Chan-TP#12

This week I contacted a number of acquaintances and sources looking for ESL learners: some from Haiti, from Cuba, and from English classes at the local libraries.  The most hassle-free and close place to give an English lesson was at a neighbor’s house.  My roommate works with a woman, who happens to be a neighbor.  Her eighty year-old mother lives with her and speaks very little English.  She was hesitant about doing an English lesson, fearing it would be stressful for an eighty year-old woman.  I adapted to her needs by using live music to lower any stress levels.  Mrs. Vasquez agreed to meet with me in her living room to hear some simple English folksongs and discuss them. 

I used the songs “Goodnight Irene”, “I Have Peace Like a River”, and “You Are My Sunshine.”  All three songs have simple lyrics that repeat.  First, I gave her the written lyrics and sang the song “Goodnight Irene.”  She simply listened and smiled.  I asked her in English (and Spanish) if she had heard the song before.  She spoke in Spanish saying, “No.”  I decided to move on to the next song, in which I had pictures to describe the lyrics and help Mrs. Vasquez learn the vocabulary words.  Before singing I spoke the new words and pointed to the appropriate picture.  She nodded her head approvingly.  I sang the song as she pointed to the picture that went with the new vocabulary words.  It was a satisfying moment for both of us!  I ended the session by singing her a classic folk tune, “You are My Sunshine” and asked her to play along with a shaker.  She was happy to have an introductory English tutoring session and seemed interested in continuing learning English through folk songs: impressive for an eighty year-old Spanish speaker!