OK, like many of you, the past several years have become a time of reinventing and changing directions.
Starting in 1976, while I had no idea what I wanted to do professionally, painting windows, murals, signs, nurseries, adventure parks, homes, businesses, etc. took up decades of my life until the housing crash of the early 2000’s which crushed my tiny business.
So, I went back to college and decided to study classic English Literature, with an unofficial major in Japanese, adding words to Art…ELA really should be ENGLISH. LANGUAGES. ARTS, yeah?
If I’ve already posted this, oh well. I’m in my 60’s and reserve the right to repeat myself.
Since this is the last day of January, I don’t want to start 2024 without posting on Substack; I have been researching my favorite under-celebrated female author as well, most of my time’s been invested in a little pet project:
1st 2024 Creative TESOL Students' Challenge
5-ish years ago I went to work in Beijing as a curriculum advisor and online teacher for a couple of different schools. When I found out a grandson was on his way, home I hurried, but continued to do editing work for Chinese coworkers remotely.
“Eva” (I’m so glad they all have English nicknames, because my pronunciation of Asian languages other than Japanese is lousy) wanted to try starting up her own online school, so I agreed to be the teacher!
But there are tons of online schools and we need something to make us unique, so…let’s add in arts, crafts, cooking, acting…I’ve hopefully suggested. Toward that end, we issued challenge number ONE 一番!! and here are some of the fabulous creations students have turned in!
“Tiffany” and her little brother are my FAVORITE video!! No, her English isn’t stellar, but the back up vocals by her brother are!! I’ve listened to this & laughed repeatedly.
Richard” deserves to be showcased as one of those shy kids who ALWAYS steps up and brings his best, determined effort to every class. He and his supportive mother bring sanity to crazy early morning online teaching!
And the most professionally executed video is brought to you by “Dove.” Appropriately nicknamed because she’s shy during class, you’d never know it in watching her video and I’m so impressed with this coloring effort!!!
I welcome ideas for other creative challenges as I’ve promised our fledgling school “CEO’s” that I’ll make one in February (there’s a 2 week break coming up because the Lunar New Year is as big as Christmas when it comes to holidays in Asia) and then 2 a month thereafter.
Words ARE art, so why not combine the Arts in whatever form, to help the rising generation engage in its glorious potential!
HAPPY YEAR OF THE DRAGON and I welcome your submissions in the comments! Nothing is more fun than seeing/hearing/reading what others create. I enjoy it as much or more than creating on my own!
If you love dragons, SHARE, please!