Languages we speak

Last English Speaking Practice for Kherson and Mariupol Youth took a deep dive into the essential topic of language learning. From the easiest aspects to the trickiest challenges, we shared our experiences, techniques, and favorite ways to remember new vocabulary.

Some participants mentioned that listening and understanding spoken English feels intuitive, especially when exposed to movies, TV shows or music. Another key point was motivation - when we’re interested in the language, whether for travel, career opportunities, just for fun, learning becomes an exciting journey rather than a task.

Also most of students agreed that mastering grammar rules and exceptions can be difficult to understand. Another challenge is speaking fluently without overthinking or translating from our native language. However, thanks to our VSPP, Alana Underwood, our members feel free to speak and discuss different topics.

At the end of the session we all got inspired and motivated. And most importantly, we reminded ourselves that making mistakes is a natural part of the process - every error is a step closer to fluency!

Are you ready for a pet?

Last session of English Speak Out Club for Kherson and Mariupol Youth we dedicated to one of the most heartwarming topics - PETS 🐶🐱🐰! To start the meeting, we watched a short, fun clip from the “Secret Life of Pets” - a perfect way to get students engaged. Next, we introduced key pet-related vocabulary, including pet care essentials, nutrition and their accessories. Everyone shared their ways of taking care of their loved ones, making it a lively and dynamic conversation. We also had some debates. Students were asked some thought-provoking questions such as “What are the pros and cons of having a pet?”, “Should exotic animals be kept as pets?”, “What are the responsibilities of a pet owner?” This practice was a fantastic way for students to improve their English fluency, critical thinking, and confidence in speaking while discussing a topic they love.

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.