As we're coming to the end of our second week teaching, I thought I'd upload some of my pictures so far. I'm teaching at Esclavas (It means slaves in case you were wondering, not sure what that makes me), which can be seen in the last photo, it's the yellow building to the right of the stadium. Pretty cool location! I've loved walking along the prom every day.

I remember when we were doing our training and Chloe told us that the kids would love us, we were all a bit skeptical of this and I definitely remember thinking - but how do you know? They might not. Turns out Chloe was right, they adore us and the feeling is mutual. At the beginning of my stay here I preferred teaching primary but as it's progressed, I've got to admit that I'm kind of enjoying secondary a lot more than I thought I would. I've managed to remember a few names which goes a long way with the children (if I had a bar of chocolate for each Carlota I'd met, I'd be very content and probably quite fat).

¡Hasta la próxima!

Exploring Valencia

As we come to the middle of the second week in Valencia, I can safely say I am loving my time here! The first couple of days at the school were quite overwhelming however I feel I've settled in now. All the teachers are so friendly and VERY overworked so are grateful for my helping hand. All my nerves I initially had about teaching have vanished and I am happily and confidently able to create fun and interactive lessons with my students. I'm planning at lesson at the moment for a Bachiller oral class which is the equivalence to ALEVELs in England. I've chosen the debate topic 'Does social media cause more harm than good ?' which I'm very excited to teach.

Valencia is such a beautiful city and there is so much of it I still haven't seen. On every street there's at least a dozen eateries that are so cheap! I could definitely see myself living here.

The 'Beep' Game and 'Phrasal Verbs in a Hat'

So I'm been teaching 20 mins slots in most lessons up to yesterday which was my first hour-long lesson with 4b which, lucky for me was on Phrasal Verbs - quite fun to teach! I started with 'Simon Says' which definitely lifted the energy in the classroom! (Excuse the over-use of exclamation marks but my life seems made up of them! - see what I mean? ). The 'Beep' game was a little trickier but luckily I got to adjust it when I repeated the lesson with 4a an hour later. 'Phrasal Verbs in a Hat' was simple, all the ones covered were put in a hat, each group pulled out 4 and had 10 minutes to write a news report (the topic for that unit), each story was then read out - some great and wacky ones! Btw Emil, 'The Sneeze' is working like a dream :), so Ta for that.

Must post some photos next time of Valencia - Old Town and Beach especially - gorgeous!

Mid point of week 2

After an amazing weekend in Valencia catching up with my Dad and exploring the city I must admit I was a little sad to return to Moncada. As someone who has grown up used to cities, living in a small town is a hard adjustment. There just isn't much life or buzz on these streets.

That being said walking into school now is rather like what I imagine the famous life is. Kids calling your name every few seconds, high fives, hugs, being spoken at in fast Spanish (which half the time I get the gist of or I smile and nod anyway and the the kids are happy!)

I'm fond of my classes although am finding it harder to click with my teens. The experience with little kids has been lovely because they're just full of love and enthusiasm whereas teens you have to work for it. I have a new sympathy for all of my secondary school teachers (If any of you are reading this - I'm sorry!)

I've been volunteering at Schola too after school usually Mondays and Wednesdays, which means I get to have a catch up with Peggy too! I enjoy the atmosphere here and the extra experience I'm gaining.

Peaceeeeeee!

First week
Going to school and teaching is absolutely great. I'm learning so much already. I love my students and the teachers who work there.
The food is delicious. But I really dont know how people here can eat at 9pm. It's so late and I'm afraid of gaining so much weight by the end of my trip here. Oh the worries. I went to the beach on Saturday with 2 cuties and ended up meeting these lovely hot Spanish men. Had a good chat and will be meeting again sometime this week.
Sunday went to Santiago ^.^ it's so beautiful. The view is stunning and EVERYTHING is made out of rock. AMAZING!!
Met this 20 year old cute waiter who kept giving me free food. 2 aubergine soups and an omelette hmmm.... absolutely yummy. Anyway enjoy the pics and adios

One week down...

I have now been in A Coruña for just over a week and it is safe to say it has been one of the most overwhelming weeks, full of ups and downs.

From the first day at Colexio Salesiano our mentors and all the other teachers have made us feel SO welcome. They are extremely supportive and available all the time to ask questions or get advice from.

The first lesson I taught was on Wednesday and was, to be honest, a bit of a disaster. But, after a few tears, a pep talk from Emile, and some tough love from my tutor, I went and taught the same lesson again the next day and it worked x100 better with a younger group.
From there, it has all been uphill. I'm really looking forward to experimenting with some of my lessons and trying to veer away from the coursebook as much as possible - as I feel I have used it as a bit of a safety net so far.

The biggest lesson I have learned from my first week teaching children is: however many activities you would plan for teaching adults, double it. Not only do they get bored (and start speaking in Spanish) if the activity goes on too long, but they just seem to get through all the activities a lot quicker than I expected...and I learned the hard way that running out of activities is the worst case scenario.

Anyway, I am going into week 2 feeling a lot more confident and prepared for the week ahead!

