Creative Language Learning

PEP offers some fine language offerings in Spanish and Latin. For those of you doing other languages, how are you studying them? I have tried several methods and find that it's pretty challenging to really learn a language "in the privacy of your own home." I was really sold on Rosetta Stone and I actually like the program, but I haven't really found it to really teach a student great facility with the language. Have you? What have you found that really works (or doesn't?!) for teaching or learning a foreign language?

This Website has some GREAT Resources

I love the internet -- there is no way to access even a microscopic piece of all the wonderful resources out there. One way I find my favorite places is by word of mouth (or stroke of key).

I love PEP -- and there is no way PEP can meet every need of every student. One place I have found some very interesting resources is here.

This particular page lists many, many free online high school courses, in just about every discipline. Some of the courses are actually college courses. While the website advertises itself as a gifted website, I don't believe your student (or you if you are the student) has to be "gifted" to benefit from these resources. You can find courses in all of the basic areas, plus many interesting electives. We are trying out the AP Biology this year, and I plan to do the Bowling class with my students. We tried the French course but it was too advanced for the level of language facility my student has reached. I'm also interested in the computer courses as well.

Overheard

One of my roles at PEP is Study Hall Monitor (or Study Hall MOMitor for my two students). As SHM, I check attendance for all of the classes and study halls during my shift. While collecting attendance recently, I overheard a student say the word "plethora" and go on to say that he had recently learned this word and that it had become his favorite word. Hearing his enthusiasm brought a smile to my face -- I love that word as well. I've illustrated this post with a "plethora of triangles."

Until next time,
SiouxsieQ/Mrs. Taylor/Mom

Official First Post™

In my three years at PEP, I've noticed a variety of distinctive things in the system that distinguish PEP from your run-of-the-mill public school. (Not to say anything against public schools, of course, but...you get the idea. I hope.)

1. There's no clique-based dynamic. We as the students aren't divided into the jocks, the goths, the cheerleaders, the nerds, at least not as I've noticed. Everyone's more or less treated fairly (at least that I've seen). In fact, the biggest gaps are basically between the different grades, and in some (not naming any names) the girls/guys division, heh.
   
2. The place is Christianity-based. (No-brainer, but it's more important than you might think.) That means more respect for each other and for the teachers (generally) as well as classes that involve critical worldview-based thinking. That also means the "crime" rate is down at PEP, which is always nice.
3. Smaller population. This isn't particularly important, but with a smaller class it's therefore easier to get to know more people in the class, as well as welcome new people.

So here's to you, Budweis—uh...

Here's to you, PEP, as well as Mrs. Treft, Mrs. Lange, and all the teachers and the people that work so hard to keep the Providence Extension Program alive. And kudos to all my fellow students in keeping with the good and wholesome PEP mindset.

Anonymous
[name removed for no apparent reason]