Category Archives: ESL

Something Positive after Bad News

Posted on September 20, 2019 by

Since I am on a diet, I cannot, or should not, pick finding an uneaten chocolate bar in my lunch bag–regardless of how temping that might be. Instead, I have chosen something more heart-warming. When I arrived at school today, … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, compliments, ESL, sandwich, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

From Bread to Babies to Unconscious Beauty

Posted on September 18, 2019 by

Today had a plethora of things that could have been Today’s Perfect Moment. In the end, I think I chose correctly, but I will let you be the judge.  First the ones that were considered, but didn’t make it and … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, bus, commuting, ESL, marketing, sandwich, teaching, Viva, York Region, YRT | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Explaining a September Lull

Posted on September 14, 2019 by

If it wasn’t clear to everyone in my last post, I think the picture above says it all. Autumn, or Fall, is definitely on its way.  I photographed the picture above on my walk home yesterday. I have been feeling … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, autumn, bicycles, breakfast, cycling, ESL, hockey, Maple Leafs, photography, seasons, sleep, teaching, temperature, Toronto | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Feeling Peckish

Posted on September 11, 2019 by

I was feeling rather peckish at work, when I remembered that, in what now looked like a brilliant amount of foresight, I had packed a muffin for myself. This was a bit odd, because I haven’t made or bought muffins … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, chocolate, comfort food, ESL, food, food blogging, food shopping, snacks, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Good Students make things Better

Posted on September 10, 2019 by

In my current teaching situation, the students change more often than the teacher does. I have students who stay for a week, a couple of weeks, or maybe some that are around for months on end.  There isn’t one definitive … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, changes, ESL, students, teaching | 4 Comments

When There Are No More Forks

Posted on August 31, 2019 by

There is something strange at my workplace. As I write this, I feel the slight stab of irony.  There are lots of strange things at my workplace, but that is de rigueur for a band of ESL teachers.  Nonetheless, there … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, co-workers, ESL, teaching, utensils, work | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

What I get for helping a student

Posted on August 29, 2019 by

Today’s Perfect Moment comes courtesy of a student of mine and her request for some help after class. When my morning class was finished, one of my students asked me to take a look at her writing. I would normally … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, assistance, Canada, ESL, help, homework, students, teaching, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

No Excuses

Posted on August 11, 2019 by

I have explained before that students sometimes give me gifts. I certainly don’t expect them and I hope I have responded well to them.  I certainly appreciate them and I appreciate that I have made an impression on a student … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, books, bookstore, conversation, ESL, gifts, presents, recommendations, students, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Goodbyes

Posted on July 26, 2019 by

I’ve grown a pretty thick skin over the years of watching students say goodbye to me and to one another. It isn’t coldness, but rather a kind of acceptance.  I like my students while they are here, but I know … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, beer, chocolate, coffee, ESL, gifts, presents, students, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cobb Salad

Posted on July 18, 2019 by

There’s no time to waste. I need to aim for an economy of words.  Even as I type these sentences, I can feel the doubt creeping in. Today after work, a group of students who were milling around the lounge … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, beer, ESL, food, food blogging, restaurant, students, teaching, Toronto | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments