EC Boston English Language School

As a method to improve your English, the use of figurative and metaphoric language can help you express yourself in powerful and unexpected ways…A poem doesn’t always have to be about love (although the best ones usually are!) …It can be written as a way to relate historical events in the tradition of the bards, allow the reader to see the world through the unique lens of the poet’s eye, or simply to explore what it means to be alive …

“Gardens of the Satyr”

The Serpent

Forced to advance by a faith of the tongue
can a serpent taste the warm breath of the Sun
forbidden to us, and Pandora’s pollen like yellowed leaves
from old fruit trees fallen?

The Bird

Freed from transient issues
transportation released though
in sublime subordination to the least
of other beasts, it wears a cloak of light,
of sight, yet feasts upon the worm by night

The Worm

From the worm are we fleeing,
and to the worm return in being
were it not for that slight sting of light
between birth and our last turmoil I’d say
“Remain worm soil to spare the pain of seeing.”

Of Man

We exist bound by ether
beyond collective thought, and quick
betwixt each blink given a bare glimpse
of the bounty upon life’s table
and eyes so close to focusing
then closed again before we’re able

Of The Sword

A pastoral death is its own reward
like the plowshare beaten and stored
for Sunday
must first be your paladin sword
and hungry
to taste just one pagan more
and thirsty
to toast one glory day more
and yearning
beneath a surface
of pacific purpose
yet sullenly turning
one sod row more

Of The Truth

Though mildly amused by a Red Wheelbarrow
no chance do I claim The Answer
I’m just trying to be a harrow in the
Gardens of the Satyr

- for Kahlil Gibran
c.ward2010

Whether you’re into Reggaeton, or K-Pop, we can attribute most of today’s modern music back to the beginning of Rock-and-Roll! If you are a music lover, this weeks lecture is for you!

Rock and Roll Music by the Beatles

Come in on Thursday, April 26th at 10:30 for A schedule students in room 613/612 to hear, our very own, James Francis give a fun-filled lecture about the beginnings of Rock-and-Roll music!

So, maybe you’re not into music, but you want to know more about why Massachusetts is such a “wicked awesome” place to live! We also have a lecture for you!

Come in on Thursday, April 26th at 3:00 for B schedule students, in room 612/613 to hear Ryan G. speak about our state’s culture and history!

***Lecture Series is a required activity for All AY30 and SACM students!***

Please See Sheley in the Library if you have any questions!

Some of our students hanging out by a fun place to go for a burger!

A Harvard landmark and a local favorite sine 1960, Mr. Bartley’s is by far the best burger experience around. With over 25 burger variations the menu as epic as it is entertaining. You might find yourself saying, “Yes, I’ll take The Viagra please,” – but only because you love blue cheese dressing, bacon, lettuce, tomato and fries! Perhaps you’ll order “The Tom Brady,” not because you actually like a burger with cheddar and guacamole, but because you LOVE Tom Brady.

The atmosphere is fun and funky, just like the menu. The dinning room is filled with posters, bumper stickers and other funny signs and memorabilia.

Check out the extensive menu at: http://www.mrbartley.com/mrbartleys-menu.html
Plan to come hungry, plan to come early and plan to come back!

Despite the orange EC logo, the tangerine glow of the front desk and all those carrot colored chairs, EC Boston is now going to be grinning and green! Don’t worry, we’re not getting rid of that famous EC orange, but we are “greenifying” our new digs with an army recycling bins, which means all those Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts cups will have a happy home! To keep with the color theme, look for the blue recycling bins in the halls, classrooms and lounges. Below is a list of what you can and can’t recycle:

Recyclables:
•Newspaper
•Magazines
•Junk Mail
•Juice/Soy milk boxes
•Milk and Juice cartons
•Flattened Cardboard boxes
•Glass bottles/ jars
•Tin and aluminum cans
•Aluminum foil
•All plastic containers
•Cardboard canisters

Not Recyclable:
•Styrofoam
•Plastic bags
•Ceramics or dishes
•Light bulbs
•Food waste
•Computer monitors
•Televisions

Thank you so much for your commitment to helping make EC Boston part of the greater green movement!

Everyone knows that, for English Language Learners (ELLs), thinking in English is not only an effective and natural way of acquiring the language, but also a sign of progression and fluency. But how can students actually learn to “think in English” and how can teachers encourage students to start thinking in English?

