So, it's after August 15th, which here in Greece means teachers turn their thoughts to getting back to work, (if they ever stopped in the first place)! I thought I'd give you a run down on some things going through my brain at this time of year and then we can compare notes. (Please add your views in the comments below!)
I love going back to school, I always did. As a kid it meant new shoes, bag, supplies and an outfit, catching up with my friends after a long summer break and learning new stuff. As a teacher, things are a little more complicated. Super duper new supplies (I will be looking at this in a future post) do come into it of course, but there are more urgent concerns for me as a teacher.
#1 New Routine:
If you are working in a ''frontisterio" - Greek foreign language centre, you will have your time table to consider, as you will in any other educational establishment of course, but the frontisterio often feel obliged to pander to their clients needs and thus you know that your timetable will be altered at least three times before the end of September. If you are a peripatetic teacher, you'll be juggling your hours and judging how much time it'll take you to get from one lesson to the next. That can be from a few minutes up to half an hour depending on where you live. Whatever, your teaching situation you'll soon get into a familiar routine.
#2 New Books:
And I mean the books you use to teach with. Of course, you might not get a choice in what to use, but if you do, you need to consider quite a few different things in the selection process. Look at the level, age and interests of your students.
LEVEL: Look at the grammar and vocabulary covered; is it sufficient for the progress you wish to make with your class? If you have a class you want to fast-track. - you know those kids that just 'get' the language, you might want to consider jumping a level and supplementing with some fun vocabulary lessons. I find slow cooking classes (the ones where you find yourself explaining basic grammar for the umpteenth time) often like a book with a standard layout in each unit. Here it is important to check that grammar and vocabulary are recycled throughout the book.
AGE: Layout is important here. Adults tend to like plain, clear exercises in neat neat columns, and a traditional typeface, teens/tweens/infants like a busy page with wacky pictures and cartoons. Look at the age of the characters if there is a story theme, aim a little older rather than younger. Look at technology in the books, kids are very discerning and will be quick to point out ageing tech in photos, again adults are usually a little more tolerant.
INTEREST: Remember to choose objectively. (Personally, sports leave me cold, but give me nature and I'll prick up my ears.) If a unit you thought was fabulous hits a flat response, remind yourself that your students will not necessarily like the same stuff you do, accept it and get over it, after all you are there to help them. Of course, this tailoring of taste isn't always possible given that you may be teaching a large class. If that is the case, try to find a course book that has multiple topics that will appeal to many interests.
#3 Targets:
I know several teachers who get into the office on the first day and check their academic calendar to see when public holidays fall and which classes they'll be missing. (I'm naming no names!) Joking aside, this is only partly because they'll get a welcome break mid term (no half-term/autumn/spring breaks in Greece), but also because if you have an exam class you need to plan lessons and material and know exactly how much time you have to cover that material. If you are in a state school, you'll also have to contend with school trips. If you are a home tutor, ask about family vacations in advance. Count days, and lessons according to the pace of your classes and do a rough calculation. Add in a few extra days if you you want to do extra activities for celebrations and so on.
#4 Extra activities:
I'll be honest, this is my favourite part of teaching (I'm already scanning Pinterest for classroom decor and fun activities). The thing you need to think about is what you want to (re)present. Most teachers deal with major American and British celebrations. Don't forget there are also cultural heritage activities or International Days that you can look at. Again, depending on how much leeway you have, you can teach these things in many ways. In schools it's fun to see older kids teaching younger ones after a few years of following a celebration like Halloween for example. You realise you've brought another culture into their lives then and even if the customs don't have the same significance, it's lovely to see them being appreciated. *NOTE* Always respect parental views on these lessons; some will not wish their kids to participate in certain activities for whatever reason. You may think it's odd, but they're ultimately in charge. Check with the parents first if you are unsure. (E.g. Are kids allowed to have sweets? Are there any religious beliefs to be considered?)
#5 The first day:
It's an old one, but I have to remind myself every year; start as you mean to go on. I've taught all ages - toddlers to pensioners and it's the same in every instance. Don't give the impression that you are a pushover - believe me chaos will eventually ensue! Don't be old-school strict - you do not want to hear kids ''complaining" about you to their friends/parents/your boss. Try to strike a balance so that your students know you are fair yet fearless. (You are, even if you don't feel like it all the time.)
