1. Christmas Break - Absence Notification
If you are planning a Christmas break, please inform me of the days you will be absent as soon as possible. To do this, fill in the absence form in your learning space. Please don't wait until the last moment to submit this information.
2. Christmas Break Duration
The length of the Christmas break will depend largely on the data you provide in your absence forms. Once I have sufficient information from everyone, I will announce the final end date of the break.
3. Americano Course Adjustments
For those in the Americana course:
To avoid missing classes in December, our next session will focus on a lesson instead of a conversation. Please prepare for a 45-minute session rather than the usual 30 minutes.
4. Catch-Up Opportunities
There will be opportunities to catch up on missed lessons. I encourage you not to leave this hanging. However, details will only be finalized after I receive everyone's absence forms.
5. Quizlet Test Postponed
The Quizlet test, initially planned for December, will now take place at the beginning of January.
Please ensure that your Quizlets are:

• Fully prepared
• Updated
• Solid and shared with me by then.

​6. Personal Blog Invitation
As part of my professional and creative development, I am writing daily reflections on my personal blog (HERE) during the Advent season. If you'd like to read I invite you to visit. I’ve sent you one invitation previously to your Whatsapp and the same link applies every time.  I’d greatly appreciate any feedback you might have.

Day Off on November 1st
Please note that Friday, November 1st, will be a day off, so there will be no lessons on that day. 

Homework Cancellation Policy
If you notice an unhappy face ☹︎ next to your homework, this indicates that the assignment has been cancelled and should no longer be completed. Please note that repeated cancellations will result in a penalty fee.
I sincerely hope this never happens, but if you accumulate five unhappy faces ☹︎☹︎☹︎☹︎☹︎, it signals a serious concern, and unfortunately, this could lead to the termination of your course.

Using AI for Homework
This is a gentle reminder to not use AI tools like DeepL or similar software to complete your homework. Relying on AI for your work defeats the purpose of learning.
I trust your integrity, but if this becomes a recurring issue, it will not be tolerated. Please respect the learning process and put in the effort to grow your skills authentically.

Autumn on Instagram
For those looking for a casual way to boost their vocabulary, now I share daily stories on Instagram- well I am trying to- with new words and reflections on the autumn season. This is a cozy, down-to-earth way to surround yourself with English outside of class. Feel free to check it out and engage with the content whenever it suits you! The link below. 

I wanted to take a moment to share some personal thoughts with you about our time together. I'm writing this message with a heavy heart after experiencing a significant increase in issues with cancellations this month. My utmost priority is that you truly benefit from this course and find our sessions valuable and enriching. I genuinely appreciate the cooperation we've built, and I strive to make our learning environment supportive and effective for everyone involved.

I understand that life can throw unexpected surprises our way—illnesses, emergencies, and unforeseen events happen to all of us. When these situations arise, they can disrupt our plans, and I empathize with that. However, when cancellations occur, especially with less than 24 hours' notice, it becomes challenging for me to adjust my schedule and provide the flexibility that everyone deserves.

I don't want to put you on the spot, and I hope you feel the same way towards me. To ensure that our cooperation remains strong and that the course continues to be beneficial for all, it's important that we adhere to the 24-hour cancellation policy we agreed upon at the start. This policy helps me manage my time effectively and ensures that each of you receives the consistent attention and support you need.

I also want to remind everyone that cancellations should be made through the website using the cancellation form, not via WhatsApp. It saddens me because we established this policy years ago, and while new students adhere to it, some of my seasoned students seem to be neglecting it. I value our relationship and hope we can all follow these guidelines to make our time together as productive as possible.

Please note that if you submit a cancellation less than 24 hours before a scheduled session, this cancellation is not eligible for a complimentary catch-up session. If you wish to make up for a missed session cancelled within this timeframe, the catch-up session will be considered a paid session. 

If you feel that this policy is something you cannot comply with, I  respect your decision. You're welcome to explore other options that might better suit your scheduling needs.

I kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. 

Completing Recordings and Vocabulary Notes

Please remember to complete your recordings immediately after each conversation. This not only helps you keep track of your learning but also ensures you're reinforcing key concepts. After your classes, use the Recordings button on the right to upload your recordings—this will be our main method for submitting them going forward. Additionally, take a few moments to prepare notes with key vocabulary from the session. Don’t wait—act right after your discussions to make the most of your learning!

Check Your Equipment Before Class

Please ensure your equipment is functioning properly before your classes. Technical issues can consume valuable class time, which we want to avoid. While I understand that unexpected problems can arise, being proactive is key. Update your Zoom app, check your headphones, and test everything before class begins. Your preparation makes a big difference—thank you for your cooperation!

Policy for Cancelling and Rescheduling Classes

There are no changes to the policy for cancelling classes. You will still need to use the cancellation form for this process. If a class can be rescheduled, I will offer you alternate options. However, please keep in mind that cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to be eligible for rescheduling. Unfortunately, any cancellations made within this timeframe will not be eligible. While I understand that emergencies happen and will try to be flexible, it's important to have clear rules in place. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Feedback and the Terrific 10 Program

A big thank you to everyone who submitted feedback last week! I truly appreciate your input. However, not everyone was able to share their thoughts. Based on the feedback I received, it’s clear that the Terrific 10 program didn’t resonate with everyone. While I personally found the program valuable, given the time commitment and the limited interest, I’ve decided not to continue with it. Though I’m disappointed, I believe it’s best to focus on initiatives that have broader support. 

