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The Common Room by Mackenzie
87 members • Free
2 contributions to The Common Room by Mackenzie
4d •
The Pledge of Allegiance: Shadowing
Jerry, one of our community members, recorded this video teaching the Pledge of Allegiance, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to introduce you to one of the most effective pronunciation techniques out there: shadowing. So, what is shadowing? Shadowing is when you listen to a native speaker and imitate them as closely as possible. You’re not just repeating the words. You’re copying their pronunciation, rhythm, intonation, connected speech, and even the way they pause and emphasize certain words. Here’s how I’d like you to do this challenge: 1. Watch Jerry’s video once all the way through. 2. Then watch it again, pausing after each sentence. 3. Repeat exactly what he says, trying to imitate his pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation as closely as possible. 4. Once you feel more comfortable, try saying longer sections without pausing or even the entire video from memory! I’ve also included the transcript below to make the exercise easier. Feel free to read along at first, but little by little, challenge yourself to rely less on the text and more on your listening. When you’re done, come back and let me know in the comments: - Was it easier or harder than you expected? - Which sentence was the most challenging? - Did you notice any sounds or words that were difficult to imitate? I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Happy shadowing! 🇺🇸🎧
1 like • 20h
@Luciano Paes You're Welcome!
0 likes • 1h
Yes sadly saying the pledge of Allegiance has faded away in America nowadays, at least it has where I am at in Michigan.I know widespread patriotism in America is under attack by the woke left, so that is not as popular either from when I was a kid. I think Americans need to remember all the blessings we have in this country. You will see and hear the national anthem played before any sporting event across America, so that is still good.
7d •
Start Here: Welcome to The Common Room 🌎
Welcome to The Common Room! Let's get to know each other! Tell us: 🌍 Where are you from? 📍 Where do you live now? (if different) 🎯 What's one thing you're passionate about? Feel free to reply to other members and start a conversation. You never know who you might have something in common with. And don't forget to answer today's poll! 👇 What best describes you?
Poll
13 members have voted
2 likes • 5d
Hello everyone! I'm Jerry I live in Michigan, and I have lived in the USA all my life. I absolutely love children, as I am a school bus driver. I also have served in my Church children's ministry for 27 years as a teacher/leader. Additionally, I worked in refugee home for teenage boys who were from many different countries. I look forward to interacting with everyone in this community as an American born English speaker, as I hope that I can help anyone here in their journey to learn English better.
1 like • 4d
@Mackenzie Marino Sure I would be glad to talk about my bus job more. First of all it is a very exciting job, since I get to do what I love doing by working with kids everyday. There is always variety in the job because kids are energetic and can spontaneously change from day to day. I also enjoy talking and interacting with the kids, as it is great to develop relationships with them over time. It is alot of fun driving a school bus too. Now being a school bus driver does come with alot of responsibilities too, but I welcome that as I love being able to help people. And the way I see it I am the first and last school representative they see each day, so I can be a big influence in helping them on their education journey. Oh I also work in one of the elementary schools as a lunch/recess helper. Which means I assist them in the cafeteria with any needs they have like opening things to eat or drink, or guiding them in good choices to make behaviorily with each other. Then at recess I get to play with them, while maintaining their safety and more behavior guidance. It is so much fun for me overall, and it can be very rewarding especially on days when one of the kids just needs a friend who will talk with them to help them feel better about themselves or just be there to play with them. I am so blessed to be a blessing for the kids, and being with them brings me so much joy and fulfillment.
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@jerry-crumley-3040
I am a Christian man who loves everyone, and I will help anyone, anytime, anywhere. I love God, my family, all children and our country: America!
Active 1h ago
Joined Jun 27, 2026