Kala TP #3

Thamer is my third tutee. I texted him letting him know I would be in the Starbuck's cafe, at a table with a green backpack. Thamer replied talking about the clothes he was wearing, and the colors they were. Realizing I would need to be the one to go to him, I found him as he was waiting in line for a drink. 

Thamer is from Kuwait. He is studying to become a lawyer and has promised to take my call whenever I am in trouble. He was very up-front about needing to start at "zero" with grammar, as he had only recently come to the United States. I clarified that, perhaps, he would need to start at "ground zero." 

We began with some exercises in his workbook about words used to communicate certainty, obligation, and advice. The phrase that I think was hardest for him to practice in use was "may." I tried to simplify the concept by telling him that you use the word to ask for or give permission. I gave him several examples and then tried to practice it with him. 

"Thamer, can I use your phone?"

"May you."

"Try to reverse the words, treat may like a verb." (There is a better way to explain this, but I haven't bought the grammar cheat sheet from Bill's yet.)

"Thamer, can I have the rest of your caramel frappucino?"

"You may."

I then discussed with him how to politely deny permission using may, as I hadn't modeled it yet.

"Thamer, can I have your car?" 

"You may." 

He's a funny guy. 

"Thamer, can I schedule you for a tutoring session Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday?"

"You may not."

We then talked about how, when you are denying permission, you say it less politely, and slightly firm. 

I gave Thamer a brief home assignment, for which he would need to write 10 sentences using "B" words from his vocabulary list. I told him I would be very sad if he didn't do his homework, and that I hoped he wouldn't forget to do it when he was in Cancun for spring break. Of course, he laughed and said he would complete. He said.