Chimayo Press

08/20/2026

“Reality cannot be ignored, except at a price; and the longer the ignorance is persisted in, the higher and more terrible becomes the price that must be paid.”
— Aldous (1894-1963), British author and social critic

Do you agree? Disagree? Why? What is an example? Can you tell us more?

07/31/2026

Do you agree? Disagree? Why? Can you please share an example?

Strong speaking skills are rarely built through memorization alone.
They grow through interaction.
When learners discuss meaningful topics, share experiences, explain opinions, and listen to different perspectives, they practice the kind of communication used in real life.
As Carl Jung observed:
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed."
Conversation does more than help learners practice vocabulary and grammar. It encourages curiosity, confidence, critical thinking, and connection.
This idea is reflected throughout Compelling Conversations, where open-ended questions invite learners to exchange perspectives rather than search for a single correct answer.
If you're looking for additional discussion prompts, sample chapters, and conversation-based ESL resources, you can explore more at https://www.compellingconversations.com/compelling-conversations

07/31/2026

What three adjectives describe you today?

Some of the most engaging ESL discussions begin with simple questions.
Questions about personality encourage learners to share opinions, describe themselves, compare experiences, and build confidence speaking English.
Today's discussion comes from the "Being Yourself" chapter in Compelling Conversations. The questions are simple, but the conversations can go in many different directions depending on the experiences and perspectives in the room.
What three words describe your personality?
Tell us in the comment section💬

07/27/2026

Everyone has childhood memories. We all bring our past to this moment.

What do appreciate about your childhood? Who was your best friend? What did you do together?

Conversation clubs work best when the topic is something everyone can relate to.
Friendship is a universal experience, yet people make friends in very different ways depending on culture, personality, age, and life experiences.
“When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.”
~ Japanese proverb
This discussion prompt is adapted from the "Making and Keeping Friends" chapter in Compelling Conversations.
How do people usually make new friends where you live?
If you'd like to explore more discussion prompts and conversation activities, visit https://www.compellingconversations.com/compelling-conversations/

07/27/2026

What are your suggestions for teaching conversation classes?

Meaningful classroom conversations begin with thoughtful planning.
Compelling American Conversations – Teacher Edition is designed to support educators with discussion-based classroom activities that encourage learners to communicate using authentic American English. The resource includes lesson support, conversation activities, and practical teaching materials that help create engaging speaking opportunities for intermediate English language learners.
Whether teaching in adult education, community colleges, universities, or English language programs, this Teacher Edition is designed to make conversation practice an active part of every lesson.
Explore more conversation-based teaching resources at https://www.prlog.org/12506386-compelling-american-conversations-teacher-edition-comes-out.html

07/21/2026

"Know thyself." — Socrates
Ask more. Know more. Share more. Create Compelling Conversations.
Meaningful conversations begin with thoughtful questions. The Being Yourself chapter from Compelling Conversations encourages English learners to reflect on their personalities, express their opinions, and build speaking confidence through authentic discussion rather than memorized answers.
Discussion Question:
Are you generous or selfish? Are you too selfish or over generous?
How would you answer? Share your thoughts in the comments and discover how one question can spark a meaningful conversation.
Explore more conversation-based learning resources at https://compellingconversations.com/compelling-conversations-2/

06/25/2026

How can we revitalize authentic learning in our English classrooms in the AI era? What are some ways to recenter personal development and student growth?

Chimayo Press author Eric H Roth will share some strategies and suggestions this weekend at the ELTSummit 2026 online conference. Feel free to join us! ISEL

06/25/2026

“It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom. Without this, curiosity goes to …ruin without fail.”
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955), American by choice, German-born physicist

Do you agree? Disagree? Why? How can schools encourage curiosity and inquiry?

06/25/2026

What are you doing this weekend?

ELT Summit 2026. Students are welcome to join this august gathering. www.eltsummit.com

05/06/2026

What are some new created by for English ? What are some puzzles created by generative AI? And what perils do these powerful, even magical, tools present to global ? Consider me psyched to join this panel.