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12 Comments

  1. Paula Agins
    October 28, 2016 @ 12:19

    I am more than impressed with skills these students have in learning a new language. I never was able to mater Spanish. It is hard for me to grasp that the ability to chose the area you wish to study is determined by others.

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    • Tim Flanagan
      November 1, 2016 @ 08:38

      One thing I’m learning is that teaching kids how to focus and develop self-discipline is possible.

      Reply

  2. LInda Wight
    October 28, 2016 @ 12:30

    HI Tim- Enjoy meeting your students. VU and Tung, you are doing very well in learning English so good luck with your studies and practice. I only know how to speak English and I admire people who learn to speak other languages besides their own. I know some words in other languages only because of people I’ve met who have spoken different languages and I grew up in Brooklyn, NY where there were many different languages were spoken and now I live in Maine where there are a lot of French people, so that is taught in school. I didn’t study language because I took commercial subjects, so I would be able to get a job in an office. Today, I think more children start a second language at an early age in schools. Also families did not move so far from home. Today people travel more. KEep practicing and good luck to you all and never stop learning or be afraid to make a mistake because some of our mistakes turn out to.be our best teachersx. TIm is my younger cousin and we”re glad he is meeting all you wonderful young people who are also helping him to learn a new language and culture. TIm. As always thanks for sharing.

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    • Tim Flanagan
      November 1, 2016 @ 08:40

      I will pass your message along – we usually meet on Thursdays. Thanks for responding!

      Reply

  3. ellen (kathy's neighbor!)
    October 28, 2016 @ 17:31

    Wow, I am really impressed with these students. Trung and Vu, you are doing great. Very impressive. It must be such an uphill climb to learn English. I wish them all well in the future. I a sure if all of Tim’s readers could they would love to converse with these students and give them practice. I know I would!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      November 1, 2016 @ 08:41

      Thanks for sending a message, Ellen. I will pass it along the next time I see them.

      Reply

  4. Lori
    October 28, 2016 @ 17:49

    This is just fabulous!!!!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      November 1, 2016 @ 08:42

      There is so much for me to learn. I’m just scratching the surface so far.

      Reply

  5. Deidre Toole
    October 29, 2016 @ 21:14

    In some ways I think high school is very similar here in the U.S. Students are under a great deal of pressure and always thinking what’s next. They are always preparing and studying to get ready for the next step. PSATs, SATs, college applications, and trying to prepare a competitive resume. Once they get into college they can relax a bit and enjoy just being in the present. Love the pictures and videos. What an experience!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      November 1, 2016 @ 08:44

      Good point, Deidre. I remember enjoying the freedom of college and having a lot of time on my hands. I’ve just heard that ninth grade is another intense year here since it is the last year of middle school. They also take exams for high school placement.

      Reply

  6. Tara Bennett
    December 22, 2016 @ 19:55

    They are doing great at speaking English! Keep practicing- it is such a tough skill and without being immersed in the culture very hard to do. Luckily with the internet today there are many interactive ways you can practice. I would love to show my own students this who think they should be fluent after only 1 year! Learning a language is a lifelong process!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      December 22, 2016 @ 21:26

      Glad you find this useful. Learning a language takes hard work but it is worth it.

      Reply

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