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English Ears

When you’re learning a new language, situations where you can practice are all around:

  • joining a conversation group
  • running errands
  • going shopping
  • talking to other parents at the park

However, you don’t always participate in English when you have the opportunity, do you?  It is really easy not to listen.  Isn’t that why you use earphones?  Or maybe you close your English ears and plan your day in your familiar language.  Your native language is helpful when trying to understand a new concept.   It’s also good for cheering up if you’re homesick.

However, if you intentionally ignore the English around you, you’re closing the part of your mind that actively learns.  Then, you miss the easiest opportunities to learn, which don’t even require speaking!

If you don’t believe me, just start paying attention to how often you close your English ears.  How many opportunities are you missing per week?  Per day?  More than one per day is too many.

You can keep your ears open in the car – listening to the radio, news, or music…or while shopping – listening to the people around you.  At the grocery store, listen to how the guy in front of you orders his sliced turkey or fillet of fish.

So, why not start now?  If opportunity knocks, you’re English ears should hear it!

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Tags: Critical Thinking, Just Plain Helpful, Listening, Reflective Teaching, Useful Information by Debra
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4th of July Fireworks in Richmond, VA

The activities are family/child oriented, and there is usually a wide variety of things to do and see.  You can show up early for the party, or you can just attend the fireworks display (which is what I usually do).

This is a good list of fireworks locations in Richmond to find a display near you.  In case the link breaks:

  • DOGWOOD DELL: July 4th at 5 p.m. -  Byrd Park Carillon area – free.
  • FIREWORKS AT THE DIAMOND: Fireworks: July 1st, 3rd, and July 4th. Game at 7 p.m., fireworks after.  You can watch the fireworks without going to the game.
  • BRANDERMILL FIREWORKS: July 3rd -  Fireworks  – Sunday Park at the Swift Creek Mill Reservoir: 9:15 p.m.  Free.
  • THEME PARK FIREWORKS: Kings Dominion – July 3 and July 4. Busch Gardens – July 2 through July 4.
  • POWHATAN FIREWORKS: Hugenot Fire Department – July 3rd. Gates open at 5 p.m.
  • CHESTERFIELD FIREWORKS: July 4th – Gates open at 5 p.m., fireworks after dark.
  • FORT LEE FIREWORKS: July 4 -  Gates open at 2 p.m. Fireworks: around 9:35 p.m.
  • COLONIAL HEIGHTS FIREWORKS: July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
  • RACETRACK FIREWORKS: July 4th.

For fireworks information near Midlothian, try this link.

Richmond.com also has a detailed list which tells more of what to expect.


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Tags: Summer Activities, Useful Information by Debra
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