Tag Archives: ESL

Lost and Found

Posted on October 1, 2019 by

The other day I lost my lunch bag. Then I lost or misplaced my textbooks for the course I was teaching and then I couldn’t find another book I often use and was thinking I would need it.  I tried … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, books, co-workers, ESL, hard work, mistakes, optimism, teaching, work | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 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

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

The Coin That Brought Nostalgia

Posted on August 27, 2019 by

I’ve got a random collection of coins from all over the world. They are poorly organized and not displayed in any fashion.  These mostly came from students who proudly wanted to show off their country, or at the very least, … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, Japan, Japanese, Korea, Korean, money, nostalgia, obstacles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

Friday’s Two Perfect Moments

Posted on August 3, 2019 by

There were Two Perfect Moments on Friday. The first is that I was given a book by a departing student.  That alone should be considered Today’s Perfect Moment.  However, what was really surprising is that instead of getting someone’s favourite … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspirations, Reflections, Perfection, beer, books, conversation, food, friends, friendship, gifts, presents, reading, restaurant | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

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