I read an article on an ESL blog or magazine one time about some tips on how to think in English. For one, ELLs should wake up in the morning and immediately start the day thinking in English. Maybe they could start the day thinking about their schedules and/or what needs to get done. “Let’s see, today I have my afternoon elective and my core classes. Afterwards, I’m meeting up with my friend for dinner and then we’re going to study at the library.” Students can write a reminder to themselves so it’s the first thing they see when they wake up. This is effective because the student is often alone for the first part of his/her day and therefore won’t be tempted to or have the opportunity to speak in their native language. While walking to the subway station, riding the train, and walking to school, there are so many opportunities for a student to practice thinking in English.

A couple of weeks ago, I was going over comparatives and superlatives with my Low-Intermediate students. I told them to look around as they were walking or while they were on the train and form comparatives and superlatives by observing the people around them.
• The woman with the blond hair is taller than her friend.
• The B Line train always comes much faster and more often than the D Line train.
• (While passing Pinkberry) Pinkberry has the best frozen yogurt in Boston.

You can do this with almost any grammar point that you are being taught. For example, you can practice the present perfect:
• I see a girl who is staring at her watch. I wonder if she’s waiting for someone. I wonder how long she’s been waiting for her friend. She looks annoyed, so she’s probably been waiting for at least twenty minutes. I wonder how long she’s lived in Boston. She’s been living in Boston for 5 years. She’s been living in Boston since 2007. She’s wearing a backpack. The backpack looks old. I wonder how long she’s had that backpack. I wonder how long she’s been a student. She’s been studying at Northeastern University for the last three years.

You get my point. Be creative. Use your imagination. Create fun stories to help you practice the grammar you’ve been learning. It can be fun, especially since we all love to people-watch anyway.

A student of mine told me the first thing he does when he wakes up is turns on his radio to a public news station. This is also a great idea to help you start your day thinking in English. What are your ideas?

Your (favorite) teacher,
Shelly

Yesterday, Sunday April 22, millions of people across the globe celebrated “Earth Day,” a day in which events are held to raise awareness on environmental issues. The idea for Earth Day came from Senator Nelson of Wisconsin in 1970 and since its conception the day has spread to over 175 countries around the world. Over 20 million people participated in Earth Day on April 22, 1970 and this year 500 million people are expected to observe this special day.

At EC Boston, in addition to our reusable water bottles we are putting recycling bins in every classroom. We offer single stream recycling here which means that bottles and paper can be recycled in the same container – no need to separate!

Our EC sister schools are also going green in a big way. You can see a few examples below:

EC San Francisco

Did you know that EC San Francisco is a LEED Gold Certified building? This means they generate greenhouse gas reductions equivalent to removing 270 vehicles from the road, and use 36% less water than minimum government standards. Something for us all to aspire to!

EC London

In London the team has recently re-evaluated their stationery, leading to the use of 100% recycled photocopy paper. Also, after some careful negotiating with the supplier, used whiteboard pens are now being recycled. This is a simple change that could also have a big impact on your school!

EC Bristol

So as to reduce their carbon footprint, the team at Bristol is looking into joining a network of organisations that are working towards a 10% reduction in their carbon emissions. You can find out more at http://www.westofenglandcarbonchallenge.org/. There may be an initiative just like this near your school, and it’s a great way to become more environmentally responsible..

So please remember to do your part for the environment on Earth Day and every day.
Happy Earth Day!
Casey Sherman

Do you want to expand your knowledge?

Do you want to start earning university credits now?

Do you want to take classes at one of Boston’s top universities?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we have a great opportunity for you! On Friday, April 27th, a representative from Boston University will be visiting EC Boston to talk about BU’s Summer Term and how you can apply! Courses are offered in more than 70 subjects and are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Come learn how you can take advantage of this great opportunity!

WHEN? Friday, April 27th @ 2:45pm
WHERE? EC Boston, Room 612-613

Sign up at the front desk today!

For more information about BU’s Summer Term, visit http://www.bu.edu/summer/

* Please Note: While you can earn college credits for the courses you take in the summer term, BU Summer Term is not a degree program.

New England Aquarium

On Wednesday, April 18, EC Boston had an activity at the New England Aquarium, conveniently located 3 blocks from our school!
Teachers Shelly and Ryan G. took a group of curious students eager to learn about the many creatures that reside in the wet, wild, and wonderful world of water (too much alliteration?).

Some of the main attractions included the sting ray tank, the jellyfish exhibit, the penguins, the seadragons (A “Must-See”!), and Myrtle the Turtle, aged 75-80, who has been at the NE Aquarium since its founding in 1969: over 40 years! We left feeling more like oceanographers and not much of an appetite for seafood (but rather for pho noodle soup). We will certainly be back soon for some more fun under the sea (copyright, Disney)!

A Few Minutes With Ryan G.

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Yukari Kodani from Japan. I had some interesting questions for her and she was ready.