First Week in A Corunna

It's been a non stop whirlwind week from the introduction to the timetables and teachers to the day out in santiago, it is all cylinders go. The people and the children are lively and friendly, if you haven't got the energy it will come! So far I have told the students some things about Scotland and tried to remember their names, like eric said the kids shouting your name is a great thing. Adjusting to the spanish schedule has been tricky as anticipated and some of the kids have been stricken with colds but it should make you all the stronger.

The Spirit of Experimentation.

Salesiano is a hive of activity and celebration, which we have been welcomed into with such warmth and enthusiasm. 

Merce my mentor here, is an energetic and passionate teacher, with 14 years of experience at this school. Each day she encourages me, and helps me understand my new surroundings. She often reminds me that we are all here to learn from one another...student to teacher, teacher to student and teacher to teacher. I am trying to carry this sentiment with me...observing and absorbing, but not just repeating what I see. 

This month is all about the spirit of experimentation. As a new teacher you can feel insecure. You may want to copy what you see, to be on the safe side. Or you may hold back from trying new,  untested and high energy activities, for fear of loss of control and combustion. I am trying to challenge these tendencies and see this as the ultimate opportunity to test-drive my half grown ideas. So far its paying off. 

This week I have entered my students into "The Worlds Worst Cake Competition 2019", they have strutted down the catwalk in my clothes, designed Super-Banana heroes that can peel their own skin and made Cubist faces in cardboard.

Its been fun.
Lets do it again sometime. 

The people in A Coruna are lovely and the atmosphere is very calm. The people here are some of the nicest that I met. Some of the scenery is beautiful like the beach and center. The weather has not been Hawai-an but it is not bad and has its own charm (I suppose). The first week has been hectic and it still is, getting used to the timetable, classes and teaching. However, the cons are not particularly bad since the feeling of being here - the previously mentioned atmosphere, people, the bars where various types crowd in the evening to have a drink or watch a football match is quite unique. I know Chloe mentioned how lovely the people are here and I see what she means now. It also feels great when the kids/students shout your name in school corridors as if you were a rockstar.

Alive and well in Valencia

Where does the time go? Between teaching and having fun there doesn't seem to be a lot left for communicating - complaints from my Family 'Mum, Gran, what's happening?'. Well 'what's happening is A Lot! I've been very, very fortunate with my placement at Familia Sagrado - Blanca, my mentor and the teacher I spend most time with couldn't be nicer - so supportive, warm and firiendly. In the classes (16 out of the 20) there is Blanca, Elaina - a trainee teacher and me. She has divided the classes into 3 groups with 3 X 20 mins. slots which are rotating so for every class I have been preparing 20 min. lessons, this has been a nice gentle lead-in to me teaching 2 X 1 hour classes on Tuesday next. Yikes!! Will let you know how they go.

Otherwise and also very fortunate with my flat mates, just a shame all 7 of us here in Valencia couldn't be living together. We've had our first Night out on the Town which was a 'lorra, lorra, fun!' (say no more) and I just Loved the Escape Room experience on Friday.

All in all things are pretty good, though I still get nervous before teaching, especially during preparation when my brain seems to freeze for long periods, I know all will be well and soon as I actually begin - in my mind anyway, haha! Let's see how the observed lessons go though... Best to you all, d. :)

One week down

1/4 weeks down and it's been an interesting one so far. Everyone seems to be getting on well with their students - it's so nice that they all greet you by name when they bump into you on the stairs or in the corridor. Spanish secondary school students are quite loud in their classes so it can be challenging to get their attention at times. I've really enjoyed teaching primary schoolchildren because everything is still so new and cool to them and they really are curious about absolutely everything. It's wonderfully refreshing.

This weekend, we went to Santiago de Compostela by bus (about an hour away) and were blessed with blue skies and sunshine. Looking forward to what next week brings!

First week at St Juan, Jesuitas Valencia.

The first week in Valencia has flown by! St Juan, Jesuitas is a big school with over 2000 pupils, and would be imposing if not for the friendly and welcoming staff and pupils. I have taught a number of lessons, assisted the staff and made friends in a short period of time. The workload is reasonable and there is time to prepare. For the most part I have been working within the syllabus as the students are preparing for upcoming exams and there is a requirement to cover the relevant material. However there is room for creativity and applying CELTA and UKLC techniques to liven things up.
 Outside of teaching we have enjoyed  a team-building activity in the form of an escape room experience which was great fun. Valencia itself  is an amazing city; we are 20 minutes walk from the beach and the food,culture and weather is fabulous.
 I am looking forward to developing my teaching practice and exploring this amazing city during the coming weeks.

Chester to Valencia/Moncada

After a whirlwind week of training and copious amounts of food in Chester we arrived on Saturday night into Valencia. All a little disorientated it took the Sunday to get acclimatised to Moncada (a process that, in truth, is still ongoing).

