English from Brasil #40 | Lessons, Life, and the Power of Connection
Na edição anterior: English from Brasil #39 | When “vegetarian” can`t be “tasty”
Hello, hello!
Um causo
Como incentivo, já ouvi muito a frase “para poder ensinar alguém, basta saber um pouco mais do que essa pessoa”. O meu lado professorinha quase tem um surto com isso. Afinal, ser professor exige muito (MUITO) estudo, preparo, técnica, conhecimento—sem contar todas aquelas soft skills.
Confesso que tenho um certo ranço dos coaches de internet, principalmente quando parece que, de uma hora para outra, todo mundo virou coach ou mentor. Eu? Sempre serei teacher!
Coaching is a form of development in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance. The learner is sometimes called a coachee.
A teacher is someone whose job is to teach in a school or college.
Mas, do lado de cá do meu computador, no quarto que virou escritório, brinco que ensino numa EUscola. E a verdade é que minha experiência como professora tem mudado muito nos últimos cinco anos.
Essa semana, tive exemplos felizes de que ando sendo mais coach do que teacher. E sou profundamente grata pelas conexões tão significativas com minhas alunas, que confiam em mim para partilhar assuntos tão pessoais e preciosos. Algumas até brincam dizendo que nossas aulas parecem terapia. E, de certa forma, acho que têm razão. Talvez ensinar e aprender sejam menos sobre rótulos e mais sobre trocas genuínas. Porque, se minhas alunas saem das aulas transformadas, eu também saio.
A quote
"In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn." — from Phil Collins’s song "Son of Man" from Disney's Tarzan (1999)
(image made with Chat GPT)
A lesson
The image below is from a series of books that I have been using a lot with my students. It’s called English for Everyone.
This is a simple input and a practical and meaningful exercise. I hope you use it!
Exercise: Practice Sequencing in Everyday English
Step 1: Write a Short Sequence Think about a recent event in your day (e.g., your morning routine, preparing a meal, or a trip to the supermarket). Write 4–6 steps to describe what you did, using sequencing phrases like first, then, next, after that, and finally.
Example:
First, I woke up early.
Then, I made myself a cup of coffee.
Next, I read the news.
After that, I took a quick shower.
Finally, I started work.
Step 2: Record or Share (in the comments)
Imagine you're explaining this sequence to a friend. Practice saying it out loud or record a short voice message. Focus on your pronunciation and intonation to make your ideas clear.
Step 3: Reflect and Revise
Listen to your recording or read your sequence again. Can you add more detail or use a new sequencing phrase, like meanwhile, first of all, or second?
A question
How has following a sequence helped you get something done faster?
FIVE Random Things
🍟 The biggest self-control around Pringles I’ve ever seen! [link]
😢 “Mom, why are you crying?” [link]
😰 Anxiety explained [link]
🎧 Phil Collins – Son of Man [link]
🥗 New year, new diet [link]
Se você gostou dessa edição, encaminha para os amigos?
See you next week! 👋🏽
Karen Rito
English from Brasil 🌎✨