Today’s Perfect Moment is about finding common ground with my new students.  I think, sometimes, my teaching is more effective when I share a common interest with a student, or at least have some knowledge I can impart on them.

I usually tell my students that they should use their interests to help them study English.  Whatever they like or are really interested in can be a key to liking and understanding English.  At the very least, they could learn the English vocabulary that is connected to their interests.

When I was younger, I wanted to get involved in RC car racing.  When I was in Japan I bought a Japanese magazine on the subject.  While I couldn’t read most of the text, I could read the advertisements.  It not only told me some vocabulary, it also helped me get a smoking deal on a Tamiya TAO4.

My student is into cycling on road bikes.  I was able to point him at a couple of magazines that are available at the library–I am trying to make this a cost friendly solution.  Besides, why spend money before you know if you like it or not.  I also showed him a few programs he could watch on YouTube and a few blogs he could read right here on WP.

He seemed pretty excited about it and we showed each other pictures of our bikes.  He also showed me his best friend’s Dogma F10…..sigh.  Then we did that macho thing where we compared top speeds, helmets, and shoes.  I let his disdain for my cycling helmet’s visor slide.  Of course, I have to mark his test next week…..