I love my adult English students, really I do. They are diligent, punctual and enthusiastic about grammar, vocab exercises and some reading. They do their homework and even ask questions about it.
Today, I decided to take another approach to English and did an exercise with some popular British celebrities.
Most didn't even know who George Michael was.
Moral of the story:
It's hard to teach English using famous people
or
George Michael should start visiting public toilets in Switzerland.
The following 6 users would like to thank olygirl for this useful post:
I love my adult English students, really I do. They are diligent, punctual and enthusiastic about grammar, vocab exercises and some reading. They do their homework and even ask questions about it.
Today, I decided to take another approach to English and did an exercise with some popular British celebrities.
Most didn't even know who George Michael was.
Moral of the story:
It's hard to teach English using famous people
or
George Michael should start visiting public toilets in Switzerland.
I thought he was Greek. And a one time "slightly popular with teenagers" pop singer.
I thought everybody in Switzerland knew Wham. Whenever I have been there at Christmas they seem to be playing 'Last Christmas' at every opportunity. Perhaps, because it was filmed in Saas Fee.
Yes we the 40-50s definitely know Wham. It coincided with Radio Couleur3 starting in Romandie which started airing in 1982. Most of the programming was new wave. Duran Duran, Human League, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Talk Talk, etc... and Wham.
Great stuff.
Next time when there's sunshine, for a bit of fun, you should take your students to the Tropicana Club for some free drinks - there should be enough for everyone.
[Oh for the music of the 80's, eh?]
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I thought he was Greek. And a one time "slightly popular with teenagers" pop singer.
I think his parents are of greek origin, but George was brought up in England.
I'm mid 30s and love his music, including his new stuff (Precious box, Round here, Shoot the dog) etc. I also find he's a very level-headed celebrity. Sure he's done some whacky stuff (which I don't personally condone) and his lyrics can *sound* promiscuous, but the messages behind them mostly advocate love/monogamy or make a political statement. Admittedly 'Amazing' seems to suggest that "kissing as many as you want" is a good thing...
Anyhoo, Good on you, Olygirl, for putting some spark in to your English lessons Perhaps you could take a GM song which either sets the context as a warm-up for your main lesson or use a song with the right grammar as the focus for the whole lesson. What level students are they? Careless whisper uses mostly present simple, and most people know it. Let me know if you need some ideas on setting a song up .
__________________ I didn't lose my mind. It was mine to give away - Robbie Williams
As Hev from Eastenders would advise you, download onto your ipad/pod/android thingy or whatever Careless Whisper music vid and play it to your students.If nothing else it will get you 5mins of peace and quiet. Simples
Last edited by grumpygit; 30.03.2011 at 08:31.
Reason: typo
I used to teach English back home and I used a similar tecnique where I would print a big picture of a celebrity ( I had to check with my sisters who are younger if my pupils were also younger) and they would describe the person, what they are wearing, physical appearance etc, it is a good exercise! I never used George Michael though but you bet that Britney Spears was popular
I think his parents are of greek origin, but George was brought up in England.
I'm mid 30s and love his music, including his new stuff (Precious box, Round here, Shoot the dog) etc. I also find he's a very level-headed celebrity. Sure he's done some whacky stuff (which I don't personally condone) and his lyrics can *sound* promiscuous, but the messages behind them mostly advocate love/monogamy or make a political statement. Admittedly 'Amazing' seems to suggest that "kissing as many as you want" is a good thing...
Anyhoo, Good on you, Olygirl, for putting some spark in to your English lessons Perhaps you could take a GM song which either sets the context as a warm-up for your main lesson or use a song with the right grammar as the focus for the whole lesson. What level students are they? Careless whisper uses mostly present simple, and most people know it. Let me know if you need some ideas on setting a song up .
This would be the same bloke that hangs around public toilets looking for casual sex with a stranger then?
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Who's George Michael?
I guess I gave away what age group I'm NOT in ...
Perhaps, because it was filmed in Saas Fee. 
Perhaps you could take a GM song which either sets the context as a warm-up for your main lesson or use a song with the right grammar as the focus for the whole lesson. What level students are they? Careless whisper uses mostly present simple, and most people know it. Let me know if you need some ideas on setting a song up 
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