Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Book Discussion - The Latehomecomer

The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir by Kao Kalia Yang tells the story of one woman's experience growing up in Saint Paul with her family after living in Thailand's Ban Vinai Refugee Camp.

"When she was six years old, Yang’s family immigrated to America. She evocatively captures the challenges of adapting to a new place and a new language, and also gives voice to the dreams, wisdom, and traditions passed down from her grandmother and shared by an entire community."
- Coffee House Press

Read an interview with the author and watch the book's trailer.

All volunteers and friends of the Minnesota Literacy Council are invited to join us for this book discussion in celebration of National Volunteer Week. Participants will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, questions, and reactions to the book.

Everyone is welcome to attend the discussion, whether they've read the book or not, to learn about the issues raised in this compelling memoir. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

When: Tuesday, April 20 at 6:30 pm

Where: Minnesota Literacy Council, 756 Transfer Rd., St. Paul

Cost: Free

Please RSVP to arunchey@themlc.org with the number of persons in your party.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Tips for Multi-sensory English Classes

Looking for tips to make your English class more multi-sensory? Interested in issues of English language instruction for blind or visually impaired learners?

Check out my co-worker Jessica's new blog: www.eslfortheblind.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Feelings


Learners ruminated and wrote about the question, “What makes you feel______?”

Happy

• my family
• roses
• traveling to China
• summer weather
• playing with my children
• goats and baby chickens
• learning at school

Angry

• war
• hearing bad news from Somali
• silence between me and my husband
• cooking everyday
• waking up early
• friends talking behind my back
• how my husband is treated at work

Nervous

• scary movies
• people being killed in my home country
• not understanding English
• winter
• injections
• flying on an airplane
• visiting the doctor
• my manager