This morning they had to talk about meeting their favourite celebrity, either born in England or living in England. One girl admires David Beckham so I told her: "You do realize he's married don't you?" She said: "Yeah, that's not so good". After she finished her story I told her: I wouldn't worry too much. Looking at Victoria Beckham and then looking at you I can only say that you're much prettier". She replied: "Oh wow, thank you". Other girls were talking about this guy from Twilight so I said: "Im afraid there's a lot of competition". They all laughed. One girl who hadn't come to see me for several weeks asked the supervisor: "Can I please join in?" He replied: "Sure, no problem, just take a a seat". This proves to me that they really like my lessons. I enjoyed myself tremendously.

That's great that you enjoy your volunteer work so much, Berry!

It sounds as if your students really like you and appreciate you a lot!

I have done some teaching myself because I have a teaching license, but it's been a very different type of experience from yours!

Keep up the good work and enjoy yourself!

Best,
Carol

Berry,
That is such anice thing you are doing for those Kids. I am proud of you!
Your friend,
David

Not too long ago I accepted a job as a volunteer at a school where I teach the pupils how to speak english without a dutch accent. They all love me because I am so spontaneous and enthusiastic and are genuinely interested in the things that are important to them. I work with their english teacher. He gives me assignments and questions to ask. The first number of questions were in connection with their upcoming trip to London. They are all excited. Some of the students have already been to England before and some go for the first time. For both groups there were questions. Name, age, their places of interest, things they just have to see. They took notes like in a telegram and were then expected to tell a story about their expectations. I was to supervise and check whether they did a good job, sometimes correcting their english when necessary. The second line of questions were in connection with a celebrity of their choice who either has the english nationality or was born somewhere else and was just living in England. The first name mentioned was Rowan Atkinson. I had a joke with them and said: "Rowan Atkinson is very good as mr. Bean but the person I would really like to meet is his daughter because she is really beautiful". They all giggled. One of the girls was very spontaneous and enthusiastic when she told her story. She also said: "We will so enjoy it! Are you coming with us?" I replied: "Well, I'd love to but considering the fact that you are all very pretty I think my wife would get worried". They burst out laughing and so the atmosphere was really good. I read them my poetry and bring the attention on important issues like bullying and respect for nature. This subject of bullfighting is also a topic. Then I could talk about people who made a real effort to preserve nature like Steve Irwin and Diane Fossey. There are loads of subjects that I would like to discuss with them with the time left after they did the exercise that their teacher has given them. This school I work for is rather special since they received a certificate for having the highest level in foreign languages. You can imagine I feel rather privileged and honoured to work there and to contribute to the quality of the spoken languages. In the coming week I will keep getting the same students which gives me a nice opportunity to develop a tie with them, something I am sure they will really appreciate. I told them I am into gothic and one of the girls said: "Are you? Oh wow, cool!"They always make me smile. They all got different personalities but that makes it all the more interesting. I would have been a good teacher and if I would have known how much I would feel at home there I would certainly have followed a training as an english teacher. As it is I am content being a volunteer and I will try the best I can to make a difference.