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English Teacher's Helpful Hints

tutorheatherSuper Member!

United States

March 31, 2012

Hi all,

I have had a few people ask me to post an open blog so they could ask questions, etc. I hope I am doing this right.

I am relatively new to the community and not sure how posting an "open" blog works. So, please let me know if this doesn't serve that purpose.

I am opening this because I would like to provide "Lessons in a Snap" for the community.  ("In a snap" means quick, right away, etc.)

For example, "My cat went from being sweet and docile to frisky in a snap."

or

"Hold on! I will be there in a snap!"

So,  I am stating that these will be quick English lessons about specific topics.

Also, I would be happy to respond to people's questions, hear your stories, and just share comments with people from all over the world.

I live in the US, in a small state named Maine. It's located in New England, near Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I grew up in Massachusetts and went to school there. I love Boston and miss it. I also lived in New York City and enjoyed the "hustle and bustle" of the city, but it's a very expensive place to live for a teacher!

I taught classroom English for many years, and have worked with students of all ages. I primarily taught teenagers and young adults, working as a middle school teacher, a high school teacher and a college instructor.

These days, I teach English online and really enjoy it. So much can be accomplished online and we're all so lucky to have such incredible resources at our fingertips.

Anyhow, I will post this now, and hopefully it will begin to serve a positive purpose.

Cool

09:25 AM Mar 31 2012

Sphenothalami
Syrian Arab Republic

Thank you for your time, I just want to ask you about how can we use the word "literally"? I don't know how to use it correctly, Thank you.Smile

March 26, 2012


Not just beauty, which can be so rare
that a face can linger on for centuries,
or ships are launched,
set into motion merely
by the slope of a female face
the arch of a brow, or
the silent tumble of an eyelash onto a cheek.

Not only that.
But the ability to create
another human form
by the pure instinct of reproduction,
the ticks and whorls
of genes and cells
as they divide and assemble
month after month,
until a new person is born
with fingers and toes,
and an imagination just taking shape.

All of this, but still more --
the sheer number of the responsibilities
taken, and contributions given,
swim like fish upstream
where men stand still
at river's edge, dreaming of
freedom, a warm supper,
or the slip of a silken
strap from the shoulder of a woman.
They cast their nets and reel in lines
morning after morning,
as women swaddle their young, instruct the future,
and dream of love, just love.

All of this,
the world, and
our significance
within it
is just a dream,
and we're merely dying.
Women close their eyes,
taking with them
their thoughts and wishes;
Men awake, only to find
beauty has gone.

                                                                 by tutorheather

01:56 AM Mar 28 2012

PhilologistAUL
Azerbaijan

:) After reading the poem, I woke my Mom and kissed her:)

07:38 AM Mar 27 2012

snoopyboy

snoopyboy
Antarctica

If men really knew the true importance of women, they would have never let them wish for anything.

...Thanks for sharing this poem with us, tutorHeather

( :

12:59 AM Mar 27 2012

Crizsearch

Crizsearch
Indonesia

Were you talking about the man who thinking about his dead mom, ms Tutor heater? Nice poem indeed :)

March 12, 2012

Hi all,

Thank you so much for your many friend requests.

During such times of world struggle and strife, offers of friendship and communication are of such value.

By reaching out to one another and making "real" connections, we are showing the world that the dividers which come between us are less important than our humanity.  In so many ways we are all the same and in some ways, of course, we are different.

However, there are some universal human truths. We all want to be safe and healthy. We want to learn as much as we can, enjoy life, take care of our family and friends and achieve success. Many of us dream of helping others, no matter their place of origin, language, religion, ethnicity, etc.  I dreamt of being a teacher since I was a little girl, and the race or birthplace of my students never seemed a limitation. I suppose I always believed, even when I didn't quite understand since I was so young, that love is truly universal. No matter what we see in the media and hear on the news, most of us just want to show love and friendship to one another, and EnglishBaby is a perfect example of that desire.

I wish I could personally enjoy a friendship with each of you. I wish I could spend time chatting and offering free classes, but I cannot as this is my only source of income. I am self supporting, and, as such, every penny I make as a teacher goes to basic living expenses such as housing and medical care. I have struggled with many significant health issues over the last several years, and unlike many other countries, the US does not offer government subsidized health care to most hard-working citizens. For example, I recently had surgery, but only spent 3 days in the hospital. My bill was over 200,000 USD. For me, that will take a few lifetimes (meaning it's impossible) to pay!

So, as you can see, I have to use every minute possible trying to earn a very basic living being a teacher. I work overnights and weekends, rarely getting time to sleep.  If I don't use most of my time to make an income, I would not be able to have a computer connection or even a place to live.

So, I hope you can understand that I am not ignoring your emails asking for chats off EB. I wish I could honor each one. If I weren't in my particular financial situation, I would offer free classes because I know so many people are also struggling financially.

If you have a particular English question, please send it along and I will try to answer to it as quickly as possible. I will try to maintain a presence here on EB so people know that I care very much about everyone here who is admirably seeking more knowledge. I will also post as much as possible.

Thanks so much for reading this and please know each of your emails is carefully read. And, if I do have time, I will certainly respond.

For those who wish to have classes, please send me an email and we can set up a time to chat.

"See" you soon,

Heather Cook, M.Ed.

06:23 PM Mar 18 2012

ola33

ola33
Japan

Hi, Heather, wishing you fast recovery. Money's important but health is more precious. So, get better soon!