The Story Club is a month-long class that helps students better understand American culture. We use many aspects of culture so that people get the best possible experience!
The topic for November is ADVICE and begins on November 1st
A big gap exists between English for communication and English for culture. Most immigrants and non-native English speakers are left alone to figure out the culture of the United States. The Story Club is for English learners who sometimes wonder what the hell Americans are talking about. The Club is for anyone who has wanted to join a conversation but felt like they didn’t have the right words. It is for people who understand the subtitles of a movie / TV show but do not understand the context. The Club is for people who have wondered why everyone was laughing because you missed a joke. It is for people who have said something that was accidentally offensive or rude. If any of these situations sound familiar, then the Story Club is for you.
What is the Story Club?
The Story Club is a subscription-based class dedicated to helping English learners better understand American culture. That means you can participate one month at a time, paying for access to each month’s material. Club students will get material that helps you feel more confident in your knowledge of the United States while also growing your English language skills. Best of all, Story Club students can do this at their own pace. There is no need to worry about schedules: the Club is here for you whenever you want it.
What are the goals of the Story Club?
Club students will have greater confidence in describing, talking about, and living American culture. You will be better able to participate in work chats and meetings, to follow along with the news, and contribute to small talk that we Americans love to have. :) The stories will make you feel more integrated into the American experience. The Club activities will increase your listening, speaking, thinking, and writing skills in English.
How do I sign up for the Story Club?
You can register for the Story Club by clicking this link: Story Club Enrollment Form
What can I expect from the Story Club?
You can expect to learn about American culture in a fun, safe, and stress-free way. The two stories selected for each month’s Club will come from podcasts and music, YouTube and news videos, as well as poetry and short stories. Each story will cover an important part of the American experience. The Club activities gives you unique opportunities to grow into American culture through speaking and writing.
Videos that explain the key parts of each story so that Club students better understand what is happening and why.
A PDF that explains key expressions and vocabulary — as well as how to use them in a natural conversation.
Speaking and writing activities that give you specific challenges and goals. Students will use the language of the stories to speak and write in English.
Regular participation from Donald! Each student gets direct feedback from me about everything that you do. ;)
Additional resources about each story and their topics. These resources will allow Club students to go in depth even further, learn more, and of course practice your language.
A live, virtual conversation with all Club members at the end of the month.
What English level do I have to have?
The Story Club best fits for students at the B2-C2 levels. But! The Club is open to everyone of all language levels. The stories and activities will offer students at the A1-B2 levels some unique challenges towards strengthening their English skills.
What do I need to participate in the Story Club?
All of the Story Club activities will take place in Google Classroom, so you only need a Gmail account!
How much time will it take to listen to / read / watch the stories??
Not long at all! I respect your time. The shortest story may take only 5 minutes while the longest may take 15 minutes. Story Club students can focus on enjoying the stories and engaging with the activities. You do not need to worry about spending a lot of time on them.
At what time does the Story Club meet?
Any time that you want! The Story Club is asynchronous. That means you can participate in the Club’s activities whenever you want! I will post the two stories and their activities at the beginning of each month. We then have the entire month to enjoy the stories and participate in activities. My hope is to have at least one “live” class at the end of each month.
What is the cost to participate in the Story Club?
The first ever month of the Story Club -- September -- is free. FREE. You will have the ability to try out the experience before you make a decision to participate.
The general price for the Story Club is $40 -- or, about $1.30 per day. Much less than the cost of a coffee at Starbucks. :)
Current students at Donald’s English Corner receive a 25% discount, or $30 per month.
New students to Donald's English Corner can receive one of two different discounts if they purchase six months of the Story Club: 1) the same 25% discount that current students receive, paying instead $30 per month... or 2) a 15% discount on five one-on-one classes with Donald.