October's Volunteer Team is in Full Swing!

Wednesday, October 13

Thought for the Day: “A smile encourages acceptance; conversation fosters understanding.”


Today was my third day at Nemeth Laszlo primary and middle school in Hodmezovasarhely. At the school I co-teach with several Hungarian teachers of English. The school provides bilingual English/Hungarian instruction in some subjects, as well as teaching English. The staff are welcoming and a joy to work with. So far I have taught with Zsuzi (Suzi), Csilla, Anna, Ibolya (Violet), and Anna Marie. In class we provide general to specific conversational practice, and I contribute to the daily lesson (social studies).

The students are enthusiastic, polite, and attentive. All it seems, are eager to strengthen their English speaking ability. They are also curious about other countries, including the United States and in particular New York and Los Angeles. They wondered if I liked their city and some were surprised — happily so - when I stated that I prefer Hodmezovasarhely to Budapest.

In articulating, the students have difficulty with 'th' and 'w,' so we made a sort of repetitious game to practice the sounds. They did better than I did when they were trying to teach we have to say the last part of their town's name and similar sounds.

It was an excellent day.

Oh — I should mention that the students wanted to know if I had eaten any Hungarian food that I like - “yes,”I said “stuffed cabbage.” We had an excellent meal at a Hungarian restaurant tonight — wonderful stuffed cabbage, delicious crepes for dessert.


Brenda McNeal