Opening the Window to America

Every Sunday, I attend a literature discussion at the local library's Window on America Center. Windows on America (http://www.woa-ua.org/en/) is a program throughout Ukraine that is supported by the US Embassy. This resource center allows anyone with an interest in American culture and/or the English language to come by and attend discussions, watch movies, use computers, hear lectures, etc. Sunday night is set aside for a literature discussion that is usually moderated by David and Linda who are other Peace Corps Volunteers in Zhytomyr. But since they are away for the holiday, I was asked to stand in. Here is what we did.

I first asked the participants to read the Jamaica Kincaid poem "Girl". This is a different sort of poem in that it is a list of short commands given to a girl. We don't know who this girl is and we also do not know who is the narrator. But buried somewhere deep in the poem are two instances where the girl responds to the narrator. This is an excellent tool for language learners in that readers must work together to read and discuss the poem. Also, the sentences are very short, punctuated by semicolons so students with weaker language skills will still be able to participate. From a cultural standpoint, it allows readers to discuss things like parent-child relations, gender roles, growing up, and responsibility. When reading and discussion is complete, then the fun really begins. Today I asked the participants to work together in groups and write a similar poem called "Worker". They had to come up with ten things their bosses have said to them. They also have to respond two times like the girl in the poem. I think they did an excellent job!

Girl by Jamaica Kincaid

http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/girl_by_jamaica_kincaid.html