[tnhills]

I am an American high school English teacher, and I have been given the opportunity to teach 15 students in Rio de Janeiro. They are all at different levels of experience with English, and they primarily use the language to interpret for American missionary volunteers. I have never taught English as a Second Language before, but I am told that they need help with religious vocabulary and understanding the spoken word (most of the volunteers they work with have Southern accents, since most are from the state of Tennessee).

How does one handle the teaching of vocabulary in this type of setting, and who much emphasis should be placed on grammar exercises? Should I focus more of my time on spoken or written English? Also, they have specifically asked for lessons on phrasal verbs and idioms. What is the BEST and most concise list available?

This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I want to walk in on the first day with a clear picutre of what they need. Otherwise, I will be wasting precious time regrouping after I get there. PLEASE ADVISE! After all, everyone knows that there is no smarter group of people than English teachers, right??