The last week of classes is generally hard to focus, but thankfully we have a very interactive learning experience right now. We are practicing a technique of learning language called "Total Physical Response". A Polish lady comes into our class and acts as our language helper to teach us her native tongue. We started out with basic vocabulary involving eating utensils, having her say the names of a couple of them until we could successfully point to the correct one as she said the Polish word for it. The plates, cups, and silverware were spread out on the table where we could easily pick them up and point to them. We gradually added new items as our comprehension of her initially indistinguishable sounds began to be discernible in our minds. We aren't allowed to speak yet, because our teachers maintain that early language learning should be primarily about comprehension. It isn't very flashy when you want to show someone how many Polish words you understand, but it has proven to be a fun and interesting way to learn. Making associations between what the Polish words and tangible objects is far more effective than if I were trying to memorize the English equivalent to each word, so that I would have to translate each word in my head before understanding it. We won't learn much Polish, but it has been fun to use a real language to practice this technique.
You can pray for me next week as I will be traveling and visiting friends along the way to Idaho. This semester has flown by!