Words of SUPPORT

Words of SUPPORT ... Because it's just the right time!

 This morning I woke up and I felt inspired to have a little ‘chat’ with you just as an English speaking friend and of course, as a teacher also.I know that some of you at this point in the ESL classes and lessons, might feel a bit or a lot overwhelmed. Some of you might feel discouraged but then…. Some of you are OK and are feeling quite confident.

As human beings we are all naturally unique and certainly have different personalities… this is an obvious fact. But then, we are all similar in a certain way especially when we start learning or are challenged and we are out of our comfort zone. So my message to you right now is one of reassurance, hope and support!! Remember I’m your №1 cheerleader and I’m also the best coach you can find!!!       HERE GOES!!!

AFRAID ABOUT MAKING MISTAKES …

Native English speakers DO NOT CARE

if you make a mistake when you are speaking.

 I repeat THEY DON’T CARE!!!

In fact, only English teachers care… WHY?

The answer is obvious: YOU ARE LEARNING!!!

You’ll never learn to speak fluently if you are

constantly afraid and worried of making mistakes.

I know that you WORRY about making mistakes

when you speak English… I KNOW! I KNOW!!!        

But here’s the thing: NOBODY CARES!

AGAIN… NOBODY CARES!!

You are talking to some Canadian, American or Australian, they don’t care if you make a grammar mistake; they absolutely don’t mind! They are talking to you as a human being. They just want to communicate to you and with you. People don’t worry about your grammar or your accent! Other people are NOT ENGLISH TEACHERS!!! They are not ‘grading’ you or checking your verb tenses. The world isn’t filled with ESL teachers ;)

The worst thing you can do is worry about mistakes,

BECAUSE:

► it prevents you from talking naturally to other people

► it prevents you from the whole purpose of learning

which is TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE!

You want to communicate with them,

you want to share ideas and opinions,

you might even make new friends!!! RIGHT!!?

 SOOOO…. DO IT THE BEST WAY YOU CAN:

Speak simply

Speak directly

Speak slowly

Speak as clearly as you can!

It’s fine! It’s OK!

If the other person doesn’t understand you… You will know! Because you will observe it and see it in their body language – their face will tell you! Just like mine does in class! ;)  It can be intimidating butttt… please, don’t let that stop you!!! They can also ask you to repeat OR say: “WHAT? I’M SORRY! I didn’t understand.

It’s not a big deal! NO BIG DEAL!!!

because my teacher loves me!!!

Have a nice weekend!   SUZANNE

________________________________________

P.S. Here are another teacher’s words of encouragement:
 ESl teacher, DAVE SCONDA   "Straight from the horse's mouth" (idiom)

«Be courageous with language Learning-

don't let any fear/bad feeling get in your way

you're learning, mistakes are good, keep moving forward!»