Season’s Greetings, SPLIS-ers!

I hope you are well in body and spirit despite the busyness of life.

Wow! The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity, and now the year is winding down. However, there is still time to add a bit of freshness to your December lessons or get your new year off to a bright start. This issue of As We Speak includes two articles on listening skills (including one with step-by-step instructions for making good use of a popular online resource) and one on pronunciation instruction. I honestly enjoyed reading each one and hope that you do, too!

Although it’s early yet, I’m anticipating attending the TESOL Convention in Baltimore in April. In the interest of being thrifty, my goal is to successfully complete early registration. As a procrastinator, this is a big deal for me, but I want to guarantee my place in an atmosphere resplendent with mutual respect and support. It’s also nice to visit a different city and get out of the office/classroom for an uplifting breather.

And speaking of early birds, it’s always a good time to send in a newsletter submission. The next issue is months away but you may be brimming over with excitement about something you’re experiencing in your classroom this term. Please go ahead and write about your successfully executed lesson or a tip you’d like to share with other ESL/EFL instructors.

Best wishes into the New Year!

Demi

Demetria Li has an MS in TESOL from Mississippi College and is the speaking and listening coordinator for the Intensive English Program at the University of Alabama. She regularly teaches ITAP classes, has a fierce passion for training teachers, and actively engages in helping others bridge cultural gaps.