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!
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Monday, February 24, 2020
Heading into the final week
Somehow our final week here in Spain is already upon us and I am in complete denial about it.
I feel so settled here and happy in my own routine and I'm not ready to give it up!
Last week was a really good week overall with lots of hours of teaching and work to do but also plenty of time for myself to explore and make the most of Valencia. We have been so so lucky with the weather whilst we have been here, it has been so warm. This weekend, especially, was really nice and made for the perfect excuse to go on a HUGE walk around the city. My tutor had recommended I visit the neighbourhood of Carmen so I followed her advice and I was not dissapointed! It was so lovely and quaint, yet full of street art and quirky little shops and cafes etc. I think on every street I saw a house and thought "yes I want to live there".
This week we have our final observations so I spent most of Sunday getting my head around that and prepping for the coming week. Whilst wanting to do well, I'm also trying really hard to not overthink it and stress myself out. I've been lucky to take a lot of classes during my time here and my confidence leading classes really has grown so I just need to remind myself to have the same approach. I just now the 55 minutes will fly and it'll be all done in no time. This time tomorrow I think I'll be feeling much better.
With less than a week to go here I just want to enjoy every moment we have left!
I feel so settled here and happy in my own routine and I'm not ready to give it up!
Last week was a really good week overall with lots of hours of teaching and work to do but also plenty of time for myself to explore and make the most of Valencia. We have been so so lucky with the weather whilst we have been here, it has been so warm. This weekend, especially, was really nice and made for the perfect excuse to go on a HUGE walk around the city. My tutor had recommended I visit the neighbourhood of Carmen so I followed her advice and I was not dissapointed! It was so lovely and quaint, yet full of street art and quirky little shops and cafes etc. I think on every street I saw a house and thought "yes I want to live there".
This week we have our final observations so I spent most of Sunday getting my head around that and prepping for the coming week. Whilst wanting to do well, I'm also trying really hard to not overthink it and stress myself out. I've been lucky to take a lot of classes during my time here and my confidence leading classes really has grown so I just need to remind myself to have the same approach. I just now the 55 minutes will fly and it'll be all done in no time. This time tomorrow I think I'll be feeling much better.
With less than a week to go here I just want to enjoy every moment we have left!
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Always late but worth the wait!! Part 1
Well folks, it has been a solid 3 weeks but here I am. Better late than never right?! I can safely say I think I have been doing a pretty damn good job considering one of my walls (the smallest, admittedly) is covered in treasures from paper candy canes to valentines day colouring in with bits of ribbon (I totally did NOT almost sob after being given valentines stuff from the kids, best. Valentines. Ever.)
To think I was scared when I found out I'd be working with 6-year-olds, makes me feel a bit silly if I'm honest. The only thing to be mildly afraid of, that I wish someone had warned me about, was when they cling on to your legs and no one has taught them the phrase 'LET GO!' yet. After this, I was sure to incorporate this into my next lesson.
I'd like to shoutout to my girl Virginia, my tutor, who let's face it, has not just taken me under her wing, but basically adopted me at this point. She is the best. The language barrier has been a challenge but a funny one for sure. As long as you're mediocre at charades, you're fine (just try not to knock over a glass with all the gesturing- no word of a lie).
Besides eating my body weight in tapas and finding new places to drink coffee, we have been to Santiago which definitely lived up to our expectations- it was extremely gloomy. On the other hand, we were lucky enough to visit when the scaffolding had been taken down finally after around 7 years of it masking the beauty of the church we visited. We even got a kind of tour of the inside, in which we learnt about the fascinating Pilgrim history in the walls that stood before us.
Other aspects of the church included religious creations such as huge beautiful tapestries, not to mention one of my personal favourite factors of the church, the very abstract statues and their very long fingers (see below).
We went for lunch (more tapas, shock), I ate octopus for the first time which was, okay, and we finished the day in the best way- drinking Spanish champagne. Now, this all sounds rather sophisticated, but I'm afraid to say the illusion was shattered when we got another bottle (let me stress this now-by ACCIDENT!!) and had to drink it fairly swiftly after realising we didn't exactly have enough time to sip in a dignified manner before getting back onto the bus. I may have acquired a flute in the process... But hey. If you can't have a laugh, what can you do! Santiago was a pretty unforgettable experience! Cheers to UKLC for providing us with a great trip, and a very friendly and knowledgable tour guide, Christina.
Whilst I'm here, I should probably mention carnival. But a picture paints a thousand words right? So I'll make it easy for both of us. (Watch the videos!!).
Tune in next time!
ps.. hope you're all well and enjoying your last week (in Maryam's words OMG!!) in Spain xoxo
 |
| As promised |
 |
| Carnival Saturday night!! |
 |
| Carnival Saturday night |
 |
| It would be sinful not to leave this here xo |
 |
| Me and Virginia! |
 |
| Carnival- Friday night |
Where are the students?
