Enjoying English!

The ESOL Conversation Class

Wednesday is always a good day!

It’s 10.15am and a circle of 20 green chairs stands ready in the middle of Shepherd’s Bush library. The first keen participants begin to arrive. A smiling woman from Syria, a delightful senior from Bangladesh, an elegant woman from Japan… We all know each other well and chat  together like old friends. Some newcomers shyly introduce themselves; an au pair from France who has been in England just a few days, an Italian man hoping to find work in London, a Libyan lady who has brought her neighbour with her…

Now it’s 10.30am, and there are a dozen of us as the class begins.

We go round the circle saying our names and where we are from, and something we have done this past week. By the time the last person introduces themselves almost all the 20 chairs are taken. By 11am we have grown to 25 people or more – one crazy Wednesday in September we even reached 40! There are so many people wanting to learn English in Shepherds Bush.

Most of the students are women, with just a handful of men. I love to hear the list of our different countries; Japan, Mongolia, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Algeria, Somalia, Italy, Spain, France, Brazil, Panama… It feels like a meeting of the United Nations, with the shared aim of speaking English, and, through our conversations, to become friends. Some have come to London for just a few months specifically to improve their English. Others are hoping to make Britain their home, and so crucially need English to work, to talk to their children’s teachers, to speak to the doctor, and, for some, as part of their application for UK Citizenship. It is not an easy task, especially for women already very busy looking after their families – and I am always struck by everyone’s eagerness to learn and the attention they bring to the class and to each other.

I discovered the pleasures of teaching English 5 years ago, when I was living in Barcelona. Taking the Cambridge CELTA qualification deepened my understanding and interest. It is very satisfying to help someone to learn a new language, especially one of such international significance as English, knowing that it can open such important and enjoyable doors in their lives. Teaching through conversation brings the extra pleasure and privilege of getting to know someone from a totally different country and culture.

When a new teacher was needed for the ESOL group at my local library, I was delighted to volunteer, and to have the chance to use my skills and experience for the benefit of my local community. Here I am, 18 months later, still looking forward to my Wednesday mornings!

The hour and a half of our class follows a particular theme, and introduces an area of grammar or vocabulary. I try to include information about British culture, as well as topics of particular interest or use to them: from Bonfire Night to the Royal Wedding, from visiting the doctor, to cooking and their favourite food.

Part of the time we talk in pairs or small groups to make sure even shy members get to speak. Sometimes we play language games. We have had end of term parties with fantastic food from around the world. Our conversation is always lively and interesting – and we have fun together. For me, learning English must be enjoyable, and our ESOL group is not just about improving language skills, it is also about creating a sense of community that celebrates our diversity, and where people can feel welcome and make new friends.

It’s great that our libraries offer a range of special interest groups. Why not join one this New Year? And if you have a particular interest or skill to share, or would just like to get involved, why not become a volunteer? I can certainly recommend the experience.

The Shepherd’s Bush Library ESOL Conversation Class is 10.30am to 12pm, every Wednesday during term times.

No need to register, just turn up for a warm welcome.

John, ESOL Conversation Group Volunteer