Dear M,
what are you really looking for?
To overcome the jitters?
To be thoughtful and on a roll?
To prepare for Spain where 'the rain stays mainly in the plain'?
Do you believe..?
In yourself & in support?
To become a better teacher?
To establish great rapport?
Don't forget ICQs!
Always give them lots of clues!
Being kept on your toes
& adhere to your vows!
Will you succeed?
You must succeed!
Lots of pressure!
Lots of fun!
With 4 weeks of teaching to be done
While in Chester,
get ready!
Then in Spain,
keep it steady!
I will survive!
This is the letter I wrote to myself on the first day of our training in Chester. I had a read through and could not help feeling a bit blue...nostalgic....
It's been a great experience! I still can't believe that we're now officially Erasmus + has-beens.😢
So, if you're reading this and you're at the beginning of your adventure, just enjoy every single moment! Carpe Diem!!!
Sunday, March 1, 2020
2-4-1
The Penultimate Blog:
The show must go on! Nerves at the prospect of the observed lesson! Nails bitten! Heart rate up! And 22 little 1ESO darlings about to be taught new vocabulary and adjectives about food. ‘Crunchy’, ‘Healthy’, ‘Sweet’, ‘Salty’, ‘Tasty’, oh, the list went on! Note to self for future teaching situations - do not use food as props during a lesson between 1pm and 2pm, just before lunch time. Fractious, tired and ravenous children do not perform to the best of their ability when preoccupied with hunger. Focus on chocolate and Doritos, crunchy carrots (meh), and other delights culminated in a feeding frenzy! Piranha waters personified. However, the lesson was legendary - all other classes where expecting a lesson that involved the same, from 2 - 4ESO. Sadly a lesson on modals using ‘The Show Must Go On’, by Queen was possibly enjoyed less, but I commended them on their amazing musical abilities!
And, Finally............
Wow, what a blast! 5 weeks since the start of this extraordinary experience. I feel privileged to have been part of this programme! I have learnt a huge amount and have reflected on what I thought I knew, and concluding there is an awful lot still to learn. But, I am so keen to progress this further and see where it takes me. (Bhutan?). In the company of fantastic teachers who have helped me throughout, I have tried different ways and methods of teaching in a school system which is far removed from that of a language school. It was a massive challenge, but one that I have thoroughly enjoyed! Would I do it again? Absolutely!
The show must go on! Nerves at the prospect of the observed lesson! Nails bitten! Heart rate up! And 22 little 1ESO darlings about to be taught new vocabulary and adjectives about food. ‘Crunchy’, ‘Healthy’, ‘Sweet’, ‘Salty’, ‘Tasty’, oh, the list went on! Note to self for future teaching situations - do not use food as props during a lesson between 1pm and 2pm, just before lunch time. Fractious, tired and ravenous children do not perform to the best of their ability when preoccupied with hunger. Focus on chocolate and Doritos, crunchy carrots (meh), and other delights culminated in a feeding frenzy! Piranha waters personified. However, the lesson was legendary - all other classes where expecting a lesson that involved the same, from 2 - 4ESO. Sadly a lesson on modals using ‘The Show Must Go On’, by Queen was possibly enjoyed less, but I commended them on their amazing musical abilities!
And, Finally............
Wow, what a blast! 5 weeks since the start of this extraordinary experience. I feel privileged to have been part of this programme! I have learnt a huge amount and have reflected on what I thought I knew, and concluding there is an awful lot still to learn. But, I am so keen to progress this further and see where it takes me. (Bhutan?). In the company of fantastic teachers who have helped me throughout, I have tried different ways and methods of teaching in a school system which is far removed from that of a language school. It was a massive challenge, but one that I have thoroughly enjoyed! Would I do it again? Absolutely!
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Last but not least...la ultima semana
Where did the time go??? I'm looking at my suitcase...that could benefit from a session or 2 at Weight Watchers meetings...It's the night before we travel back to London.
