Last year I decided to do a little experiment - I decided to plan all of my classes to a tee. Here are some things that I learnt by planning 492 lessons last year. If you are employed at a private language academy in Spain, you will normally be asked to prepare lesson plans in… Continue reading Lesson planning – Is it worth it?
Tag: teaching in spain
Your last holiday – A2 Adults
One month left! If you're coming back to the same school or academy and you know you're getting the same students as before, it eliminates that awkward first class introductions. Instead, you can focus on something much better - last summer's experience. Last year I had the pleasure of teaching a lovely group of general… Continue reading Your last holiday – A2 Adults
Introduce your classmate
The first day of school is just around the corner! It is always a challenge for me as I am on a never-ending quest to find the perfect introduction lesson activity. Since introducing ourselves can be awkward, why doesn't someone else do it for us? I am yet to prepare a standard introductory class that… Continue reading Introduce your classmate
Laugh it off!
Learning a new language often comes with making mistakes. Some mistakes are natural and relate to first language or mispronunciation. However, every now and then our students make mistakes that can make you laugh uncontrollably. What do you do then? Certain class situations can make you laugh out loud. I guess that's just one of… Continue reading Laugh it off!
CELTA – language skills related tasks
On CELTA you are asked to complete four written assignments. Even though you get plenty of help from your tutors, time is pretty tight, and you need to do a lot of individual research. I'd like to show you my assignment 3 with hopes that it will give you some help and inspiration on your… Continue reading CELTA – language skills related tasks
Cambridge PET – Reading Part 1
There is a big difference between reading and understanding the text. In PET reading part 1, students decipher the meaning of five short texts found in everyday situations. This is my second post focusing on PET exam preparation. Click the link to check out the first part about teaching PET writing Part 1. In PET reading… Continue reading Cambridge PET – Reading Part 1
How to get a CELTA Pass A?
Looks like you’ve made the choice to dive in and become an ESL teacher! Now, it’s time to apply for the CELTA course, and start learning how to pass CELTA to earn that teaching certificate. I have to be real with you. I was thinking about taking CELTA for over a year, always finding excuses… Continue reading How to get a CELTA Pass A?
Happy Ice Cream Month!
As we transition from June to July, we go from pride month to ice cream month. I think it deserves a lesson that celebrates both of these reasons. I have met many ESL teachers who often bring their passion into their classrooms -travelling, crafts, learning languages or even space! It made me think - what… Continue reading Happy Ice Cream Month!
Native speakers only!
Native speakers wanted! Our academy hires native speakers only! Learn English with native speakers! Sounds familiar? What if I tell you that it is all a lie... If you've ever looked for an ESL job, surely you were bombarded with native speakers only! as the top requirement. When I saw it for the first time… Continue reading Native speakers only!
Creating routine
Are you a creature of habit? What about your students? As a teacher you don't always have to surprise learners in fact many of them, especially the little ones, enjoy following certain routine. You have probably realised that teaching is particularly difficult at the beginning of the school year. We all have to get to… Continue reading Creating routine
