Halfway point

I cant believe it's just over halfway! I feel somewhat mixed about it. I'm really getting into the teaching and getting to know my different classes and I know soon it'll be over. At the same time I am tired and missing some creature comforts.

I'm going to go straight into my experience teaching year 6 primary. The classes are so eager, friendly and a pleasure to teach. Guys, please don't be afraid to try out all the great ideas we acquired at Newland Park. I've done flash flips, singing and chanting, acting out flash cards and kept it all very active and on the whole they really like it! It's actually really useful doing the same lesson with three different classes to really get an idea of what works well and how they react differently. They especially love the 'hot and cold' game (idea courtesy of Rhiannon) to drill particular vocabulary. Me and the primary teacher were in hysterics watching the class squeal 'going to theme park' chorally while one student couldn't find the flashcard hidden under a student's book.

This experience has definitely given me a clearer idea of the age group I'm particularly interested in working with in the future, but also a good idea of how to adapt lessons and teaching skills accordingly for each age group I've taught. I've seen the differences and great qualities each group brings to the table.

I want to also second what Raynal said about teaching CLIL lessons, it's really not too daunting! I've been assisting with primary Art in which I've helped the teacher explain the tasks laid out in the student's art books and give them guidance in English on their art projects. It's been nice with lots of quietness and creativity and honestly I don't know why I was so scared!

Briefly, I want to mention that the Bio Park is a must see! A very enjoyable warm Saturday afternoon with Raynal was spent looking at the animals and getting really close to them. And what a great selection of animals it was. I could have watched the monkeys all day.

Finally, today was Rhiannon's birthday. We couldn't find a birthday card anywhere! Apparently people don't do birthday cards in Spain. So we made her a home-made card which she really appreciated! It's the thought that counts. Diana made a tasty home-made birthday cake and we toasted her day with some beer in the evening. Penblwydd Hapus Rhiannon! Hope a great day was had basking in the Valencian sunshine and our company to match :)