Summers at the Ball Park
08/05/13 Filed in: English Now!
Every culture is unique in their traditions with regard to summer. Some are similar, while others, can be surprisingly different. One thing the US and Japan share, however, is a love of baseball.
Growing up in the Detroit area, summertime meant $2 bleacher seats at Tiger Stadium, watching Cecil Fielder slug homers out of the park, eating hot dogs, drinking pop, and just talking to friends. Baseball is a great bonding experience, and the relaxed conversations shared at the ballpark seemed to take place in a safe, carefree atmosphere. When you aren’t worried about being judged, it’s easy to express yourself, share your stories, and just... talk.
When you study in class or by yourself, before you start, think baseball. Imagine the smells of the ballpark: hot dogs, soft pretzels, nachos, churros, and fries. The unmistakeable sounds: the crack of the bat, the sound of a glove snatching the ball out of the air, and the emotion of the crowd. The happiness and confidence you feel when at a game with friends or family. The ball park! You’re at your team’s home, your home away from home! The same is true when you come to English Now!
We, the teachers and staff, want you to win! We want you to feel at home, to feel comfortable and, dare I say, “pumped.” We want there to be emotion in the classroom: happiness, laughter, and encouragement by all, for all. Help make your class—your team—in this image. The Great Bambino said, “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Sure you won’t always be right, but sometimes you just need to swing at the pitch and see what happens. You might hit it clear out of the park! Go Tigers!
Growing up in the Detroit area, summertime meant $2 bleacher seats at Tiger Stadium, watching Cecil Fielder slug homers out of the park, eating hot dogs, drinking pop, and just talking to friends. Baseball is a great bonding experience, and the relaxed conversations shared at the ballpark seemed to take place in a safe, carefree atmosphere. When you aren’t worried about being judged, it’s easy to express yourself, share your stories, and just... talk.
When you study in class or by yourself, before you start, think baseball. Imagine the smells of the ballpark: hot dogs, soft pretzels, nachos, churros, and fries. The unmistakeable sounds: the crack of the bat, the sound of a glove snatching the ball out of the air, and the emotion of the crowd. The happiness and confidence you feel when at a game with friends or family. The ball park! You’re at your team’s home, your home away from home! The same is true when you come to English Now!
We, the teachers and staff, want you to win! We want you to feel at home, to feel comfortable and, dare I say, “pumped.” We want there to be emotion in the classroom: happiness, laughter, and encouragement by all, for all. Help make your class—your team—in this image. The Great Bambino said, “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Sure you won’t always be right, but sometimes you just need to swing at the pitch and see what happens. You might hit it clear out of the park! Go Tigers!
John