This Project Brings Humanity To The Classroom By Connecting English Students In Brazil To Seniors In Chicago

Seniors find joy in teaching English online while students in Brazil feel connected to those overseas and brush up on their skills.

Via laurajul.dk

When it comes to learning - and especially learning a new language - textbooks often fall short of really helping students understand the world around them, and how to polish their new skills. However, CNA, an organization that focuses on teaching language, has developed a new approach that uses technology and some of the world's most experienced humans to teach young Brazilians English.

They call it the "speaking exchange." Lonely seniors in Chicago are paired with young Brazilians in the program and participate in weekly video chats.

Via bluebus.s3.amazonaws.com

In these video chats, conducted solely in English, both the teens and seniors are encouraged to share about life in their respective countries and talk about the differences and similarities not just culturally, but also with respect to their ages. This gives seniors someone to talk to, and students someone to practice English with.

Via imgs.abduzeedo.com

Sometimes the chats can get very personal.

Via i.dailymail.co.uk

Both seniors and students have developed deep relationships for each other over the process, making language come alive and useful for something beyond just grammar texts and comprehension - true communication!