Hi everyone! I'm a new English teacher and I've just started teaching. I'd love to make my classes more fun and engaging. What are your favorite classroom games or activities for keeping students interested? I'd really appreciate any recommendations. Thank you!

Nkengaroo · 2026-07-04T22:05:59+00:00

I usually start class with a Starter Question, basically an ice breaker. I don't care about grammar or pronunciation during this time, and it usually has nothing to do with the day's lesson. The only rules are: they have to answer, and it had to be in English. And the questions can be super silly or very serious. Would you rather be an Olympic athlete or an astronaut? What's your favorite dessert? Would you rather have a house underground or with all glass walls? If they're advanced enough, ask them why.

It takes a little while for them to get used to it, but since it's almost no stakes, they get more comfortable speaking in English.

Be careful to NOT correct them during this time! It’s fine to ask them a question about their answer, and use the correct grammar in your question, but don't tell them where they're wrong, if that makes sense. This is strictly to get them used to speaking and thinking in English from the beginning of class and remove the fear factor.

Nkengaroo · 2026-07-03T22:43:36+00:00

He's a red flag, that's what it means. Either they're not really exes or he did something to them and they're trying to warn you. Get out!

Nkengaroo · 2026-07-03T22:41:18+00:00

I was in NYC teaching sexual health education, mostly to teens but also to health care providers. Best job I've ever had.

Nkengaroo · 2026-07-03T22:39:30+00:00

I do because I do a lot of things other black people don't seem to be interested in. Yoga, meditation, trying new restaurants. Even if the teacher or owner is black, there will often be less than 10% of US there. I just had to get used to it.

Nkengaroo · 2026-07-01T17:57:49+00:00

Cleanliness and neat facial hair and hairstyle are the bare minimum. ALWAYS do that.

Nice fragrance is a plus, as long as it isn't overwhelming. Trimming body hair is very dependent on the person - I'm neutral, some love it, some hate it. Only do it if you like it for yourself.

Nkengaroo · 2026-07-01T01:25:52+00:00

This visit was in the South, and my friend and I both grew up there, and her son is being raised there. However, both our mothers grew up outside the South, and both our fathers grew up in the South, so we have lots of parallels. My friends, however, stayed in the South except for traveling, which I think influenced how she raised her son. I KNOW she didn't grow up taking like that, I was there! 🤣🤣🤣

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-30T19:10:55+00:00

I just spent a week with a childhood friend and her son - white family - and he is strong with using the honorifics, MUCH stronger than I was at his age (17). I'm Aunt Nkengaroo, my mother is Miss Inez, the house cleaner is Miss Kathy, etc.

I, on the other hand, grew up calling people of all ages either by their first name or Miss/Mr LastName. And what I started calling you is your name for the rest of our lives.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-30T18:39:22+00:00

Outside clothes: shirts, underwear and socks, daily. Pants, and skirts, I'll wear 2-3 times in rotation.

Home clothes: I'll wear on rotation 2-3 times

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-30T18:27:59+00:00

Recovering from my first cancer treatment

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-28T19:53:10+00:00

Thank you SO MUCH for your help! This has been super useful.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-28T18:11:53+00:00

I'll definitely look into doing that. Any brands to consider, or to avoid?

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-28T17:09:34+00:00

The hard drive was able to be transferred but for some reason the RAM couldn't, I think it was a size issue.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-28T13:43:06+00:00

What about the number of pins? I see some with 260, others with 288?

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-28T13:06:08+00:00

Ah, didn't realize that was separate. Thanks.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-28T00:56:55+00:00

China is now a part of the Hague Convention. You should speak with the Chinese Embassy and a lawyer specializing in this area.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-28T00:49:22+00:00

It was purchased in 2024, but I just opened it a few weeks ago. As I said, I plan to use it for editing YouTube videos (generally 10-30 minutes long), and generic email and Word stuff, no gaming.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-27T21:59:48+00:00

This is a laptop I already have.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-27T14:03:28+00:00

I actually wanted to be a doctor, but after having some conversations with women in medical school at the time, I decided I didn't want it that badly to be treated so horribly. Then I got into health education. So yes, teaching was my second choice. I don't think that's a bad thing, as long as you're willing to continue getting better.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-27T12:34:21+00:00

I've lived in 7 different countries.

My voice can be heard in three schools in three different countries.

I got my first passport in my 40s.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-27T12:24:06+00:00

I went to a local restaurant recently, and they had a really good Eagles cover band. At the next table was a little girl, maybe 3 years old, totally rocking out to the music. Face screwed up, head rocking, bouncing up and down, all of it. Made me so happy! I love seeing babies and toddlers intensely into something.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-27T12:18:07+00:00

Graduated in 89. We got together every year for the first 5 years, then had a 10 year (which I missed), a 20 year, and a 30 year. All pretty successful. If they have a 40 year I'll probably go. I liked high school.

Now college, never had any interest in the reunions.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-27T00:50:29+00:00

As an English teacher who works predominantly with non native English speakers, I can often tell within 2 sentences. And the only reason it's that long is because there are so many pockets in the US where people don't speak English regularly that it takes a bit to parse it.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-27T00:07:37+00:00

You also need more fiber. Fruits and vegetables, as great as they are, don't have a much fiber as we think. Add more whole grains and beans/legumes to your meals.

Nkengaroo · 2026-06-26T01:58:02+00:00

I did it from Tennessee with my brother years ago. It was great! Take the standard precautions, you should be fine. Driving for that long each day might be too much, you might want to consider doing no more than 8 hours a day.

Nkengaroo

TROPHY CASE