Concepts of Conversation Tutoring
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feeling welcome and comfortable
·
respect and trust
·
building self-esteem
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positive reinforcement
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let people talk about themselves
·
finding commonality
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building on interests
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connecting with Canadians and Canadian culture
·
finding interesting topics
·
energy
·
participation
Challenges and Solutions
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Ss not speaking English at home – suggest
specific English only time at home (eg. supper)
·
overcoming nervousness – share personal
experiences
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independent activities – reward/praise
·
get all to speak – learn about them; find
interests
·
beginners – pair with other learners, pictures,
start where they are
·
idioms – teach them; don’t use too many
ourselves
·
learners interpreting for others – separate
them, encourage independence
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getting people to talk – individual attention
·
learners speaking too fast – slow down please!
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integrate into community – newspapers
·
new and interesting ideas – from other tutors,
facilitator
·
students prefer not to move around the room –
don’t do too much
Resources
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Google!
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Conversation Card Game
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Icebreakers to get started
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pictures
·
product labels
·
books on English idioms
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audio of music
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make a crossword/wordsearch
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Ss bring photos (phone, Ipad)
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Easy Reading for ESL beginners web-site
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Westcoast Reader
Activities
·
sitting around a table better than just a circle
of chairs
·
English songs
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role playing
·
label items at home for beginners
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watch TV with captions or sub-titles
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crossword made for the learner
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cut up words to make sentences
·
send email when away on vacation
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idioms
·
grammar activities
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real life experience conversation
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keep it simple
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newspaper cartoons
·
bring in real objects to talk about
