ANNAPOLIS - LETOHRAD
English for adults
The students coming both from the ECCB congregation and from Letohrad community are divided into three groups. The lessons take place at the church building, generally between 5-8 p.m. (after work)
In the morning the American tutors either visit local schools to talk about some interesting topic or they have some free-time programme (visit some town, museum, nature etc.). They are invited for a lunch to some family. After lunch they have time for their preparations for classes.
Class Level 1.
Class has theoretical knowledge of English but has problems
using it. They know a number of words and grammar but have
problems creating a simple sentence. So teachers should
help/support them to use simple English to be able, for example,
to ask for directions, to do some shopping, etc.
Class Level 3.
Class is advanced. They are fluent in English so the best thing
is to focus on talking all the time about interesting topics and
press people to be involved (some questions, competition and so
on.)
Class Level 2.
Class is somewhere in-between Class Levels 1 and 3. They
understand a lot and are able to talk, but they will be unsure
of their knowledge and use of English. Czechs generally
underestimate their knowledge of English and do not dare to use
it in public for fear of embarrassing themselves.
I have tutored Letohrad students in various topics and subjects relating to the English language. Both I, and all of the 30-40 fellow tutors with whom I have travelled to Letohrad on tutoring missions, have totally enjoyed our travels there and our experiences tutoring and living with the folks of Letohrad. In short, our experiences have universally been inspiring and uplifting. In some instances, I and others have been privileged to teach and speak of English and the USA to local schools. Generally, I have tutored very knowledgeable and experienced English language speakers from in and around Letohrad. Given the English capabilities of my "students", I have been privileged to provide complex articles and lessons in English. Both these sessions and classes have included topics concerning difficult aspects of grammar, role-playing, puzzle-solving, drawing, and aspects of life in the USA--all in English, and high-level English at that!! Every person attending those sessions have been friendly and amazingly tolerant of me, and especially of my poor attempts at spoken Czech. I am extremely grateful for the many friendships I have made in the Czech Republic.
William Hatchl, FPC of Annapolis