Tompkins County Public Library

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Learning Languages

We had a lot of fun remembering how we first learned our native language. Many of us shared our struggles as we began to learn other languages. Some excellent tips were given to help in learning English. Most participants suggested that listening to a movie in English while having English subtitles was the most helpful. TCPL has a wide range of dvd's to borrow and we look forward to hearing suggestions of which titles were especially helpful or enjoyable.




Monday, February 25, 2013

Facebook page for ESL at TCPL

Hi everyone,

We have a new facebook page for ESL at TCPL. It is at  http://facebook.com/tcpl.esl .

What do you think would be easier to use - Blogger or Facebook? How many use Facebook?

We can keep both the blog and the facebook page, but so many people already have facebook accounts, perhaps it would catch on faster.

If people "like" the facebook page, we will be able to get a good idea of this.

Hope to see you on Wednesday, February 27th - we'll be talking about how we learn languages.  Do you think you  have a different personality in English than in your first language?

Friday, February 22, 2013

Our Local U.S. President


It occurred to me that in our discussion of U.S. Presidents we failed to mention that we had one born locally.  President Millard Fillmore was born just down the road in Moravia.  There is a lovely small state park that there named is his honor.  It is a place to visit in all seasons, if one skiis.  I have added a paste about the park below.

Fillmore Glen State Park is located adjacent to the Village of Moravia in Cayuga County, New York.
The primary attractions of the park are the hiking trails with views of a stream and several waterfalls, and the swimming pond, made by damming the stream. It also features a (replica) log cabin near the birthplace of President Millard Fillmore. (born 1880)
The park offers swimming, picnic tables and pavilions, cabins, a campground with tent and trailer sites, hunting and fishing, hiking, a playground, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Presidents' Day

Having just celebrated Presidents' Day, our small conversation groups discussed our general knowledge of former U.S. Presidents and their accomplishments. Participants enjoyed comparing our current President's policies with those of his predecessors such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Our ESL members shared their thoughts on topics ranging from environmental issues and gun control to respect for teachers and politeness of public officials. We will compose a letter to President Barak Obama reflecting our groups' ideas and mail it to him next week.


Next week's topic: Learning Languages

 
   
                                                                                
                                                                              

 


 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Valentine's Day ESL Session

The first session of our "Spring Semester" was a lot of fun! Our conversation groups were filled with stories of how we met our significant others and how this holiday is celebrated around the world. It was great to see some of our former participants and welcome some new ones. We even spent a few minutes reading messages from candy hearts and trying to understand idioms such as "puppy love" and what exactly is a "blind date." Join us next Wednesday, February 20 as we discuss U.S. Presidents.

Friday, February 1, 2013

WELCOME

Having fun at ESL Snack and Chat
Welcome to the Tompkins County Public Library ESL Snack and Chat Program. We will meet every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 in the Borg Warner Room beginning February 13, 2013 through April 10, 2013. Everyone is welcome to join us as we enjoy chatting with one another about a wide variety of topics. There is no registration required, so please just stop by any Wednesday afternoon.