moments and details significant.
Clay Middle School English Language Family Night
We had more than 24 people interested in joining us in learning American English and Culture. We are looking forward to meeting and working with new Friends and helping our neighbors grow and thrive here in Indiana. Thank you to Clay Middle School for the invitation. Thank you to our Friends who volunteered to talk with newcomers and tell them about how we help people learn American English and American culture so they can thrive in the United States.
Run Into
Local cultural events are a great place to listen and learn. When you run into someone or you just happen to see someone somewhere, it is wonderful surprise. This week I ran into several Friends at Porchfest. I hope to run into you next weekend at any of the following events.
- Cornerstone Lutheran Oktoberfest Join us on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 4:00-10:00 PM at Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel (Corner of Main St. & Gray Rd.) Order your tickets on line and pick them up at will call.
- Carmel International Arts Festival The Carmel International Arts Festival takes over the streets of the Arts & Design District Sept. 23 and 24, featuring more than 100 juried artists, live entertainment and international flair. Plus, don’t miss ART ROCKS!, the largest street party in the Carmel Arts & Design District.
- Englewoodstock Music Festival, Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Indianapolis Cornerstone is excited to host the 2nd annual Englewoodstock Music Fest at our Indy site, 2738 E New York Street! This FREE event takes place Saturday, Sept. 23, 12-7 PM, and features a rotation of local musicians, along with food trucks, bounce houses, and beer from Centerpoint Brewery. (Bring a lawn chair if you have one.) If you are an musician (solo or with a band) and would like to take part, please contact Pastor Jason (jtaber@cornerstonelutheran.church).
Classes and Meetings Updates
American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM, Zoom
Our first meeting was spent reviewing the alphabet, learning to count and then using numbers in sentences. We told how many brothers and sisters we have. We told how many years difference is between us and our siblings.
September 19: Join us to review. Learn link words together in American Sign Language. If you don't know the sign, you can always spell the word. Review the 25 of the First 100 Words. Combine words to make five sentences to tell when you come to class.
International Bible Study: Tuesday, 8:45-9:45 PM, Zoom
We met on Zoom (from Japan, Arizona and Indiana) to set our course through December. Cornerstone Lutheran Church is reading all of the New Testament. We talked about how we usually study and study the Bible: generally, we take a deep dive and ponder meanings. We talked about how we have tried to read continuously but get discouraged because we fall behind. We talked about how most studies focus on one particular aspect of the Bible rather than the bigger picture. We decided to accept the challenge and follow the CLC plan to read. We decided to read recreationally, meaning that we continuously move forward and not beat ourselves up if we miss a day. We can be accountable to each other and encourage each other. We crunched the numbers: In the large print edition, the entire read is 444 pages including introductory pages (for 27 books). People usual take a deep dive when it comes to the Bible and focus on one detail or pick at one verse. We decided to look at the bigger picture and see where the greater store leads our thinking.
Key thoughts as we read: The Bible is the library of God: there are many books all of which inform us about Him (and us). The ultimate message of the Bible is "God loves you." If you get stuck or wonder where the story is going, remember that "God loves YOU" and read on and let this message unfold.
September 19: It isn't too late to join. Read at your own pace the book of Matthew chapters 1-21 or listen on one of the Bible Apps.
American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:30 AM, Zoom
- -ive Thinking--Group Summary: We talked about where our American English speaking and understanding could be classified. We talked about specific areas where we wanted to concentrate our studies and to grow.
- Get Ready! Get Set! Go!--Group Summary from 9/14: After getting acquainted with one another we got down to business and tried to get our heads around the countless uses of the verb TO GET in English. First we got in the weeds by looking at some "fancy verbs" that may be substituted with "get" in casual conversation. Then we got around to some familiar phrasal verbs with "get". Getting back to basics, we got a quick grammar review of how this verb looks in every tense. When we got short on time, we agreed to get serious about listening for "get" in the English around us.
September 21:
9:00-9:10 Let's chat
9:10-10:00 What does this "word salad" mean? Bring your thoughts. Does it need "word smithing", punctuation, or a whole new rewrite?
10:00-10:05 Break
10:05-10:45 Breakout
- Get more out of it! Get together to and get with it! Bring a list of expressions with "get" that you hear or read this week. Let's see who can get the most. Now get busy, but don't get carried away!
- -ive Assessments and Discussions. If you are coming for the first time or have insight into your direction, join the discussion to set course and strategies.
10:45-11:00 Back together to wrap up and move forward
Kids's Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM, Zoom
We talked about what has been happening in our lives since last week. We explored the words baton and dodge.
Bluey is a very popular show with young children. Do you know about Bluey? Do you like these shows? They are out of Australia. And more about the Bluey phenom for all our Friends in this article from SFGate.
Cicadas are singing in Indianapolis. These giant, ancient insects are loud and so exciting to watch. Learn more in this WISH TV news article.
September 15: Bring your stories for the week. Bring five new words or phrases you heard or saw and be ready to tell about them. Everyone should be ready to ask questions to get the other people to talk. Let's keep count and see who can keep the conversation moving with questions.
beat ourselves up: blame or criticize yourself
deep dive: in depth analysis
fall behind: do not progress forward
have nothing to do with: not involved with
keep your eyes open: watch
lose track of: something that is misplaced
pick at: critically think about something
ponder: think deeply about something
recreationally: do something for enjoyment rather than work or duty
will call: an office or table to pick up prepaid tickets
No comments:
Post a Comment