Small Talk, Great Conversation
Small Talk serves literate, non-native English speakers who seek to advance their conversational abilities and build confidence to communicate more freely with native speakers.
The mission of Small Talk is: 1) To provide diverse groups of non-native English speakers a safe, non-threatening, relaxed environment to practice newly acquired English speaking skills in order to gain confidence communicating in English so they can participate more fully in daily life; and 2) To link participants with the resources and services of the Plano Public Library System.
Small Talk fits the niche of a growing number of people who learned English grammar and composition in their native countries but have been unable to become fluent speakers because of lack of confidence and practice. By allowing Small Talk participants to speak freely in small clusters in a loosely structured setting of three to four participants with one facilitator, they are more apt to share ideas and develop self-esteem. The facilitator’s job is to encourage participants to keep the conversation going.
As more and more immigrants and refugees arrive in this area, Small Talk is meeting a need to help these residents become self-sufficient in their English-speaking communities.
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Small Talk Schedule
Sessions are offered in six to eight week increments.
Spring 2008 Sessions:
January 22 – March
13
and
March 25 – May
8
Schimelpfenig Library
Tuesday afternoon: 12:30 – 2pm
Davis Library
Thursday morning: 10–11:30am
Harrington Library
Wednesday afternoon: 1:00 – 2:30pm
Haggard Library
Tuesday evening: 7:00 – 8:30pm
*Register in person at the library
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