It's been a bit of a topsy turvy week. I've had lots of fun, as Tuesday was the official Pancake Day & I got to do different activities with my groups: primary 1 learnt a song about tossing & catching the pancakes, primary 6 made some lovely fortune tellers with some facts about this special day and my observed class (C1) got to try an actual pancake race in the last 5 minutes of the class (after reading with comprehension that I prepared for them). It all went fine. Of course there were some hiccups, but that's a normal part of the learning process;-)
By Wednesday evening I become quite unwell, so I didn't get to go in on my last day and see some of my primary and secondary groups. It would have been so lovely to get one last squeezy hug from Beth in primary 2 (she's a real knee hugger!). Oh well, es la vida! Next time.
It's been a bit of a topsy turvy week. I've had lots of fun, as Tuesday was the official Pancake Day & I got to do different activities with my groups: primary 1 learnt a song about tossing & catching the pancakes, primary 6 made some lovely fortune tellers with some facts about this special day and my observed class (C1) got to try an actual pancake race in the last 5 minutes of the class (after reading with comprehension that I prepared for them). It all went fine. Of course there were some hiccups, but that's a normal part of the learning process;-)
By Wednesday evening I become quite unwell, so I didn't get to go in on my last day and see some of my primary and secondary groups. It would have been so lovely to get one last squeezy hug from Beth in primary 2 (she's a real knee hugger!). Oh well, es la vida! Next time.
Friday, February 28, 2020
So long and thanks for all the fish.
Although I'm officially going back to my roots as a half-arsed flexitarian as of next week. The other day I went to the cafe, having forgotten to pick up my packed lunch in the morning rush, and I thought 'at least I won't have to eat ham and cheese again.' I ordered a salmon y queso tosta, and lo did they indeed bring me a ham and cheese one. (Jamon/salmon - as I wryly muttered to myself).
Other than that fiasco, I'm sad to be almost leaving. The school have been so kind and welcoming to us. It really is a lovely school, and it has a genuine sense about it of that overused political buzzword/sometime integral ingredient of human wellbeing: community. Today our supervisor took us out for lunch and I will miss her and the other teachers for their humour and light heartedness which is never far away even when they're under pressure. The kids have been very sweet towards me, and I'm very grateful to have worked with so many cool indivduals.
It's been great getting to know everyone from Chester onwards, it's been so much fun being around you all and I've learnt a lot from the conversations we've had. Onwards and upwards (not long now till it stays brighter for longer!).
Peace,
Toby
Other than that fiasco, I'm sad to be almost leaving. The school have been so kind and welcoming to us. It really is a lovely school, and it has a genuine sense about it of that overused political buzzword/sometime integral ingredient of human wellbeing: community. Today our supervisor took us out for lunch and I will miss her and the other teachers for their humour and light heartedness which is never far away even when they're under pressure. The kids have been very sweet towards me, and I'm very grateful to have worked with so many cool indivduals.
It's been great getting to know everyone from Chester onwards, it's been so much fun being around you all and I've learnt a lot from the conversations we've had. Onwards and upwards (not long now till it stays brighter for longer!).
Peace,
Toby
Thursday, February 27, 2020
No, Madonna, time does NOT go by so slowly!
I feel like it would be sinful not to include this metaphor, therefore: what a ROLLERCOASTER it has been !!! As I come to the end of our journey (figuratively and literarily), it’s nice to spare a moment to reflect on my experience with UKLC, the school, & all the trimmings.
When I initially discovered I would be teaching 5-18 year olds in a private school, my mind quickly pressed the internal panic alarm: how on earth was I supposed to adapt my teaching methods to such a range of students within such an ooh la la school? There’s only so much my ingenious CELTA tutors had prepared me for such an experience. Alas, to throw in another metaphor, my only option was to ride the wave and see what would ensue. With great relief, I can report that my spiralling head needed not to spin so quickly! The atmosphere in the school has been so chilled and welcoming; the student-teacher, student-student, teacher-teacher (bit of a tongue twister) relationships have all been so wholesome to observe and engage with. Many of these students have been in this school since preschool, and with the school being relatively small (200 students), the school genuinely does feel like a large, wonderfully chaotic family. As a consequence, all the initial negative connotations of ‘private school’ that I had applied soon evaporated, and I can now see the benefits and pleasures of being part of a small, ‘exclusive’ institution.
