Global Perspectives

Only in the U.S.A: Wonderful afternoon with elementary children

Introduction: As writing instructors in UWRF’s English Language Transition (ELT) Program one of our missions is to involve English learning students in campus activities while strengthening their knowledge of English. We could think of no better way to do this than to have them publish an article in the Student Voice. What you are about to read is the final product of several sessions of brainstorming and writing followed by consultations with native speakers including some from the TESOL program and the Student Voice. -- Kiki Augustin (ESL 211 Intermediate Writing) and Alex Hatheway (MODL 310 Advanced Composition)

It was the first afternoon I was with the children of Rocky Branch Elementary School since we six Chinese students started as trainee teachers.

Entering the dining room, we found that children were more orderly than our imagination. Most of them sat down and ate instead of running around. Halfway through the meal, two naughty boys ran up behind us and danced. Of course, they were taken back to their seat. It was not until the teacher announced that they could go, they stood up and put everything back in its proper place.

Then, several girls took us to the playground. Once outside, we could see a big grassy slope and some children sat or laid on the slope. These little girls led us up the grassy slope and showed us how to roll down it. After that, they invited us to roll down the slope together. We couldn’t resist giving it a try. The feeling of rolling uncontrollably down the grassy slope was very good.

Next, they invited us to play at nearby recreational facilities. There are swings, monkey bars, and climbing facilities like a very small climbing wall. Some children climbed up and down happily while other children played catch-up games. It’s fun to watch kids play, but it’s even more fun to play with them.