Practise your English with us in one of our sessions.
We run regular English sessions online.
Check the calendar for details of planned sessions.
How do you join a session?
- To attend one of our sessions you will need a good, stable internet connection. You can log in using most devices, but on a PC or laptop, you should have the Chrome browser installed. Then you simply need to register on the forum, and follow the instructions you will receive.
- To speak in any of our sessions you will need a good headset / and or microphone.
- We realise not everyone can take part in our live voice sessions, so we try to provide recordings whenever possible. Make sure you have subscribed to our YouTube channel . (Please note: for copyright reasons, not all sessions will be made public).
- You can join any session once it has started, but please try to be on time.
What do we do in the sessions?
- In our teacher led sessions we often use the time for a bit of listening, reading, and speaking practice. This means active listening, and you reading, so be prepared to read out loud and to ask/answer questions about the topic.
- Book Club - In these sessions we read out loud. Due to time restrictions not everyone will be able to read, but we do try to make sure everyone who attends regularly has a go.
- Let's Talk About It - We usually start with a topic. This can involve an article or short skit to get people to speak out loud. We try to give feedback on English pronunciation and English speaking skills, if you don't want any feedback, just say so.
- Fridays (TGIF) - This is an informal session, and you are invited to come along to relax and just chat about anything and everything (within the guidelines). This is the best session for people new to the Network, as we can try to answer any questions you may have.
This gives everyone the chance to speak English freely. Common topics of conversation are: introductions, current events, food, books, movies, sports, hobbies, art, music, education, family, holidays, travel, and the weather (Teach is British after all). - In the Absolute Beginner's or Back to Basic's sessions Teach will present new vocabulary, or points of grammar at a very slow pace. You are welcome to listen and ask questions. If you wish to participate as a speaker, join the Absolute Beginners group in the forum, and let Teach know.
- In Aladdin's sessions anything can happen: Drama - Games - Tech Talk - Forum Topics ... You can listen to some of the sessions on Spreaker.
What should you do in the sessions?
When you enter any session for the first time make sure your mic is muted, and type "Hi" in the text chat window.
If you want to speak type "mic", and when it's appropriate the session organiser will invite you to "take the mic". You can then talk by unmuting your microphone, and speaking into your mic, (don't forget to mute your mic when you've finished).
We use the following codes:-
- mic = I want to say something.
- 111 = I can hear you
- 222 = I can't hear you
- 2121 = the sound is breaking up
- ccc = the connection is noisy
- ??? = I don't understand.
- 999 = you are speaking too quickly
We don't mind if you just want to listen to start with, but you will be encouraged to speak.
We will also encourage you to take part in the wider community.
Oh and don't worry if you're having a "bad hair day", we don't use web cams, voice is enough.
How much does it cost?
As usual, all the activities we run are free, the cost to you is your time and participation. Of course, we do need sponsors , but only if you can afford to.
If you have taken part in a session, posting about it in the community, on the forum, or on social media is really appreciated. Remember - Your feedback helps us to improve future sessions.
For more information and guidelines please read our English Chat page.
By taking part in any of our sessions, you agree to be bound by these rules and guidelines.
As mentioned above, we often stream our sessions live, and the subsequent recordings may be posted to our YouTube channel (or other hosting platforms). By participating in a session, you are granting us permission to do so.