, James Bertolini, Michael Lenartz (on the right) at the Mayor's Office in Zelenogorsk.jpg "12 Bonnie Sumner (in the center), James Bertolini, Michael Lenartz (on the right) at the Mayor's Office in Zelenogorsk.jpg")
August 1999
SLS--Summer Language School, but also Students Loving School--provides a balance of academic, career exploration, sport, and culture into two wonderful weeks in Siberia. It is an opportunity to work with highly motivated students who are taking vacation time to learn in a camp-like atmosphere. Learning and teaching in the SLS departs from the "teach to prepare for the test" syndrome.
Students explore learning in co-operative learning groups and hone real life skills through creative and innovative teaching strategies and curriculum. It's not all work and no play, because part of the learning process is learning how to use recreational/leisure time. There is something for everyone: soccer, volleyball, badminton, swimming, singing, dancing, and lounging with friends. Excursions into the city for a museum visit, attending a concert or city fair, and of course shopping help solidify newly formed relationships.
For teachers outside of Russia, traveling to Siberia is a rare gift. The geography is overwhelmingly beautiful and is only surpassed by the people one meets and the friendships that are made.