Top 15 HLS Memories of 2014

2014 was a great year for Horne Learning Services. We tried a wide variety of different topics for classes and really had some unique and fun adventures on the way. Here is a run-down of our 15 best memories from 2014, in chronological order:

#1

In February 2014, Qi Yao won the Horse Sound Competition

#2

We introduced a new annual award to recognise students who have shown extraordinary commitment. In March 2014, Jen Yee won the Longest-attending Student award

#3

First class at Petronas (PC MTBE) in Gebeng on 20th March, 2014

#4

On March 27th, 2014 we held our first ever food testing class. Everyone brought along some food and we described the taste and our level of enjoyment, expanding vocabulary and filling our stomachs! It turned out to be the first of many

#5

Opened up a good friendship with Sharon, the HR Manager at CSA Chemicals Sdn.Bhd. at Kuantan Port, where we taught an English course to a class of staff

#6

Group photo on the last English class with employees of CSA Chemicals Sdn.Bhd. with HR Manager Sharon on the right (21st May, 2014)

#7

In May 2014 and beyond, we enjoyed having colour-themed classes. Here, our fantastic students pose with Mr. Duncan

#8

In June 2014 we conducted a special FIFA World Cup comprehension class for our adult students

#9

A laser pen class photo stole everyone's attention in July 2014

#10

August 2014 was the month of our first ever English class project - The Night Project. We supplied trophies, certificates and consolation prizes to all the best projects. There will be another two projects in 2015

#11

Ah, the chocolate class! In September we delighted in a little chocolate in our adult classes, which went down a treat!

#12

On 13th September, 2014, Superman made an appearance at an HLS English class! (Superman outfit modelled by Edric)

#13

On 2nd October, 2014, we completed our English course with staff of Mega View Hotel

#14

The Christmas Project, in December 2014, was the second project of the year. Students had fun expressing their creative forces on a Christmas theme

#15

The 4 students who attended class on 26th December, 2014 helped themselves to our Christmas tidbits including kek lapis, fruit cake, chocolate chip cookies and honey cornflakes!

That was our year. We are really excited to get started with 2015 and look forward to making many more wonderful memories!

The "Chocolate" lesson - for adults

This month we are conducting a special lesson dedicated to chocolate - the food of the deities. Students will read a short article about chocolate, where it comes from, and how it grows. They will answer several comprehension questions on the topic.

Mr. Duncan will then present five different chocolate items for tasting. Students will then right down lists of words that describe the taste of each piece of chocolate.

Samples of chocolate ready for tasting in adult classes in September at Horne Learning Services

The final part of the lesson will see students have an opportunity to speak to the class on the topic of chocolate.

We are looking forward to this exciting class and hope our students will find it worthwhile and memorable!

Completed English Course with CSA Chemicals Sdn. Bhd

In May 2014 we completed our 14-class English course with a group of staff at CSA Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. at Kuantan Port. We thoroughly enjoyed our time teaching English there and made some good friendships with the staff whom we interacted with on a weekly basis.

It all culminated with the final class in May 2014 where we presented certificates of course completion to the attendees, offered a plaque to the management, and in return received a gift from CSA Chemicals.

The main entrance of CSA Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. at Kuantan Port, where we trained staff in English since February 2014

Mr. Duncan, on behalf of Horne Learning Services, presenting a plaque to the management of CSA Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.

Receiving a gift from the management of CSA Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.

Pictured here with Sharon, the HR Manager at CSA Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. It was a pleasure coordinating with her throughout the 14 weeks and we became truly good friends

Final class photo with Mr. Duncan's English class at CSA Chemicals Sdn. Bhd

Partnership with CSA Chemicals Sdn Bhd

Horne Learning Services is delighted to announce a partnership with CSA Chemicals Sdn Bhd. Having the same colours in our logos reflects the same standard of quality we both strive for.

We are teaching a 14-class English course to a group of 13 staff at CSA Chemicals Sdn Bhd. The first class took place this week and went very well.