Yes, you read it right. I had one of my advanced classes on Wednesday and none of my three students decided to show up. Because these classes are not compulsory for them they had to go and attend another class. Well, things happen.
But I have been enjoying the classes with the little ones and it was so sad to say goodbye to some of the students that I won't be seeing again, as we have three days off here in A Coruna this week.
Getting ready for Carnival tomorrow :D
But I have been enjoying the classes with the little ones and it was so sad to say goodbye to some of the students that I won't be seeing again, as we have three days off here in A Coruna this week.
Getting ready for Carnival tomorrow :D
I was definitely milking it!!!
It was my birthday last Saturday (15th) and it did last quite a few days.
It started with a pre-party on Thursday at Bellota (from where I think we are gonna be kicked out very soon for going there almost every night and invading all their tables and eating all their tapas for like 5 hours straight. Luckily, it's just one more week left :D) where we had a wonderful time and I was given one of the cutest birthday cards ever with everyone's wishes in it.
To move on with my actual birthday which happened to be a tour starting with Santiago,then Ourense, Vigo, Pontevedra, some place called End of Spain and some other amazing scenery here and there on the way back.
And if this wasn't enough, came back on Sunday to have an after-party with my folks. They are just amazing and we do love a pint!
But guess what? We are having another party when Katy comes back. (Her birthday is on the same day as me) I know I told her it was gonna be her party but honestly I do fancy another one!
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo...
What a lovely weekend! My partner (in crime) and his family came up from Alicante and we were exploring Valencia together.
The highlight of all the sightseeing was definitely a visit to Oceanographic, located in the beautiful buildings of Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies. It was fascinating to see the sharks grinning their toothy 'smiles', as we walked through the longest underwater tunnel in Europe! The memory of watching Jaws had to be nipped in a bud. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation...
Keep calm and carry on singing: 'baby shark doo doo doo...'
The highlight of all the sightseeing was definitely a visit to Oceanographic, located in the beautiful buildings of Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies. It was fascinating to see the sharks grinning their toothy 'smiles', as we walked through the longest underwater tunnel in Europe! The memory of watching Jaws had to be nipped in a bud. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation...
Keep calm and carry on singing: 'baby shark doo doo doo...'
pls don't make me go home
As I write this blog on what is the last Sunday afternoon of the experience, I do feel a strong sense of self-reflection. This morning, I went for what will probably be my last jog around Parc de Gulliver - an absolutely stunning park, and quite possibly my favourite place in the whole of Valencia. We've also had a fantastic weekend down here. On Friday, we threw Maryam a little surprise birthday party in our flat, before heading out to Ruzafa (a cool downtown urban area, just outside the city center) - it was fun!!
It's insane to think that this time next week, we'll all be flying home. I can't fully comprehend how incredible this experience has been. Being able to teach in a proper Spanish classroom is not something I'd have expected to have done during such an early point in my TEFL career - but here we are!! I'm really embracing the final week. I have a lot to do, especially for tomorrow and Monday, but I'm looking forward to it and have a burning desire to prove myself. For my 1ESO class, my teacher has asked me to prep a lesson on British culture, so I'm going for bonfire night. I know its a bit premature, but with Falles approaching here in Valencia, the pyrotechnic theme kinda fits.
So yeah, I don't really have much more to add. Have a blast in the final week guys. Adios!!!!!!
It's insane to think that this time next week, we'll all be flying home. I can't fully comprehend how incredible this experience has been. Being able to teach in a proper Spanish classroom is not something I'd have expected to have done during such an early point in my TEFL career - but here we are!! I'm really embracing the final week. I have a lot to do, especially for tomorrow and Monday, but I'm looking forward to it and have a burning desire to prove myself. For my 1ESO class, my teacher has asked me to prep a lesson on British culture, so I'm going for bonfire night. I know its a bit premature, but with Falles approaching here in Valencia, the pyrotechnic theme kinda fits.
So yeah, I don't really have much more to add. Have a blast in the final week guys. Adios!!!!!!
third week down.
hola mi amigos y que tal?
I still haven't got much beyond that in Spanish, unfortunately.
It's been a full-on grammar week with lots of conditionals, futures, relatives clauses and past simples. However my 3rdESO students have been great tour guides, presenting little pieces about places of interest around Gandia. Time seems to be flying now, just as I've started to feel comfortable with getting around and knowing where everything is (although I still sometimes get the wrong classroom!)The primary school classes 5 and 6 have very sweet children but they are sooo noisy - that has been a struggle for me, especially when they won't stay in one place. Trying to find and create activities for classes has been very time-consuming- lots of crafting. They do seem to help though.
As this week is the start of Lent, I hope I will get to see some carnavale or some local customs.
Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon.
Adios for now.
I still haven't got much beyond that in Spanish, unfortunately.
