Many people who study foreign languages struggle with real conversations. They have learned scripted dialogues in class, and they are capable of ordering in a restaurant or asking for basic directions. But most foreign language students are unprepared for real, unscripted, unpredictable conversations.

In this club, it might look like we are just being silly, talking about pets, or snacks, or music. But behind each pleasant conversation is a detailed lesson plan. 

The learners will start off each session with a few drills to warm up including vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation exercises.

The rest of the meeting session will be a conversation around the assigned theme. If we're talking about pets, I will ask them how they care for their animal (a sequencing exercise.) If they don't have a pet, I might ask them what kind of pet they would like to have some day (a conditional exercise). If they used to have a pet, I will ask them about their memories (a verb tense exercise). 

I will also encourage the learners to speak to each other so that they can learn the real-time skills of participating in an unpredictable conversation in English. Speaking with a variety of people will enhance the learners' listening and comprehension skills.

I have taught this curriculum to learners with absolutely no exposure to English up to intermediate and advanced level learners, all in the same class. The mixture of skill levels works very well because the advanced speakers can set an example for the beginners to help them gain expertise and confidence. This class can serve A1, A2, B1 and B2 CEFR learners.  

This is a course that learners can repeat over and over again. I often change the lesson themes so that the conversation topics are new; however, repeating the same topics is also a valuable exercise because as their language skills develop, the conversation can take an even more interesting turn. 

As the learners advance beyond a beginning-intermediate level, I will open up a CEFR C1-C2 level class to continue their studies.

Week 1 - Food (Vocabulary, Grammar, Pronunciation, Discussion)

Week 2 - Pets (Vocabulary, Grammar, Pronunciation, Discussion)

Week 3 - Sports (Vocabulary, Grammar, Pronunciation, Discussion)

Week 4 - Movies (Vocabulary, Grammar, Pronunciation, Discussion)