Article on Leading Questions

I’ve recently written an article on the topic of leading questions, which I believe you’ll find very insightful. While we’ve covered open-ended questions during our discussions on empathy, I am not planning to dive deeply into leading questions. However, I consider them just as important. That’s why I’ve taken the time to compile ideas and resources into this article. The link HERE.

Alright, we’re almost there! Wrapping up testing, relishing our feedback sessions, and squeezing in final catch-ups. Here comes summer!

Summer is pure bliss—a time to recharge our batteries and embrace the joy of doing absolutely nothing. So, for those of you coming back next year, enjoy two glorious months to actually miss your classes.

​Does this mean no summer classes? Yes, it absolutely does. But don’t despair! Here’s how to make the most of your break:

1. Revise the Terrific Ten: Pick different words each week and jot down examples in your file.
2. Create Spidergrams: Unleash your inner storyteller.
3. Binge Our Video Library: I’ll keep it freshly stocked.
4. Practice English Globally: Find chances to chat with people around the world.
5. Read My Blog: I’ll be posting some personal musings.
6. Join Summery Chats: Casual, feedback-free conversations announced via WhatsApp. Book quickly, hop on Zoom, and chat about anything under the sun—literally!

​Ensure your Quizlet sets are fully prepared for next week's tests—no excuses allowed! Please!

​Please confirm if you wish to continue with the course. A special link was sent to you via WhatsApp for this purpose. It's important that you carefully review the options and make an informed choice, as previously there have been issues with selections being made randomly and then changed, leading to misunderstandings.

​If you would like to share this offer with a colleague, please use the link to the current offer. Note that this offer is only valid through May. In June, I will begin the enrollment process with an updated offer. I want to thank you, my current students, for recommending me to your colleagues and sharing my contact details. Please ensure that anyone you refer mentions your name during the enrollment process.

​I've updated the "About Me" page on my website with testimonials from students, sourced from my LinkedIn profile. If you have positive feedback to share, I would greatly appreciate it if you could post it in the Recommendation Section of my LinkedIn profile. Thank you in advance for your support!

​I understand the challenge of conveying this message after being away for two weeks in April. It's important to maintain consistency in class attendance. That's why I've designed flexible course options like the Americano and Espresso courses. These are not meant to reduce lesson time, but rather to provide more flexibility for fitting classes into your schedule. Please make every effort to attend regularly.

​Here’s an update on our upcoming schedule due to the May bank holiday. Both May 1st and 3rd are holidays, so there will be no classes. However, I will be available and holding classes on May 2nd. If you are unable to attend your class on this day, please remember to fill out the absence form. Additionally, I’ve scheduled the first week of July for catch-up sessions, so there will be opportunities to make up any missed classes.

The May challenge will focus on sharing things you're passionate about. Whether it's a book you've read, a movie you've seen, a unique dish you've tried, a favourite hangout spot, a song you love to sing, or an item of clothing that defines your style, I want to hear about what makes these things special to you. Be prepared to enhance your presentation with rich vocabulary—aim to go beyond simple phrases like "good" and "I like." 

Our challenge in March was focused on video watching, and I've continued to upload new videos weekly since then. While watching these videos isn't mandatory, they offer great exposure to the language and can enhance your learning experience. You can find them HERE — feel free to explore and enjoy these resources at your own pace.

Please remember to stay diligent with your Quizlet assignments. I've noticed some of you might not be taking it as seriously as needed. While I've been granting more autonomy recently, it seems necessary to reinforce the importance of this tool. To ensure you're truly benefiting from your Quizlet vocabulary, I'm planning a comprehensive test covering all the words we've studied. This test will take place during the last week of May or the first week of June. Start reviewing now to ensure you're well-prepared!

I've posted a new entry on my personal blog about a delightful experience at Peggy Porschen. You can read all about it HERE. Enjoy diving into this pinkish adventure!

I prefer to keep our communication on Zoom chat, but for those of you who've asked for Friday notifications on Whatsapp, we'll make sure to send them there as well. The main thing is that you get the message! :)

In April, I'm excited to present the "Did You Know...?" challenge! To kick things off, you're invited to prepare an engaging piece of information—it could be historical, scientific, amusing, or even personal; the possibilities are boundless.
Examples
Did you know honey never spoils and can last thousands of years?
Did you know octopuses have three hearts?
Did you know my first job was at a local bakery?

It's time to take the Terrific Ten to the next level. Some of you have already started writing examples and compiling words in a Google document. Now, I'd like to make this a standard practice for everyone. If you have your own document, please share the link with me. If not, I'll create a document and request that you insert a word along with an example sentence or sentences. Let's keep the momentum going!

​The BOOKING PAGE is now accessible for reservations. Availability is limited, with only a few slots remaining. Please be reminded that reservations are exclusively open to students who have previously cancelled a lesson with advance notice.

This week's March video challenge introduces you to the world of stand-up comedy. Approach this challenge with an open mind and don't let any initial difficulties deter you. Comedy, particularly stand-up, can be complex to grasp due to its often context-free nature and reliance on cultural nuances. If you're concerned about understanding, I recommend starting with American stand-up comedy, as it may be more accessible and easier to follow.

​I've decided to utilize ​WhatsApp for communicating about rescheduling options, recognizing that not everyone is continuously available on Zoom, and there are occasions when timely communication is crucial. For all other matters, we'll continue to use Zoom for our communications.

If you encounter any issues with your learning space, such as inaccessible homework links or other resources, please don't hesitate to inform me immediately. Don't wait until your lesson to report these problems. While it's my duty to ensure you have all necessary materials for learning and self-study, occasionally, oversights and technical glitches can occur. Your prompt feedback helps ensure a smooth learning experience.