I’ve worked at WAL for many years as an activities coordinator with our English language students. At the beginning of each new term, I must plan a menu of things to do, see or play so that the students can enjoy using the English language skills they are learning at WAL.

But sometimes… I just need MORE time to think up something. Getting that perfect “idea” at the beginning of a session just doesn’t come very easily. There are times you just can’t get an old idea out of your head. How do I let myself think of ideas that are new and different for our students, and yet still have an excitement about it for myself as well?

How about by thinking of NO IDEAS at first? (Do I have your curiosity now?)

Not long ago, I found an activity that’s become a favorite every session. It’s called, “Super Surprise Thursdays” at WAL! At the beginning of a term, I just tell students something is coming on a particular Thursday, but not WHAT. It’s not until the day before or day of the event do I tell them what it’s about. It’s been fun, spontaneous, and keeps everyone on their toes. Whether it’s a surprise guest speaker, a game, or an Italian movie with a free pasta lunch on a given Thursday — I like “treating” the students to something enjoyable and unexpected.

I guess it must be that my brain needs extra time to ruminate and think of what would be fun for the students – in regards to their personalities and interests. But it seems to always work out. But I guess I wouldn’t be thinking about these things all the time if I didn’t LOVE working with my students.

And I guess that’s the best ingredient of all—our students! And that’s no surprise at all, that’s for sure!

-Debbie Chan, WAL