Summer Time!!!

Everyone loves summer time.  We try to play and avoid work as much as possible.  But then, when we come back to classes in the fall, we’ve forgotten everything we’ve worked so hard to learn. 

Project Learn is offering classes throughout the summer at the Akron Summit County Public Library in downtown Akron.  We also have distant learning classes for those of you who are good on the computer and can’t make the classes downtown.  Just call us to set up the classes, 330-434-9461.

Here are a few suggestions to keep you sharp and ready for fall classes. 

1. Plan on studying for 15 minutes a day.  It’s easy to fit in and you’d be surprised by the benefits.  You can borrow books from the library, but they are in high demand.  I’d recommend buying a used GED book online.  I’ve seen the ones that we use in class for as cheap as $2.00.  Shipping can be anywhere from $3.00-$6.00.  There is a large GED prep book that contains all 5 subjects called, The Complete GED Preparation Book, ISBN#0739828371.  With shipping, it will cost anywhere from $9.00-$15.00.  It’s a great bargain.  One website that I like is half.com.
2. For those of you that struggle with math, doing just 2 problems a day will keep it fresh in your mind.  When it comes to math, use it or lose it, definately applies.
3. If you don’t want to do any GED prep over the summer I understand.  But, improving your reading comprehension is easy to do.  Simply read an article in the newspaper or a magazine then ask yourself the 5 W’s:  Who, What, Where, When, Why, (and How).  Or better yet, read and discuss it with someone else. 
4. Take a book outside with a glass of lemonade.  While the kids are outside playing, sit outside with them and look at a magazine (This only works if your kids aren’t constantly saying, “Watch me, Mom,” like mine.) 
5. Turn off the TV one evening a week and read instead.  Yes, it can be done! 
6. Go to the library once a week.  Get a yourself a book and a magazine, and some books for the kids.
7. Spend some time this summer reading to kids, whether they are your own, or someone else’s.
   • See if you can predict what will happen next before you turn the page of a new book. 
   • Come up with a different ending to a favorite book. 
   • Read a story that doesn’t have pictures, then all of you draw your own pictures to go with it. It works great if everyone picks a different area of the book to draw.
   • Once you’ve finished the book, ask them Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. 

 Hope you have a wonderful summer break with your family.  Enjoy the sunshine!

 Krista

A Trip to the Peanut Shop in Downtown Akron

Today, my morning ESOL class and I went on a field trip to the Peanut Shop on Main Street.  Initially, I’ll have to be honest, I just wanted to do something fun.  While my class, as many of Project Learn staffers will attest to, can be a laugh riot, we don’t often do things outside the classroom, and, unfortunately, Akron doesn’t have a lot to offer in the downtown area on Wednesday and Friday mornings (We’re going to the Museum on May 2).   Plus, my students always like to experience Akron localities, especially my Japanese students who make restaurant recommendations to me quite often. 

So, we headed down the street to eat up some peanuts.  It actually turned out to be more educational than I originally thought.  Not only did they learn new vocabulary about nuts but also had the opportunity to practice placing an order and learn new vocabulary regarding weight.  Marg, the owner, was great.  She explained the history of the shop and told the class all about the historical decorations (old peanut roasters, etc.) that decorate the shop.  Standing among all the candy and nuts, I’ll have to say that I felt like I was in the candy shop from the beginning of the 1970’s version of Willy Wonka.  The shop isn’t that big, so it’s easy to see that with approximately 10 students we basically took over. 

The entire class left with bags full of nuts, paid for and free samples, and a couple pictures to boot.  Marg even took one for her own collection.  Afterwards, we walked across the street to Lock 3 to chat and bask in the sun.  While it was an impromptu English lesson, everyone had a lot of fun, and the students seemed to take home a little more than just nuts (which when you’re in my class you tend to get a lot of).

I highly suggest that everyone check it out!

Until next time,

Kolter