I Feel You

June 30, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

I feel you is a colloquial phrase used to show empathy.  It basically means that you understand their feelings.  Since it is colloquial, you wouldn’t want to use this phrase with superiors at work or in formal writing.  However, it is an excellent phrase to show sympathy. Example: “I am upset.  My boss is making … Read More

Pull Some Strings

June 30, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

I had to pull some strings to get Tim Horton’s cups in Korea.  My friend had to send me a package (a trophy 😊) and I asked him to put in a few extra things.  Since I am planning on doing a Tim Horton’s lesson (Canadian café and donut shop), I wanted to have real … Read More

Tim Horton’s

June 29, 2021By Tim SchilstraSpeaking - SIETTP 2021

July 1st is Canada Day.  We celebrate the birth of our country.  I would like to share one part of our culture with you, Tim Horton’s.  Tim Horton’s is a cafe and donut shop in Canada.  It is quite famous and there are many around the country.  However, the way that we order coffee is … Read More

Solve the Problem

June 29, 2021By Tim SchilstraSpeaking - SIETTP 2021

In 2020 there was a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes.  Both goalies were injured for the Hurricanes.  What do you think they should do.  In this lesson groups will try to find solutions to real world problems.  After taking up the answers, we will see the real world solution.  There are … Read More

Ranking

June 29, 2021By Tim SchilstraSpeaking - SIETTP 2021

One fun way to engage students in education is to use lists.  In this lesson we explore one type of list; ranking.  The warm up game is based on Twitter emojis.  The main activity is deciding on a crew to go to Mars.  Choose 5 crew members including a leader.  Why did you choose those … Read More

To Die For

June 28, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

At my institute, we have a six-month teacher training program for Korean teachers.  One of the things that I do in that program is a murder mystery.  It is a unique experience that allows trainees to practice speaking in a fun role play.  So, I thought my phrase today should be related to murder.  I … Read More

The Canary in the Coal Mine

June 27, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

A sentinel species is a type of animal that is used to detect environmental risks to humans.  The sentinel animal is affected before humans are.  One example is cats.  Cats are more susceptible to mercury poison.  In Minamata Bay, Japan, cats developed “dancing cat fever” when exposed to too much mercury.  The sick cats imply … Read More