Rogers library host to English-skills group

ROGERS — A group at the Rogers Public Library is focused on helping people improve their English speaking skills with an emphasis on learning by doing.

Rosa Guevara, multicultural librarian, co-hosts the “English Conversation Group” every Thursday from 2-3:30 p.m at the library.

The discussion group is for people who want to learn how to speak English better or want to know how to better help people to learn English, Guevara said. Anyone can attend, not just non-native English speakers. The group is open to all skill levels, and members benefit from hearing everyone speak and converse, she said.

The group’s activities differ from week to week to keep things fresh for learners as they practice speaking English. Guevara said they may have a whole group conversation, have topic-based discussions or separate into peer groups based on skill level.

Guevara said the group sometimes watches a movie that group participants can then speak about and use words from the film in discussion. Recently the group watched “Finding Nemo,” then discussed the plot and the vocabulary words used in the movie.

The group is sometimes referred to as a class because of the focus on learning, but there are no tests or curriculum, said Keli Wright, a library circulation associate. Wright co-leads the group with Guevara. Simply put, the group does various activities while practicing how to use English “in real-world settings,” Wright said.

She said the group focuses on dialogue and “little things” such as pronunciation and idioms.

The group can be therapeutic, Guevara said, because members can connect with each other over their similar experiences and learn together. She said members seem more confident in their ability to speak English as the class goes on.

Wright said participants feel welcomed, not judged, and are “extremely supportive” of each other. She said some people come “just to talk” or to hear and be around more conversation in English. Some come because they want to learn how to read or to get a library card.

A majority of participants are of Spanish descent, Guevara and Wright agreed, but people from anywhere are welcome. They said people from other countries, such as Turkey, Thailand and the Philippines, have attended sessions.

Wright said the group exposes attendees to American culture and helps them acclimate to the culture. She said people who have gained citizenship, as well as those in the process of attaining citizenship, attend the class, and that gives the group a way to “practice citizenship in a fun way.”