I was always looking for the perfect first class for exam preparation. Right after I finished CELTA, I had the pleasure of teaching B1 and B2 Cambridge intensive summer courses. As I was still on the high from passing CELTA, I analysed and prepared two full Compact books, including language analysis, possible problems (with solutions)… Continue reading First lesson for B2 Cambridge exam preparation
Tag: teaching in spain
(ESL) job interview red flags
Imagine that you are a brand new ESL teacher. You sent your CV everywhere, and now you wait. Finally, it happens! You got a job interview. You go to the academy full of energy and hope, but it's nothing like what you had imagined. Sounds familiar? As the first part of becoming a freelancer, I… Continue reading (ESL) job interview red flags
Adapting lesson plans to other levels
I used to work at an academy that required all plans to be posted onto the server by Monday. At first, it's fine, you do it, full of energy and happiness. However, then comes the time when you reach the limit and you start thinking about how you can prepare one lesson plan that can… Continue reading Adapting lesson plans to other levels
Compound words for Starters
If there is one thing that I enjoy teaching to my YL is compound nouns. I like to think about them as two pieces of a jigsaw which create new words once they are put together. Here is a lesson plan and a set of worksheets I came up with for Cambridge Starters. It's been… Continue reading Compound words for Starters
Cambridge PET – informative brochures
If you are like me and you primarily prepare your students to take Cambridge exams, then you always find yourself going in circles and explaining different parts of the examination. It isn't rocket science but obviously, some parts are more complicated than others. The handbook provided by Cambridge official helps a lot but I often… Continue reading Cambridge PET – informative brochures
New chapter: becoming a freelancer
This post was meant to be about something else. However, as I was enjoying what I thought were my last few days of holidays, I received a news so unexpected that it changed my way of thinking and motivated me enough to change my current work ambitions. Let me tell you a story about teaching… Continue reading New chapter: becoming a freelancer
First class – what can you do?
Dear ESL teachers! You've got less than a month of holidays left. Time to mentally prepare for the first day and introduction classes. Do you know what you're going to do this year? I've said it a million times before, and I will say it again - I do NOT like first lessons. In fact,… Continue reading First class – what can you do?
Is it possible to plan for very young learners?
So you've spent the whole weekend crafting an ideal plan for your young learners. You are confident and excited to have this class but the second you enter the classroom, you feel that something is off. Does it mean you've wasted your time? I have immense admiration for all teachers who are truly passionate about… Continue reading Is it possible to plan for very young learners?
Creating a classroom community
There's nothing better than having a group of students who enjoy each other's company. On the first day, it is essential to build a safe space and create a feeling of community. Last year I was combing through the internet for the perfect first class activity for young learners. I wanted something that would help… Continue reading Creating a classroom community
Cambridge PET – Speaking Part 1
The beginning of a speaking exam can be a nerve-racking experience. Speaking Part 1 is designed to break the ice and get to know the candidates. If you have been following me for some time, then you know I have a series on PET Cambridge exam preparation. Check out my previous lesson plans on Writing Part… Continue reading Cambridge PET – Speaking Part 1
