I have finished teaching English at the Primary School. The students have examinations for two weeks, then they take the national Secondary School Entrance Examination, and then the semester is over until January. Jean Claude, one of the boys at Umuryango, will be taking the exam. I am praying that he and many others do very well and get in to Secondary School.
Although I am done teaching English in this venue, I have started up with two other groups of people. When I was in Dubai I bought a book that is an English Dictionary for Beginners. I have been going through the book with the youngest boys at Umuryango, who are not in school yet. I pronounce each word to them and they repeat back. Some of the words are not very applicable, such as firecracker, ice skate, and snow. It is a joy to see how some of them are quite far along in their English speaking, which will advance them in school when they begin in January.
I have also been meeting with a friend of mine from Gitarama, who works at the internet cafe. His name is Jeremie and he is 23 years-old. Gilbert, another friend who also works at the cafe
hopes to start joining us as well. These are good guys, and it has been a pleasure getting to know them. To practice his English, Jeremie and I have been reading the book of John. I dictate and he writes down the words. He knows most of the words, but occasionally there is a word that he hasn't heard before. We discuss what it means and I have him write out three sentences using the word. Yesterday I was reminded that boys are boys, and they laugh at certain body parts, no matter the culture. We came across the word bosom, which he had never heard before. I sheepishly explained what it meant and he started giggling for a long time. When are finished with a section of John I have him explain to me what he has written down on his paper. I love that I can use the Bible to help him practice his English. It is such an educational tool to use because it helps us discuss our shared faith as well as Biblical history.
Although I am done teaching English in this venue, I have started up with two other groups of people. When I was in Dubai I bought a book that is an English Dictionary for Beginners. I have been going through the book with the youngest boys at Umuryango, who are not in school yet. I pronounce each word to them and they repeat back. Some of the words are not very applicable, such as firecracker, ice skate, and snow. It is a joy to see how some of them are quite far along in their English speaking, which will advance them in school when they begin in January.
I have also been meeting with a friend of mine from Gitarama, who works at the internet cafe. His name is Jeremie and he is 23 years-old. Gilbert, another friend who also works at the cafe
hopes to start joining us as well. These are good guys, and it has been a pleasure getting to know them. To practice his English, Jeremie and I have been reading the book of John. I dictate and he writes down the words. He knows most of the words, but occasionally there is a word that he hasn't heard before. We discuss what it means and I have him write out three sentences using the word. Yesterday I was reminded that boys are boys, and they laugh at certain body parts, no matter the culture. We came across the word bosom, which he had never heard before. I sheepishly explained what it meant and he started giggling for a long time. When are finished with a section of John I have him explain to me what he has written down on his paper. I love that I can use the Bible to help him practice his English. It is such an educational tool to use because it helps us discuss our shared faith as well as Biblical history.
1 comment:
I love that story! :)
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