Have you ever seen What About Bob? Remember when Bob is sailing and he says, "I'm sailing! I'm sailing! I'm a sailor! I sail!!" If you haven't seen that movie, you need to stop what you are doing RIGHT NOW and watch it. It is one of my family's favorite movies of all time. Seriously. Watch. It. Now. Ok, back to the post. I'm sorry. **End rant**
Today was my very first day teaching English here in Salzburg. For fun, I am teaching various topics during Lunch and Learn sessions to help some of the Austrians with their Business English. Today's topic was business telephone conversation- how to answer the phone properly, how to leave a message, etc. Overall, things went very well and I had a great group of students that were very involved in my lesson. We played a couple of games, went over some vocabulary and worksheets, listened to a CD Rom with examples, and then role played some telephone calls. It was a very successful class and I've already received positive feedback. Always a good thing!!
Although I was the teacher, I learned some new things as well. My students pointed out that when we American's call the company, we ask for so and so without first introducing ourselves. I guess I didn't realize that anytime they place a phone call they say, "Hello, this is Lauren from such and such company, may I please speak to so and so?" They always introduce themselves first so the person on the other line knows who they are talking to and which company they are associated with. Makes sense. I was told (in a very nice way) that it is a bit rude that we didn't do the same. So, this is a public service announcement that everyone needs to start introducing themselves first when they make a phone call, especially if they call Austrians. ;)
After teaching my class, I was off to my own German lesson. It's days like today that make me appreciate the differences in our cultures and makes me want to strive to be a better teacher and student so we can all communicate together a little better.
The end. :)
There is a great website called superteacherworksheets.com It used to be free, but now there's a small membership (with some of the stuff still accessible for free). Anyway, I use it all the time and highly recommend it! Love you and hope to see you soon :)
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