Summer School 2009 for Children

The first Summer School for Children was organized under mutual agreement signed by Yakut TESOL and Tex-TESOLV. It was from the 23rd of July to the 4th of August, 2009 in Yakutsk. The Summer School was attended by 31 boys and girls ages 10 – 16. Children were divided into two groups.
American teacher Elizabeth Smith from the Hockaday School was invited. She came to Yakutsk together with her family (husband – David Smith and two daughters).
Classes began at 9 o’clock and lasted four hours till 12.30. Rest time was provided.
At the lessons students worked with native speakers to develop the fundamental four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Teachers focused on common topics such as greetings, food, weather, shopping, fashion, mass media, holidays, hobbies and others. Students also were immersed in the American culture with projects including American movies. Children had an opportunity to practice their language skills, advancing spoken language in a Russian-free class-room environment. Atmosphere was relaxed and informal. All the participants of the first Summer School got Certificates. Both teachers and children were satisfied with the work. The first experience was successful!