Have a great school year 2018-2019 everyone!
#1 New Routine:
If you are working in a ''frontisterio" - Greek foreign language centre, you will have your time table to consider, as you will in any other educational establishment of course, but the frontisterio often feel obliged to pander to their clients needs and thus you know that your timetable will be altered at least three times before the end of September. If you are a peripatetic teacher, you'll be juggling your hours and judging how much time it'll take you to get from one lesson to the next. That can be from a few minutes up to half an hour depending on where you live. Whatever, your teaching situation you'll soon get into a familiar routine.
#2 New Books:
And I mean the books you use to teach with. Of course, you might not get a choice in what to use, but if you do, you need to consider quite a few different things in the selection process. Look at the level, age and interests of your students.
LEVEL: Look at the grammar and vocabulary covered; is it sufficient for the progress you wish to make with your class? If you have a class you want to fast-track. - you know those kids that just 'get' the language, you might want to consider jumping a level and supplementing with some fun vocabulary lessons. I find slow cooking classes (the ones where you find yourself explaining basic grammar for the umpteenth time) often like a book with a standard layout in each unit. Here it is important to check that grammar and vocabulary are recycled throughout the book.
AGE: Layout is important here. Adults tend to like plain, clear exercises in neat neat columns, and a traditional typeface, teens/tweens/infants like a busy page with wacky pictures and cartoons. Look at the age of the characters if there is a story theme, aim a little older rather than younger. Look at technology in the books, kids are very discerning and will be quick to point out ageing tech in photos, again adults are usually a little more tolerant.
INTEREST: Remember to choose objectively. (Personally, sports leave me cold, but give me nature and I'll prick up my ears.) If a unit you thought was fabulous hits a flat response, remind yourself that your students will not necessarily like the same stuff you do, accept it and get over it, after all you are there to help them. Of course, this tailoring of taste isn't always possible given that you may be teaching a large class. If that is the case, try to find a course book that has multiple topics that will appeal to many interests.
#3 Targets:
I know several teachers who get into the office on the first day and check their academic calendar to see when public holidays fall and which classes they'll be missing. (I'm naming no names!) Joking aside, this is only partly because they'll get a welcome break mid term (no half-term/autumn/spring breaks in Greece), but also because if you have an exam class you need to plan lessons and material and know exactly how much time you have to cover that material. If you are in a state school, you'll also have to contend with school trips. If you are a home tutor, ask about family vacations in advance. Count days, and lessons according to the pace of your classes and do a rough calculation. Add in a few extra days if you you want to do extra activities for celebrations and so on.
#4 Extra activities:
I'll be honest, this is my favourite part of teaching (I'm already scanning Pinterest for classroom decor and fun activities). The thing you need to think about is what you want to (re)present. Most teachers deal with major American and British celebrations. Don't forget there are also cultural heritage activities or International Days that you can look at. Again, depending on how much leeway you have, you can teach these things in many ways. In schools it's fun to see older kids teaching younger ones after a few years of following a celebration like Halloween for example. You realise you've brought another culture into their lives then and even if the customs don't have the same significance, it's lovely to see them being appreciated. *NOTE* Always respect parental views on these lessons; some will not wish their kids to participate in certain activities for whatever reason. You may think it's odd, but they're ultimately in charge. Check with the parents first if you are unsure. (E.g. Are kids allowed to have sweets? Are there any religious beliefs to be considered?)
#5 The first day:
It's an old one, but I have to remind myself every year; start as you mean to go on. I've taught all ages - toddlers to pensioners and it's the same in every instance. Don't give the impression that you are a pushover - believe me chaos will eventually ensue! Don't be old-school strict - you do not want to hear kids ''complaining" about you to their friends/parents/your boss. Try to strike a balance so that your students know you are fair yet fearless. (You are, even if you don't feel like it all the time.)
Have a great school year 2018-2019 everyone!
1 comment:
Great tips as always, Naomi. No. 5 was a good reminder for me! Let's hope this academic year is a good one for all of us.
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