 Before we knew it Monday was upon us. Nervous, excited and with a belly full of bread I made my way to my school (a mercifully short 10 minute walk from the apartment). Despite circling the building to find the correct entrance I arrived with plenty of time and was met by our UKLC coordinators and the representatives from SCHOLA (Andrea x 2). It was a lovely way to be introduced to the school and my incredible, and very energetic, tutor/mentor. I must say I really appreciated the introduction and support that gave me on my first day. I shouldn't have been as apprehensive because my tutor is genuinely one of the friendliest and most welcoming people I have ever met.

Similar to Chester this first week in Moncada as been a bit of blur trying desperate to take on a lot of new information and situations, however I do feel I have started to find my feet now. Despite some communication breakdowns and lack of clarity of my expectations within my role at the school I'm starting to feel more settled and think I have started to earn the trust of my tutor and have been slowly given more responsibility. Though it does seem you have to be clear, firm and sometimes direct to get to that stage, something which can be daunting when you are taking on so much newness.

All in all despite some ups, downs, worries and confusion I am started to feel more settled at the school and outside of it too. It has been great and I would highly recommend seeing the city, taking in the beauty and also just trying to have some fun if nothing else to stop your mind from being flooded with teacheriness. Something my tutor has insisted upon! #loveyouMaribel #Moncadalife #blessed #hashtag

Oh also it was cold as hell for the first few days, which I did not pack for! Luckily things have started to warm up now.

The training and first week in Moncada

The past couple of weeks have been a bit of a blur, however I feel like I left London 100 years ago. The training was very intense but it was great to get to know each other and get back into CELTA/teaching stuff. After not having done much since I went back to full time work waiting to start the ERASMUS project. The dorm bed was probably one of the most uncomfortable I have ever endured but 3 square meals a day was a real luxury.

First week in Moncada has had its ups and downs. I think I'm trying to adjust to a slower pace of life as I'm definitely used to the noise and feel of a city, so this is quite different for me. The school I'm placed in is loud and vibrant. The smaller children in particular seem to have really taken to me and I to them. I've received one picture and a handmade rainbow and more hugs than I can count (I'm sure a virus is to kick in anyway as there are so many going around) I've spent about 3 nights doing extra hours in the Schola for more experience and do enjoy the smaller groups to teach.

 I'm definitely looking forward to my weekend off as I'm feeling really worn down just from all the early mornings and long days. It's a good kind of tired though. I'm really hoping something great comes from all of this job wise, whether I would stay in Spain or not I don't know. I am keen to learn Spanish still but I think a bigger city would be more ideal for me. I also am missing London even though all I do is talk smack about it. Considering the weather there though I think I'll stay here for now. Saying that though our flat is pretty arctic, Spanish architecture is not made to keep the heat in.

Adíossssssss!

First Day

It begins. My initially, bubbling stomach of nerves was swiftly settled by the unexpected arrival of a Wisconsin giant/fellow teacher and the overwhelmingly welcoming nature of the other staff at the school. Due my absolute inability to pronounce my own name naturally I'm going by Oliver for now. After introduction were done I sat in on 3 English classes and 1 relaxing art class to gauge the teaching styles, the English levels of the students and general lesson feel.

I'm now watching a tiny rooftop-dog prance about whilst I make a shopping list think up some interesting things to share with the students about Wales.

Chester training week

The training week in Chester has been intense but enjoyable. I have loved meeting everyone from UKLC and experiencing their different teaching styles and approaches.
The lessons have definitely given me loads of ideas and things to consider ahead A Coruña.
In particular, it has been really useful getting some techniques/adaptations for teachingyounger learners and having the chance to put these into practise on the final day.My favourite part of the training week, however, has got to be the first aid session with Keith,who (in the nicest way possible) was mad.

I have also loved meeting all the other trainees. It has been really reassuring to speak topeople with very similar experiences and realise - ‘we’re all in the same boat’.I just wish we could all go to the same place! Although I have gone through many cyclesof being nervous and excited so far, I am now just mainly excited to go to the school and get started.

Hasta luego!

I arrived tired and a little apprehensive in Chester for the start of the training week. From the offset the team of highly qualified and experienced tutors made me feel welcome and helped build my confidence through a well designed training program. The best way that I can describe the experience is as an expansion of CELTA exploring  practical techniques for teaching younger learners, but without all the stress. Although the training hours are long there has been time to explore the charming city of Chester and if you are at sessions at the river side campus; I would recommend  walking along the riverside and old city walls. There has also been opportunities to socialize and bond as a group through pub visits and fun activities. The week has flown by and surpassed my expectations. Tomorrow we fly to Valencia and the adventure continues!

The first week of the course has seen us inundated with teaching tips and tricks, all of which I've done my best to absorb for future use. Although there's been a lot of input, the teaching has been really varied and interactive, which has made the sessions enjoyable. It's a huge relief to get to know some the other people on the project, and talk about our fears and expectations. It's also a relief to find out the schools we're going to and get our timetables, although it all seems a bit terrifyingly real now! Living in Chester University accommodation has also been a lot of fun, and allowed me to fully take on the 'student role'. The mixture of excitement and apprehension was very reminiscent of Fresher's week. Overall this week has been great, it has refreshed what I learnt on my TEFL course and has given me loads of inspiration for class planning. I can't wait to get to Valencia and see the city, and put what I've learned into practice.