After my ESL students and I got back from our field trip together, I realized that I had another tip to share about how to make ESL tutoring a huge hit, a lot of fun, and educational all at the same time!
This ESL tutoring technique is all about food and drink (something we plenty of at the farmers market).
Yes, it is great to bring in food to work on vocabulary (apple, banana, carrot, cookie) and grammar (this is a cookie, these are carrots, etc.), but the learning with food and drink realia for ESL tutoring goes beyond that.
Food is a very cultural product. What is completely normal to eat in one location may be completely outside of the realm of "normal food" for another culture. I'll never forget one student I had who was so excited about sunflower seeds. He had never tried them before, and it was love at first bite!
Try bringing in a few foods to your next ESL tutoring session. A few students may love the foods, and a few may hate them. Either way, a good time will be had by all, and the conversation will be flowing.
The point is, sharing foods from each of your cultures is a great exercise in cultural learning, vocabulary, grammar, and traditions. I believe that when learning a language, it is important to immerse yourself fully in that culture. Seek out foods, try traditional drinks, listen to the music, watch the cartoons...whatever gets you involved at a cultural level. Food is a huge part of this immersion.
Food as ESL tutoring realia is also a great chance to learn how to follow directions in English. If you are comfortable doing so, all of you can meet at someone's home, and make some type of food together. Better yet, make it a full on meal, with each ESL student following a different recipe. This will allow your ESL tutees to gain confidence in reading comprehension. Plus, who doesn't love a good meal prepared with enthusiasm?
~ Tammy
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