CM1/CM2 students at Ecole Jacques-Prévert in Rœux recently returned from a trip to New York City—having been transported to this iconic American city during a recent lesson.

We started our voyage by reading together the first few pages of the English storybook Hello, My Name Is Lily from New York City. This book builds upon what students have been practicing lately: how to introduce themselves in English. In the book, Lily, a young New Yorker, shares with the reader a little about herself and her city.

Lily points out some of the most notable sights of the Big Apple (a nickname, students learned, refers to New York City). If you visit New York City, you will certainly see several yellow taxis cross your path. And as you walk down Fifth Avenue, skyscrapers will shade your path from the sun shining above. Maybe you’ll visit one of the tallest skyscrapers, the Empire State Building, or take a stroll through Central Park.

After reviewing some of the vocabulary presented in the book, I shared with the students some of my own pictures of New York City, which I took during a summer when I was there. With each picture I presented, I asked students, “What do you see?” And they responded with some of the new vocabulary: “a taxi,” “a skyscraper,” etc. Certainly, the next time these students visit New York, they’ll be ready to describe to you all they saw on their trip!

My name is Courtney Hlebo.

I am from California, in the United States.

I am 24 years old.

I like writing, cooking, reading, and doing yoga.

This year I have traveled to Switzerland and Spain. I hope to travel to Italy soon.

Last year I lived in Ventura, a city in California by the beach. I worked as an editor, helping to make books.

This year I live in Arras. I teach English at schools in Rœux and Monchy-le-Preux.

Next year I will live in the United States again.

Ventura is well-known for surfing. This is a popular sport in California. Many surfers come to Ventura to ride the big waves on the ocean using their surfboards. I tried surfing once. I liked surfing, but it is harder than it looks!

ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL THIS YEAR

Outside of school, I have been enjoying making new friends in France. I think people in this region are very friendly and welcoming. In November, I invited some of my new friends to celebrate Thanksgiving with me. Thanksgiving is an American holiday where we eat a special meal with family or friends. We also talk about things we are thankful for. I am thankful for my family, my friends, and my country. I am also thankful to be in France this year.

Listen to Courtney give this presentation in English!