Mr. Duncan has tailored a syllabus with specific exercises to help the staff in their day-to-day work.

CSA Chemicals Sdn Bhd staff with Mr. Duncan of Horne Learning Services during English class at Kuantan Port

The Word Bank

To our students, young and adult, and to the parents of our students, here is an explanation of some exercises we are doing this month.

During the month of October 2013 we are conducting exercises from "The Word Bank." The Word Bank consists of various English words, which are made up of correctly and incorrectly spelled words, as can be seen above. Identifying the misspelled words and correcting them is one of four exercises being carried out this month.

In the second week of October, students will be asked to make 3 lists of words from The Word Bank, by searching for 'feelings', 'colours' and 'occupations.' For example, 'excited', 'pink' and 'pilot.' Once they have completed their lists, they will write sentences by combining 3 words in their lists. For example, "The pilot was excited because he saw a pink cloud."

In week 3 students will be searching The Word Bank for synonyms (words which are similar in meaning) of 'happy', 'big' and 'very.' Perhaps you can find some yourself!

The final exercise throughout week 4 will involve our students looking for words that begin with 'a', 'b' and 'c'. They will then practice writing sentences with those words in the past, present and future tenses.

The Word Bank is a large collection of grammar exercises, but designed to be done in a much more fun way than just going through page after page of workbook questions. Practicing English grammar can, and should, be a lot more fun and interesting!

July Agenda

I prepare each month's agenda pretty much at the end of each month and rely solely on inspiration to guide me in what sort of activities to do. There are a few exercises like a popular word game that we do each week, but other than that, it goes by inspiration.

Once in every two months we will watch a movie with our students, complete with questions, to test their listening skills.

Once in every two months we will conduct a specific reading exercise, usually a short story written by myself, including a number of writing, comprehension and grammar exercises, all related to the story.

At least twice a month I will have the students stand up in front of the class and speak about a certain question or topic.

I'm very excited for this month and the exercises we have lined up. Here's what's going on at Horne Learning Services in July:

JULY AGENDA

WEEK 1

• word game and sentences
• Speaking exercise
• Creative writing

WEEK 2

• word game and sentences
• A-Z list of words, story writing

WEEK 3

• movie week

WEEK 4

• word game and sentences
• Speaking exercise
• Creative writing

Looking forward to a great July. There is also a 5th week this month, so there will be no classes from Monday 29th July - Friday 2nd August. (On Saturday 3rd August we will be conducting replacement classes for the two groups on Saturday).

M is for Make an effort!

(During the month of April we are participating in an A-Z challenge hosted by Arlee)

We'd love your support by 'like'-ing us on facebook. Just click here: 

HLS English Classes Kuantan

I love nothing better than to see a student join my class who has a deep desire to learn, improve and be committed to the lessons. They arrive on time, come prepared, listen attentively, contribute to the lesson and have plenty of questions to ask me.

Our key point #5 states that a 'Balanced Effort' is required to increase proficiency in the English language. That involves reading, writing, listening and speaking. We weave all 4 elements into our English classes.

Which element of English do you struggle the most with? Which do you enjoy the most?

I is for International class

(During the month of April we are participating in an A-Z challenge hosted by Arlee)

We'd love your support by 'like'-ing us on facebook. Just click here: 

HLS English Classes Kuantan

We were thrilled to meet up with some people from Russia when they came here for a holiday. It was lovely teaching them English every day. Now they are back home in Russia, one of them has become our international student.

We teach one of our friends from Russia via Skype every Saturday. It's been an interesting experience teaching English by a video call. Of course, the method of teaching is different to the usual classroom lessons, but it is also enjoyable.

How do you keep in touch with international friends?

First English lesson via Skype

Today we conducted our first English lesson via skype with our good friends from Russia whom we blogged about previously.

English class via skype. I'm wearing the sunglasses to block the bright computer screen!

The skype call went well and the English lesson lasted for 90 minutes and included some speaking, reading and writing exercises.

We are gathering ideas for the skype lessons so hopefully we'll come up with a whole English syllabus in the near future.