Ryan: So, Yukari, why did you choose to come to Boston?
Yukari: Can I tell the truth?
Ryan: Of course. I want the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Yukari: OK. There aren’t as many Japanese people in Boston. My teacher in Japan told me that there are a lot in California.
Ryan: I see. And you don’t like Japanese people?
Yukari: No! I do like Japanese people but it’s much better for my English.
Ryan: This is very true. Next question: what is your favorite English word?
Yukari: (nose begins bleeding) Blood!
Ryan: Oh my goodness! Is that your favorite word?
Yukari: No! I always have this problem when I don’t sleep well. Can I go clean it?
Ryan: Of course! Take care of yourself. (sits by himself for a couple minutes)
Yukari: (returning) Sorry about that!
Ryan: It’s not a problem. OK, your favorite English word.
Yukari: “Take it easy.”
Ryan: That’s 3 words! But that’s OK. Why do you choose that?
Yukari: Because I’m going my own way.
Ryan: You’re a very independent woman, huh?
Yukari: Of course.
Ryan: Alright, next question. What did you have for lunch today?
Yukari: I bought a croissant and yogurt from Au Bon Pain.
Ryan: Nice, do you like French cuisine?
Yukari: Mhmm. I usually pack my lunch but I didn’t have time to pack my lunch yesterday because my sister was here visiting universities.
Ryan: Ah, OK. Is that why you didn’t sleep well?
Yukari: Yes
Ryan: And that’s why your nose started bleeding?
Yukari: Yes
Ryan: It all makes sense now. I’m learning a lot about you today, Yukari. Last question: if you were an EC teacher, who would you be and why?
Yukari: So I have to say my favorite teacher?
Ryan: Well, maybe. Your favorite teacher and the teacher you would be don’t have to be the same teacher.
Yukari: OK. I choose Nora!
Ryan: Great choice! Why her?
Yukari: She used to be my Core Class and Vocabulary Elective teacher and I learned a lot of good vocabulary from her.
Ryan: Very nice. Do you like to dance?
Yukari: No
Ryan: Do you like to make silly jokes?
Yukari: No, I have a bad sense of humor.
Ryan: I’m sure Nora could help you with both of these problems, maybe not the nosebleed, though..
Yukari:

Giving Back for Fred Day 2012, EC Boston
Saturday, April 14, 2012

For the first annual Giving Back for Fred Day, EC Boston staff spent a wonderful, warm Saturday afternoon at the Boys & Girls Club in East Boston. The Boys & Girls Club is a non-profit organization with centers across the US. The Club offers after-school programs for at-risk youth, focusing on building their self-esteem, teamwork skills and strong character to prepare them for life’s challenges. With many children coming from single-parent homes or with parents working multiple jobs, the Club offers a safe place for children, from the very young up to teenagers, to have fun, interact with their peers and participate in meaningful activities.

Six members of EC Boston staff arrived at the Club in the early afternoon and met with Father John, Executive Director of the East Boston Club, and Renee Landry, Club staff member and EC Boston host mother. Father John and Ms. Landry were kind enough to offer us a full tour of the Club so that we could see the wonderful work they do and the extensive support they offer the community’s youth—from computer rooms and dance studios to a gym and full basketball court. It was evident from the outset that this Club’s role in the community is so crucial, but also that they constantly are looking for help to make sure their doors stay open. Funding is very hard to come by and the Club relies heavily on help from volunteers. Father John said he often goes door-to-door in the community, asking for the generosity of neighbors, in order to fund many Club operations and projects.

Needless to say, funds are not readily available for building maintenance and appearance, so the Club relies on volunteers to help out. Father John and Ms. Landry were thrilled that EC Boston donated their time to help clean up the outside of the building and the surrounding grounds. The Club opens its doors to hundreds of children each year, and it is important they feel at home in a clean, welcoming environment. We filled many, many trash bags with debris, litter, and leaves. We raked, clipped hedges and picked up cigarette butts and other trash around the edges of the building. Our representative from the teaching staff, Chris Ward, performed much needed landscaping on the bushes and hedges outside one building (he even returned 2 days later to finish up the job!).

We were very lucky that it was a beautiful, warm day, and it was great to be outside, having fun with colleagues. But the event also opened our eyes to the very real need for volunteerism in our community—East Boston is so close to our school, and the Boys & Girls Club would be a great place to continue outreach efforts in the future. Many of our staff expressed interest in returning to the Club during after-school hours to volunteer with the kids. We also hope to attend the Club’s Breakfast fundraiser in June, both to support fundraising efforts and to keep in touch with Father John and Ms. Landry. Overall it was a very successful event and we hope to do many more in the future!

-EC Boston