With regard to teaching, I believe for the most part I have been able to comfortably adjust my approach with the student in reflection of their age and level. There has been a few moments where I have taught in a 1st primary class then swiftly onto 1 BACH where my supportive ‘AW Wooooowwww' teaching voice has suddenly reached the new audience in a patronising ‘is she taking the Micheal?’ manner - oops! Regardless, I think there’s an innate ability in us all as social creatures to naturally adapt to those that you are ‘performing’ to, and, in all honesty, you have absolutely no choice but to fake it until you do so!
Aside from the teaching, Valencia - Gandia, has been a dreeeeaaaamm to stay in; everywhere is naturally gorgeous and peaceful, and the city of Valencia is rich in culture and history - which has made for some very fun weekends! One thing to note, it has been rather challenging eating out as a Vegetarian/wannabe-vegan as the only option is really Patatas-bravas. As delicious as they may be, after 4 weeks of the yummy goodness, the ‘you are what you eat’ now certainly resonates with me!
Of course, the city would not be the same without its people - and those people are the ones I had the pleasure of meeting in Chester. From the initial induction days, I could tell I had begun to solidify what would only progress into blossoming friendships with many of the gang. I have made many fond memories, and I am so grateful to be able to share the highs and lows of this experience with them. They have truly been the icing on the top of this tremendous cake!
Farewell new friends and new places
Although it was not my last day in Gandia today(tomorrow being my last primary class before we leave), it was my last day at secondary school, where I have only just begun to know the children and the teachers well and have become very fond of them. My last lessons with some of my favourite and not so favourite classes have surprised me with the level of kind affection given, hugs, homemade cards lovingly made by the class as well as cheers and applause. I certainly didn't feel worthy of it. My mentor, Nati and particularly my unofficial mentor, Raquel, with whom I spent the most time, have shown me so much consideration and kindness, so I shall miss them.
The weather has been beautiful these last two days so that will be another fond memory when faced with the British winter on our return. However, I am looking forward to seeing Valencia, getting together with all the other Valencia groups and going home to my family. Adios Espana.
The weather has been beautiful these last two days so that will be another fond memory when faced with the British winter on our return. However, I am looking forward to seeing Valencia, getting together with all the other Valencia groups and going home to my family. Adios Espana.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
So much more than English
I wanted to write about a different side to my experience in the school. Obviously we are here to teach English and so the bulk of my classes have been centred around grammar/vocabulary/pronunciation etc. but I feel so lucky to have been able to witness so much more than core language in some classes.
Unlike what I know back at home, or at least certainly compared to the school I went to, "project classes" are extremely important here. These are ongoing lessons lasting most of the term, if not longer, in which the students work on a variety of different projects and themes. When I first received my timetable I didn't have a clue how I was going to fit into these classes seeing as they aren't taught or assessed in English and I worried I would just be a spare part. How wrong I was!? In some ways they have turned out to be my favourite lessons.
Every wednesday morning I am with 1ESOA/B Proyecto and it has been fascinating to watch the class work. Firstly I joined as they were finishing off a project in creating their own sandwich bags and they were sat there learning how to sew. I thought this was absolutely brilliant (and also impressive because I don't know how to do it myself) and it was so enjoyable seeing them all so focussed on doing a good job. My role was to give them vocabulary linked to the task so by the end of the class the board was full of the likes of "needle and thread", "backstitch", "thimble" etc. I have to say this was a challenge at points because I realised I didn't even have the specific vocabulary in English let alone when they were asking me in Spanish. But part of the reason I have enjoyed these lessons so much is the amount of vocabulary I have learnt in Spanish. They gave me the nickname of "Alicia Translate" rather than Google and I was there having words fired at me to give them on the spot so it has tested me and also allowed me to learn. I really felt so useful and I have been amazed how much they have taken on board and remembered. I have kids see me in the corridor and say "Alicia, Alicia thread a needle" just to show how proud they are to remember.
