We had a “full house” on Friday, April 18th, even though it was a teacher work day and attendance was optional. We all know that this shows how professional and motivated the PIE educators are!
We started with by reading the Glossary of Language Varieties. Then the teachers read and discussed an essay about AAVE. 
The pronunciation work included lessons on the /s/ and /z/ sounds and on the importance of voiced and voiceless consonants. The teachers practiced lengthening vowel sounds before voiced consonants in order to improve the rhythm of their speech.
The teachers also worked on 5 new idioms including: “hit the nail on the head” and “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”.
During the last part of the class Realista lead a discussion on language mentors and Jake and Helen shared their experiences with the group.
REMINDER! Those teachers who did not send Susan an voice recording should do so using the easy recording tool below.
Those who have already sent a recording are welcome to send another one using the new paragraph posted below the original.
I really had fun last Friday. Actually every meeting is a learning opportunity for me, not to mention seeing friends and colleagues whom I only get to see on occasion like this. (I am not referring to a couple of teachers I always meet on a weekly basis, you know who you are.)
Honestly, I didn’t take too much attention on how I say or read frequently used words until now I am taking this class. I became conscious on how I say (stretch) word and put stress on each syllable.
Dear Susan,
The lessons you gave us last Friday were excellent! It has been my long dream to take up a lesson about spoken English and here you are giving it FREE. You are heaven sent. I am more confident in speaking with the native speakers now. Thanks to you.I will miss you when the sessions will be over. See you on Friday. I have yet to submit my requirements.