One of the more recent blogs I’ve subscribed to is that of ESL teacher, Chris Ballard. Born in Hawaii, but now residing in Yanai city in Yamaguchi, Chris runs his own English school out of his own home.
Another disgruntled English teacher? NO!
What makes this blog so unique is that instead of criticising the ESL industry, or even writing articles on “how to teach English”, Chris shows us exactly what he is doing with his students through a diary-type blog that includes photos of their work, and reasons for the activities he chooses.
Examples from Chris’ English School
Recent posts on Chris’ English School include Girls Up which has some great photos of his students studying hard, a look at using a Nintendo DS as a study tool, a selection of photos of his students’ diaries, showing just how much English they are getting through, and motivating posts such as January 2008’s Top 10 students.
A must-read for wannabe school owners
As an ESL teacher myself, what I find most compelling about Chris’ blog is the passion he has for his chosen profession. Very few people care enough about their work to want to blog about it everyday. I’d recommend it to any ESL teacher, but especially to those who are hoping to set up their own school in the future. Having the freedom to teach from home and decide your own curriculum is the dream of most Eikaiwa teachers in Japan, at least those who plan to stay for a while. Subscribe to Chris’ blog and watch how he does it.
I don’t have the energy to teach!
I often feel that way, and it turns out I’m not the only one. It seems teachers across the nation rely on some form of energy drink. My sugar-rush of choice is Ripobitan D (third in this list). Chris swears by the new make-me-happy Garlic Power. How about you? Do you load yourself up on these liquid energizers? If so, which ones?
If you like, you can find me on Twitter at @nick_ramsay. I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks for the write-up!!!
The School is separate from my home (they are actually 2 homes connected). I made the classroom look like a living room on purpose. The atmosphere is much more relaxing for the students and I, than it would be in your typical cookie cutter classroom with recessed lighting and chairs/desks.
We will tear down both homes in the spring and build a 4 story building so my challenge will be making a comfortable classroom in a new building. (a lot of redesigning of blueprints in my near future).
And yes I do love teaching! I think I’m blessed to have the skills to do it well.
Thanks for the review Nick!!
Mahalo’s and Aloha!!!
Wow, good luck with the “reform”!