English students want to make a Connexion with readers
Language students in Indre-et-Loire regularly put their English skills to the test by reading the paper
An adult English language class in Indre-et-Loire has found The Connexion to be a useful learning aid and members would love to meet any English-speakers who could spare a Tuesday afternoon to go along and chat with them.
Retired secondary school English teacher Patricia Claveau holds classes and contacted us to report that the group of senior pupils has been meeting for the last three years and has taken great pleasure in reading the newspaper. “We like its sympathetic and accurate views on France, our country”, she said “and so, in spite of Brexit, we would like to carry on celebrating the mutual esteem that unites our countries!”
Mrs Claveau says that pupils appreciate the articles on animals and gardens: “We learn things we didn’t know about our country, for example in the Did You Know column, and read about things that aren’t in French newspapers. We would, though, love to see more recipes.”
As an exercise the pupils wrote some letters to The Connexion. Catherine Utéza, who is in the advanced group wrote: “We are a small group of French retired people. We are learning English in an association and we buy The Connexion every month. We and our teacher read a few, small articles to discuss together. It’s interesting to discover British opinions!”
Suzanne, who doesn’t give her surname, is in the intermediate group: “May I introduce myself? I am Suzanne, I am retired and I want to improve my English. So, I attend an English class with other people. We are used to reading and working with The Connexion which is very interesting.”
Jacques is in the advanced group: “Dear newspaper, What a surprise learning there was a newspaper for English people living in France. It’s a pleasure for French people as well. Various articles: visiting France; economics (what a pity with Brexit!) articles about gadgets, history… All is complete and interesting, the only trouble is it’s written in English !!! Go on, it’s my pleasure reading you.”
Mrs Claveau says her students are enthusiastic and would willingly offer a cup of tea to anyone who would like to come and talk with them in English.
They meet at the Espace St Leger, Joué les Tours. Contact Mrs Claveau patwil51@gmail.com
