Close Encounters of the English Kind

Founded in Toronto in 1910, University Settlement is a multi-service agency with the distinction of being the first community-based social service centre in the city. University Settlement strives to meet the social, economic, and cultural needs of its downtown Toronto newcomer neighbours and users through its many programs and services. University Settlement Language Department, it seems, has a well-kept secret more ESL students should know about to help improve speaking and self-confidence.

 

University Settlement English Corner offers perhaps one of the most unique ESL speaking practice programs you’ll ever find.  English Corner is unique in that it offers free, authentic, one on one, tailor-made, speaking opportunities for students. Students are paired with local volunteer teachers who assist with pronunciation and accent reduction. Under teacher guidance, each student, regardless of eloquence, must do one minute of public speaking. New topics are set for each class and teachers help students prepare presentations. The program also requires a more involved final presentation.  Classes are each an hour and half and run for six weeks. University Settlement, in this case, proves the adage 'with age comes experience and wisdom.'  Click here or on the logo above to visit the University Settlement website.

For more information on English Corner or to register contact: University Settlement at 416/977-8325 Ext. 229

'Swinging The Alphabet' Pronunciation Contest!

The Three Stooges have always been a part of my life. In fact, it may have been the Three Stooges who inspired me and perhaps many others to teach English. Watch the very inspirational video of the Stooges teaching the ABC's and vowel sounds in their own special way.  Click here to download the lyrics to Swinging the Alphabet.

To practice your pronunciation and exercise your vocal chords, why don't you sing Swinging the Alphabet? Get those vowel sounds just right. Make a video of yourself singing the song and Email it to the following address:

frsqdwk8lfry@m.youtube.com

All entries must be submitted by December 15, 2011. Be sure to state your name, where you're from and your first language. More than one entry is allowed. Once all entries are submitted, they will be posted publicly and voted on by everyone.  The contest is not open to Native English speakers. The winner will be eligible for a $25 prize.

You snooze, you lose!

Snazzy 'not' Nominated Badge

Well I really blew it this time. The nomination deadline for the 2011 Best Grammar Blog passed last month and I never saw to it that this blog got entered in the competition. Several finalists (less yours truly) have passed the nomination five-vote barrier and have made it into the last phase of the contest. All votes for the final winner must be entered between September 26th and October 17th, 2011. I must admit, there are some fine blogs and websites in this year’s competition. You should click here or on the snazzy 'not' nominated badge to visit the contest site, check the blogs, and vote for your favorite. Needless to say, 2012 is going to be a different story and guess who is going to win!

Go Ahead...Make a Noun of Yourself!

Here is a must see for every student and teacher. I know you'll enjoy it. The video even plugs my favourite dictionary. Bravo Adam Cole and Robert Krulwich!



Wanna Live Forever? Become A Noun from NPR on Vimeo.
Joseph Guillotin, Henry Shrapnel and Jules Leotard became immortal -- by entering the English language. But NPR's Robert Krulwich and Adam Cole discover that when your entire life is reduced to a single definition, the results are sometimes upsetting.

Producers: Robert Krulwich and Adam Cole
Music and Animation: Adam Cole (youtube.com/cadamole)
Assistant Producer: Maggie Starbard
Production Assistant: Marina Dominguez
Supervising Producers: Jessica Goldstein, Maria Godoy

PALSy-Walsy with Lydia Aiello for Listening & Speaking

You heard about it here first! At long last, Lydia Aiello’s highly successful PALS (Pronunciation and Listening and Skills) series is about to receive its second instalment, Sentence PALS. Lydia began her three part series for students and teachers with Word PALS which introduces awareness of North American English pronunciation through an organized, simplified instructional workbook that provides a variety of listening and speaking activities focused on improving learner’s detection and production skills. Word PALS  includes: 3 audio CDs, an answer key, & teacher's notes. Sentence PALS will take learners beyond the word level into the realm of the rhythm and timing of sentences by creating awareness of content stress, connected speech, reductions, and intonation. The exact release date of Sentence PALS is yet to be determined but it won’t be long now. Lydia’s as busy as a bee finalizing the publication. Her website is undergoing major reconstruction at the moment. For information or ordering Word PALS and Sentence PALS feel free to contact Lydia by Email directly at: lydiaaiello@hotmail.com

Lydia Aiello's Book One - Word PALS