As the operator of her own ESL business in France, Veronique Bayle wears many hats. Her favorite head coverings though are the black paper caps her students made for their graduation ceremony in June 2012. She teaches a local math class in addition to her duties as owner and operator of So, What About English?.
Tell us more about your business.
With the support and encouragement of many English for Life friends, I opened last year. In a rented room in the city hall, I try to provide a glimpse of American life by decorating with stuff I have brought from the United States. Last year I had 24 students ranging in age from 6 to 75 years old. Thanks to my former students who returned and brought others, this year I have 42 students!
What kinds of activities do you plan?
Our students loved the Thanksgiving dinner we had and are already planning the next one. And the graduation ceremony in June was a new experience too since this kind of event is uncommon in France. Each student asked their haircutter to provide a black cape and with the black paper caps, every outfit looked like the real cap and gown ensemble. Each student made a speech as they received their diplomas, bringing some to tears. To end the year, we went to London for three days to practice their new language skills. We had a blast!
Any advice for other TESOL grads or teachers?
When I’m looking for new activities I always check the “Bright Ideas for the Classroom” section in the English For Life newsletter. There are so many cool tips there.
What else would you like us to know?
Right now, I’m looking for pen pals that would like to exchange emails with my adult students. If anybody is interested in doing that (you can be an ESL student from anywhere in the world or a native English speaker) just send me your email address at sowhataboutenglish@gmail.com. That could be really fun! Please check out our Facebook page to see the exciting happenings, too!
