Learning another language is my passion and joy. The words themselves are so fun to learn, and Italian is so old feeling and lovely to speak. I’m watching a series about an Italian lawyer, a lovable, bumbling but bright character trying to solve a cold case of a prostitute who has been murdered. Watching videos is wonderful for learning another language because you hear all the small,...
Read MoreIn addition to teaching, I’m now narrating children’s audio books. It’s extremely fun and interesting work, as I’m doing cold reading, meaning I have no idea what the story is about, or what events will happen. Today’s stories included a child being picked up by a giant in a forest, and taken to his house. The giant was cooking other children ( horror!) I tried not...
Read MoreI’m studying Italian and che bella language. I was reading the history of the Medici family, and noticed the word Parliamento. When I think of the word Parliament, I of course imagine the Parliament buildings, but in fact, the original Parliament was obviously related to the root PARLE – to speak. In fact, the signores would gather in Florence to discuss matters of political...
Read MoreI’m currently reading Jhumpha Lahiri’s book In Other Words which is in fact her journey into learning another language- in this case Italian. The book resonates with me because I also feel so thrilled when I feel the word in my bones, feel it bouncing off my tongue, and feel understood by a native speaker. I taught myself a decent amount of Greek, and would thrill at the sounds...
Read MoreThe provincial exam is very important for grade twelves, and can make or break a university admission. Here are some tips for successfully and easily attaining an A. For the multiple choice, think of Goldilocks. One choice will be too broad, one too narrow and two will be close. Use elimination. Of the remaining two, look back at the text and ask yourself which one best suits the answer. All...
Read MoreThese days, I have the pleasure of meeting gifted learners. Some of them have a designated learning challenge. From my experience, they are so bright, they can’t slow down to the mundane level of school. Unfortunately, the educational system can only bend so far as there are so many students. If memory is an issue, break the content into smaller chunks. Go forwards and backwards. Show the...
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