The learning begins

Playing the guitar and discussing rock music with my students was fun but one day Marie, a rather serious minded 15 year old, dropped a bombshell.

'Could we study something about modals tomorrow please?' she asked.

'Modals?? You mean models? Supermodels? Fashion?'

I had been a bit concerned about Marie.  She hadn't wanted to discuss her favourite actor, fashion, shopping or any other normal topics.  Instead she had preferred to write her diary and had once even asked for homework.  Now at last it seemed that she was coming out of her shell.

'I'll bring in some fashion magazines tomorrow,' I reassured her.

'No, I mean modals.  I want to study modal verbs and how they work.'

I went home to quiz my brother.  There was no Uncle Google back in 2003.  Or if there was, he wasn't the clever know-it-all he is today.

'What are modal verbs?' I asked.

The next day I delivered my first grammar lesson.  True, we covered only modal verbs of obligation...but it was a start.  It wasn't long before all sorts of grammatical points and structures were rearing their problematic heads.  The second conditional was a favourite.  After we had gone through the structure, it was time to practise using it.

'Julie, give me an example of the second conditonal.'

'Umm, if I had a lot of money , I would buy a big 'ouse.'

'Good! Pierre?'

Pierre was an earnest looking fifteen year old with teenage spots and glasses.  He spoke slowly and hesitatingly.

'If - I - were - a - girl - I - would - stay - in - my - room - and - look - at - myself...'

And he allowed himself a slow smile of satisfaction.