The experience of waiting

Waiting is a part of life, but how do we handle it? In our latest English Speaking Club session for Kherson and Mariupol Youth, we explored this topic with Alana Underwood, a VSPP, discussing how often we wait, what we do while waiting, and its impact on daily life. We learned sone great expressions like “killing time” and “good things come to those who wait” and shared our thoughts on them. We also dived into this conversation sharing our experiences of waiting in common daily situations (public transport, doctor’s appointments, queues etc.). We discussed patience vs. impatience, sharing stories and coping strategies.

It was another great, inspiring and engaging session where we all improved our English.

Are you up for making stories?

Learning a language is not just about textbooks and grammar exercises - it’s about real communication, creativity and fun! Last time we had an amazing English Speaking class for Kherson and Mariupol Youth with our friend, a VSPP, Alana Underwood. To warm up, we started with a classic game of Pictionary. Each participant took turns drawing a word or phrase while the rest of the group tried to guess what it was. The game was so entertaining and created a friendly atmosphere. Once we wrapped up with drawing, we moved to the next challenge - storytelling. All participants created a short story, incorporating elements from their sketches. This activity encouraged spontaneous speaking, expanded vocabulary, and helped students practice structuring their thoughts in English.

The Power of Board Games in Language Learning

Last Monday, we had an exciting English Practice session for Kherson and Mariupol Youth, and it was all about board games. Why Board games? They are a brilliant to for language learning. They encourage players to communicate with each other. This natural interaction helps build vocabulary, improve listening skills and boost confidence in speaking. We choose some games on interactive platforms such as @genially_official and @coolenglish_ . Alana Underwood, a VSPP, prepared additional questions to students to get to know them better.  

By the end of the meeting, it was clear that board games are not just a source of entertainment but also a powerful educational tool.

Have you ever used board games to learn a language? Share your experience in the comments 👇

On the Job Hunt

Our last speaking session was full of discussions about different kinds of job and how to discover your passion for a fulfilling career. It was an engaging journey into the world of work, aspirations and personal choices.

We started off with a fun and thought-provoking “Would you rather” activity. It was a great way to get our youth participants thinking about their preferences. One of the surprising insights was that most students chose a job they love over higher-paying but less enjoyable one. This gave us a wonderful starting point to think deeper what truly matters when it comes to choosing a career. Some members shared their dreams of becoming artists, engineers, IT specialists, whole others leaned toward more social paths.

Thanks to Alana Underwood, we all could not only improve our speaking skills but also inspire deeper self-awareness and confidence in pursuing dreams.

Mood Boards or How to plan a year

During our last English Speaking Practice for advanced learners, we explored the inspiring topic of Vision Boards and their role in achieving goals.

We started with a short video introducing vision boards, which sparked engaging reflections and discussions. Participants shared their experiences and strategies for planning key areas of life, such as career, relationships, and personal growth.

We also learned and practiced useful phrasal verbs like map out, stick to, and follow through, enriching our ability to talk about goals and planning.

It was a motivating session, blending language practice with self-reflection. Join us next time as we dive into more exciting topics to improve our English skills and share ideas!

What topics should we cover next? Share your suggestions in the comments!

Saving or spending good days

During the last meeting with Kherson and Mariupol youth we dived into some really vital topics that resonate with our daily lives. With our friend, a VSPP, Alana Underwood we explored questions that made us reflect on our habits, friendships, and the magic of adventure based on the movie “UP”. As we watched selected scenes, we discussed what it means to make every day count and brainstormed simple ways to improve our lives from the moment we wake up. We reflected on the traits of a good friend and challenged ourselves to consider whether we have those qualities. After that we remembered our trip and everyone shared stories of their own adventures—big or small—and how those experiences shaped them. Together, we agreed on one powerful takeaway: it’s not about where you go, but who you’re with and the mindset you choose to bring along for the journey.

The session left us inspired, motivated, and ready to embrace life with purpose and positivity.

Winter Self-Care

The holiday season has passed, but winter's chill is still in the air. This cozy yet challenging season reminds us of the importance of self-care. Recently, during our English Practice session for adults, we explored the theme of Winter Self-Care, sparking meaningful conversations and a bit of fun along the way. 

To kick off the session, we shared our personal interpretations of winter. Using thought-provoking phrases, participants crafted sentences that expressed their feelings about the season. For some, winter is a time of quiet reflection, while others see it as a chance to embrace new habits and routines. We then delved into practical ways to care for ourselves during the colder months. Together, we reviewed some essential tips for staying healthy and happy in winter. These included:

• Brisk walking to stay active and invigorated.

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule for better energy and mood.

• Eating more vegetables, ensuring a nutrient-rich diet.

• Exercising indoors, proving you don’t need a gym or perfect weather to stay fit!

Alongside these tips, we also introduced participants to some advanced English phrases, enriching their vocabulary while promoting wellness.
To wrap up the session, we played a lively round of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” 🪨📄✂️. But this wasn’t just any game—it was cleverly adapted to consolidate the day’s topic. Laughter and learning came together as we practiced our new phrases in a fun and memorable way.
Winter can be a demanding season, but with the right mindset and tools, it’s also an opportunity for growth and care. Our session reminded us all to embrace self-care, no matter the weather, while improving our English skills along the way.
What are your favorite self-care tips for winter? Let us know in the comments! 🌟

                        

First meeting of 2025

We’ve finally started our online meetings for Kherson and Mariupol youth with our 🇺🇸 friend, Alana Underwood. At the beginning we played a funny game “5 words” where all the participants described their holidays using only five random words which were referred to activities we did, food we ate, and emotions we experienced. After that we discussed I guess one of the most popular questions “What we’re looking forward to the most in 2025”. Some of the students wait for their graduation, another ones want to take up new hobbies, but almost everyone has one desire to come to their home 🏠. We believe that this year will bring us peace 🕊️