Before you begin reading:

​

Please note that I no longer update on this platform.

​

If you want to follow me, please go to Interpretive ESL Teaching and subscribe over there, that's where I continue with this blog!

​

Thanks!

​

What do I mean when I say Interpretive ESL?

 

I used to call it Improvisational ESL when I was referring to the actual classes. This was probably because I was teaching my students the fine art of improvising in English.

 

Interpreting: Finding

alternatives to

traditional thought

 

I didn’t want to feel trapped by the accepted interpretations of my work as an ESL teacher. I was not satisfied with what others told me would work, I had to find out first if they were right, second if I could offer an alternative.

 

Reinterpret: Shedding

new light on

an old thought

 

I began to take concepts such as grammar, pronunciation, listening, speaking and redefine them, both for myself and my students.

 

• Grammar became a discovery of patterns.

• Pronunciation became vocal dance lessons.

• Listening became the recognition of some, then more, then more of already learned material.

• Speaking became theatre.

 

Speaking as theatre

 

It is there that Interpretive ESL teaching has its basis. Theatre is an art that can include all arts, music, painting, dance, drama, comedy, voice, interpretation. Interpretive ESL is a training program quite similar to that which actors and actresses go through: movement, voice, memory, interpretation, communication, understanding, listening, speaking.

 

All aspects of ESL methodology can be included in Interpretive ESL. I chose only a few in my own practice, which I have chosen to share in the books and blog.

 

So many times I’ve had fellow teachers tell me that what I do is more because of who I am, my own training and formation, impossible for anyone else to do. Perhaps this is true; however, I am not sharing a method, I am not giving a gimmick that will work if you follow the instructions.

 

I am sharing my own interpretation of what ESL teaching can be.