| Two years ago, my son
Eric and my niece Alice came to Talenty School and began to
learn English together. Every teacher was kind to them. “Don’t
be shy, just try!” they always told the children. Eric and
his big sister liked English very much. Last summer, they
took part in an English competition in Taiyuan. There were
many funny things during those days. Let me tell you something
about them.
Eric was 9 years old last year. He usually did not believe
himself, but he studied hard at school. “There will be a
big competition in August, I hope you can take part in it,”
his English teacher, Miss Wu said, “What do you think of
it?” “I’m afraid of…” Eric said in a weak voice. “Don’t
make the decision at once. Think it over.”Miss Wu encouraged
him.
When he came into my room and told me about the English
competition, I said with a smile, “Don’t worry about it.
Miss Wu and I will help you.” Eric said, “Many people will
watch me. I must be making some mistakes.” After a while,
I put all of his animal toys on our long sofa—they were
Miss Rabbit, Mr. Monkey and Mrs. Mouse. “We are watching
you now. Listen! Ladies and Gentlemen, clap your hands please.
This is No.1 student, Eric!” Eric stood in front of his
toys and opened his mouth slowly, “Hello! I’m Liu Gaoshouyi
…”
Alice was braver than her brother, but she sometimes forgot
some words of the story, so she listened to English tapes
from morning till night. On Sunday, the cousins acted for
us at home. Alice wanted to be the first one, and we agreed.
“My Chinese name is Guo Qiyue. Today, I will tell you a
story…” The story’s title is “Please send me a card”. It
was very interesting, but she forgot the third sentence
once again. I wanted to remind her of it. “Don’t interrupt
me! I can remember it!” she answered me angrily. We waited
and waited, but nothing happened. It’s a hot day, you know.
Everybody was hungry and thirsty at that moment. Three minutes
later, Eric asked his sister, “May I have some water?” “I’d
rather have some noodles.” Alice gave up the hope and laughed
loudly.
In October, we saw the two cousins in the TV program on
“English competition”. They both won the silver medals.
I think the little prize is not important. The most important
thing is that the children are growing up, and they get
to believe themselves. Rome is not built in one day. They
know if they have made progress, they must keep it up.
(作者：太原·迎泽分校 刘高守一家长)
|