It's been a full-on grammar week with lots of conditionals, futures, relatives clauses and past simples. However my 3rdESO students have been great tour guides, presenting little pieces about places of interest around Gandia. Time seems to be flying now, just as I've started to feel comfortable with getting around and knowing where everything is (although I still sometimes get the wrong classroom!)The primary school classes 5 and 6 have very sweet children but they are sooo noisy - that has been a struggle for me, especially when they won't stay in one place. Trying to find and create activities for classes has been very time-consuming- lots of crafting. They do seem to help though.
As this week is the start of Lent, I hope I will get to see some carnavale or some local customs.
Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon.
Adios for now.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
This has been the most incredible and rewarding experience on so many levels. Professionally, it has been a great opportunity to put into practice the skills which I learnt on my CELTA Course, to develop my own teaching style and to experiment with how different strategies and approaches may be best suited to different learners. On a personal level, it has also been amazing. It is the first time that I have been to Spain and I love it! I am already looking for opportunities to return and work here in the future. There is a much better work-life balance here than in the UK, the food is delicious and the people are so friendly. I have made several Spanish friends whilst I have been here and will miss them a great deal when I return home. I simply could not have been made to feel more welcome here during my stay!
Friday, February 21, 2020
And then there was one...
...week left! It's the week when we have our final observation. I'm feeling a bit nervous...ok, A LOT...
This week I tried to be a bit more creative with my groups & it seemed to have worked. One group was asked to create their own traditional folk tale. They read a story about Genie and the magic pot & some of them found it boring...they were given different characters and asked to create their own story (so for example: a magic ring, a platypus and a student's own name - they are a character in their own story). They started in the class and were asked to finish it for homework. I look forward to hearing all the new stories next week!
Another group is learning about the solar system and superlatives (Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. Venus is the hottest planet.) After reading an article about the gas giants I asked them to draw their own planet and write some facts about it (I saw a planet Playstation and planet Basketball as well as some very peculiar planet with 2 separate sets of rings around it. ) I can't wait to see all those new planets in our fantasy solar system!
Then there is 'my noisy group'. There's only 4 boys, but they can get carried away, especially towards the end of the lesson when we play a game. This time they had a special task: 'Your mission, should you choose to accept it...' (they are super excited about some Mission Impossible computer game coming out soon)...is to draw a picture of things (& make a written list as well) you would take with you on holiday. Each person is going on a different holiday and they mustn't let the others know what kind of holiday: there's a camping trip to a lake & it could rain; one week student exchange in Germany; a beach holiday in Mexico and a skiing holiday in Canada. The other students have to guess where is the person going to spend their holiday by looking at the things they packed. They were learning new vocabulary and doing a listening where they had to find out which backpack are the children taking with them on holiday. They tried so hard to make sure they 'pack' the right things and there was no chit chat in L1, as they couldn't 'spill the beans' about their mission;-)
I hope to continue in this creative spirit next week & avoid the pre observation 'jitters'.😳
This week I tried to be a bit more creative with my groups & it seemed to have worked. One group was asked to create their own traditional folk tale. They read a story about Genie and the magic pot & some of them found it boring...they were given different characters and asked to create their own story (so for example: a magic ring, a platypus and a student's own name - they are a character in their own story). They started in the class and were asked to finish it for homework. I look forward to hearing all the new stories next week!
Another group is learning about the solar system and superlatives (Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. Venus is the hottest planet.) After reading an article about the gas giants I asked them to draw their own planet and write some facts about it (I saw a planet Playstation and planet Basketball as well as some very peculiar planet with 2 separate sets of rings around it. ) I can't wait to see all those new planets in our fantasy solar system!
Then there is 'my noisy group'. There's only 4 boys, but they can get carried away, especially towards the end of the lesson when we play a game. This time they had a special task: 'Your mission, should you choose to accept it...' (they are super excited about some Mission Impossible computer game coming out soon)...is to draw a picture of things (& make a written list as well) you would take with you on holiday. Each person is going on a different holiday and they mustn't let the others know what kind of holiday: there's a camping trip to a lake & it could rain; one week student exchange in Germany; a beach holiday in Mexico and a skiing holiday in Canada. The other students have to guess where is the person going to spend their holiday by looking at the things they packed. They were learning new vocabulary and doing a listening where they had to find out which backpack are the children taking with them on holiday. They tried so hard to make sure they 'pack' the right things and there was no chit chat in L1, as they couldn't 'spill the beans' about their mission;-)
I hope to continue in this creative spirit next week & avoid the pre observation 'jitters'.😳
A Room with a View!
Aside from the teaching, I have established a connection between my home city and my school. Not intentionally, but through my enthusiasm about wanting to know about people, Bristol will be hosting a Spanish teacher and his family whilst my daughter will be staying with another teacher and his family here in Gandia The continued learning of English and the acquisition of Spanish for beginners are the objectives for Summer 2020. I’m hopeful that I will have a long term link with Gandia.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)