It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that students bring a notebook to class where they can write down new words or grammar concepts and practice their writing skills during the grammar lessons.  Powerpoint presentations, pdfs, visual aids, and worksheets will be provided to students after most classes to reinforce the lesson content.

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

On several weeks during this course, we will talking about subjects that COULD lead to sensitive discussions.  For example, we will be talking about feelings, health, and world cultures in weeks 6 and 7.  While the vocabulary for these lessons will include words associated with psychology, physical and mental health, race, ethnicity, and religion, the purpose of the classes is NOT to discuss the philosophies associated with any of these topics, or to resolve any controversial issues but rather to be able to use appropriate English vocabulary and grammar in conversations related to these subject areas.  

Here are two examples: 
When discussing emotions, temperaments, and psychology, it is important for students to know vocabulary relating to their emotions, the names and characteristics of different temperaments, the names of certain emotional disorders or mental health conditions, and some basic psychology terminology related to these conditions in order to talk about their own mental and emotional health.  We will not, however, enter into conversations about the causes or treatment of those disorders.

In a discussion on world cultures, it is important for students to know the names of each race, ethnicity, and religion associated with different countries and regions of the world so that they may talk about their own origins and beliefs, but we will not discuss controversial topics like racial tension or differing world views.  One goal (for example) would be to learn that the religion of India is Hinduism or that many countries in the Middle East follow the teachings of Islam and are called Muslims.  We will not, however, be discussing the beliefs of any of these religions or their affects on individuals or society.

The same is true for all topics covered in this class.  Our goal is always to increase students' English vocabulary and emphasize grammar concepts relating to each topic area.  Controversial discussions will not be allowed.  If students' conversations veer toward controversial or sensitive areas, I will immediately redirect them back to neutral ground.  Any learner who repeatedly violates these guidelines may be muted or asked to leave the classroom.