We have also worked on a recylcing project. The class will be making a trip to the town hall to speak with the enviroment minister to discuss recycling in the town and interview them about their role and responsibility. Obviously this will all be done in Spanish and they have prepared their own interview questions, but we have translated them together into English. The class have been so invested in the project and their discussions and opinions on such a big topic as the enviroment have been so interesting to hear.
What I love most about these type of classes (and this is just one example, I have been in others looking at other equally as broad topics) is how much they offer for general life. I don't really remember opportunities to develop so many skills in school lessons as these types of classes offer. Working towards a final goal, by means of these projects, is something they will have to do all throughout school, at university if they choose to go and of course in jobs, so I really admire the fact it is introduced at such an early age. I also love the content of the projects they work on. The students are encouraged to discuss really relevant issues and I think this develops them in such a broader way. English hasn't been the focus of these lessons, the teacher herself is a science teacher, but for them to have learnt so much vocabulary is a bonus. In many ways I believe they have learnt more language in this setting than in some of their English lessons becauase it is much more contextualised and relevant to an on going process.
I have really really enjoyed these classes and taken a lot away from them. I will miss this particular group a lot!
Unlike what I know back at home, or at least certainly compared to the school I went to, "project classes" are extremely important here. These are ongoing lessons lasting most of the term, if not longer, in which the students work on a variety of different projects and themes. When I first received my timetable I didn't have a clue how I was going to fit into these classes seeing as they aren't taught or assessed in English and I worried I would just be a spare part. How wrong I was!? In some ways they have turned out to be my favourite lessons.
Every wednesday morning I am with 1ESOA/B Proyecto and it has been fascinating to watch the class work. Firstly I joined as they were finishing off a project in creating their own sandwich bags and they were sat there learning how to sew. I thought this was absolutely brilliant (and also impressive because I don't know how to do it myself) and it was so enjoyable seeing them all so focussed on doing a good job. My role was to give them vocabulary linked to the task so by the end of the class the board was full of the likes of "needle and thread", "backstitch", "thimble" etc. I have to say this was a challenge at points because I realised I didn't even have the specific vocabulary in English let alone when they were asking me in Spanish. But part of the reason I have enjoyed these lessons so much is the amount of vocabulary I have learnt in Spanish. They gave me the nickname of "Alicia Translate" rather than Google and I was there having words fired at me to give them on the spot so it has tested me and also allowed me to learn. I really felt so useful and I have been amazed how much they have taken on board and remembered. I have kids see me in the corridor and say "Alicia, Alicia thread a needle" just to show how proud they are to remember.
We have also worked on a recylcing project. The class will be making a trip to the town hall to speak with the enviroment minister to discuss recycling in the town and interview them about their role and responsibility. Obviously this will all be done in Spanish and they have prepared their own interview questions, but we have translated them together into English. The class have been so invested in the project and their discussions and opinions on such a big topic as the enviroment have been so interesting to hear.
What I love most about these type of classes (and this is just one example, I have been in others looking at other equally as broad topics) is how much they offer for general life. I don't really remember opportunities to develop so many skills in school lessons as these types of classes offer. Working towards a final goal, by means of these projects, is something they will have to do all throughout school, at university if they choose to go and of course in jobs, so I really admire the fact it is introduced at such an early age. I also love the content of the projects they work on. The students are encouraged to discuss really relevant issues and I think this develops them in such a broader way. English hasn't been the focus of these lessons, the teacher herself is a science teacher, but for them to have learnt so much vocabulary is a bonus. In many ways I believe they have learnt more language in this setting than in some of their English lessons becauase it is much more contextualised and relevant to an on going process.
I have really really enjoyed these classes and taken a lot away from them. I will miss this particular group a lot!
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