At half past 7, we went off to John Cleveland, another school, this one’s a science school as Groby is a language school.
My first lesson I observed was French and we were immediately surprised, the pupils were so quiet, respectful, they knew the ‘conditionel’ and the ‘imparfait’,…
During the French lesson, someone’s cell phone went off and he had to give it to the teacher. This school is far more strict than Groby, though Groby has its charms too!
The French lesson was especially about their speaking skill. They played some games where the teacher asked a question (sentence) in French and the pupils (boys against girls) had to say that question (sentence) in English, so translate it in a correct way. This was really nice! And they could speak French very well too!
They also played speed dating and some discussions, what they liked about it, peer correction,… Creative, interactive lesson!
The second hour, we had a tour throughout the school. We saw the reception area, some classes and they even have a “punishment room” (sounds kind of kinky I know, but they had a more specific name for it, which I can’t remember) where pupils have to go when they behaved bad in class. The problem, the discussion or anything else is written down on paper, done as well by the teacher as well by the pupil and they talk about it until it’s solved.
When a pupil behaved really, really bad, they have even got little separated places, pupils facing the wall and walls next to you. They have to do their homework or do extra tasks. But apparently, sitting here doesn’t occur a lot. Luckily… I would get mad in there…
What I have also seen is that there are quite a lot of younger teachers, which is nice!
I am certainly going to ask the address of this school and inform if there are any upcoming vacancies.
The third hour, I observed an English lesson, which was mainly about poems.
The teacher started off with a kind of questioning time, a sort of quick recap from the previous lesson. One pupil was sitting in the front of the classroom, and the other pupils were allowed to ask questions in turns. Nice exercise.
Afterwards, they discussed ‘the mirror by Sylvia Plath’, a poem we have also seen with Mrs. De Brandt (now I am thankful we have seen this poem, it’s a nice one too!).
Some meanings and difficult, double meaning, words were explained and discussed.
At the end of the lesson, she did an energizer, some crazy, active activities to wake the pupils up again !! Was really funny to do !!
Then I observed a lesson called ‘Study Plus’. This was a group of 6 and another little part in another class (6 more I think) and they had to work on their portfolio.
They were working in little groups and they had to invent something and describe, test it out, change, adapt,… They had some great ideas and I took pictures of their inventions.
It’s a great idea to use in my own class later on! ;-)
The last lesson we observed was religion, this was about Martin Luther King (and she made the comparison with Barack Obama, very good).
Nice lesson, given by Sophie herself. She used a PowerPoint and it was an interactive lesson. She’s a nice teacher and the pupils were nice too!
I really enjoyed this school and all her lessons. Thanks to Sophie (connections ;-)) all this was possible ! So thank you Sophie! :D
Kiss
Over mij
- Tanja
- Hi everyone, I am going to Leicester and whoohoo I am looking forward to it !
maandag 16 maart 2009
DAY 33 (12/03)
This day started with a very active lesson: PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
Timmy joined in every Thursday, but today they were going to do ‘cross country’, though we didn’t know what it meant, we still participated. I didn’t have much sleep the last couple of days, because we had loads of work to do for school and sometimes I had nights of 5 hours plus it was the time of the month, so you know how I felt… :p
Apparently, cross country was running… My favourite activity… NOT… I do run in the fitness, but this only lasts for about 15 till 20 minutes and then I am tired of running.
Here, we had to run outside, it was cold, I was cold and too tired.
But then, the most exciting thing still had to come, we had to run around the field !!!!
I even couldn’t see the end of the field !!! SO BIG … You will see it on the pictures.
We were divided into different teams, I was the read team and Timmy the orange team, and you had to run as fast as possible to win the competition.
As soon as we heard the signal, we crossed very hard, but till the end of the field though, then I was already too tired. The red team (my team) won, but Timmy did 3 laps compared to me, I did 2 laps… I was exhausted and all sweaty njammie… And I couldn’t take a shower and I still had to give other lessons, but ok, it was another experience I have had.
We laughed a lot, especially Ann, because she was filming everything LOL.
After this lesson, I had a free period, LUCKY ME !!
For the rest of the day, I had to give 2 French lessons. On the one hand I was glad, but on the other hand, it was our last lesson and then our teaching practice was finished.
The last 2 French lessons were awesome, the class was soooo cute, we even had to cry…
Normally, I don’t cry in front of people, but saying goodbye to them was such an emotional happening pff… I didn’t want to go at all… I wanted to stay and teach…
But nothing to do about that and after all I have got a nice souvenir, because we take a group picture of the class, which was nice…
During break, we also walked around to search for all the teachers we gave lessons with to take a picture together. Oh yes, crying was included…
Unfortunately, with pain in our hearts, we left the school and said goodbye (and see you soon, because we will come back again!).
So, our teaching practice is finished. We all feel a bit down and we really want to stay. Especially Ann and I… I asked the address of both school, you never know what happens with the future……. ;-)
Final Kiss. X
Timmy joined in every Thursday, but today they were going to do ‘cross country’, though we didn’t know what it meant, we still participated. I didn’t have much sleep the last couple of days, because we had loads of work to do for school and sometimes I had nights of 5 hours plus it was the time of the month, so you know how I felt… :p
Apparently, cross country was running… My favourite activity… NOT… I do run in the fitness, but this only lasts for about 15 till 20 minutes and then I am tired of running.
Here, we had to run outside, it was cold, I was cold and too tired.
But then, the most exciting thing still had to come, we had to run around the field !!!!
I even couldn’t see the end of the field !!! SO BIG … You will see it on the pictures.
We were divided into different teams, I was the read team and Timmy the orange team, and you had to run as fast as possible to win the competition.
As soon as we heard the signal, we crossed very hard, but till the end of the field though, then I was already too tired. The red team (my team) won, but Timmy did 3 laps compared to me, I did 2 laps… I was exhausted and all sweaty njammie… And I couldn’t take a shower and I still had to give other lessons, but ok, it was another experience I have had.
We laughed a lot, especially Ann, because she was filming everything LOL.
After this lesson, I had a free period, LUCKY ME !!
For the rest of the day, I had to give 2 French lessons. On the one hand I was glad, but on the other hand, it was our last lesson and then our teaching practice was finished.
The last 2 French lessons were awesome, the class was soooo cute, we even had to cry…
Normally, I don’t cry in front of people, but saying goodbye to them was such an emotional happening pff… I didn’t want to go at all… I wanted to stay and teach…
But nothing to do about that and after all I have got a nice souvenir, because we take a group picture of the class, which was nice…
During break, we also walked around to search for all the teachers we gave lessons with to take a picture together. Oh yes, crying was included…
Unfortunately, with pain in our hearts, we left the school and said goodbye (and see you soon, because we will come back again!).
So, our teaching practice is finished. We all feel a bit down and we really want to stay. Especially Ann and I… I asked the address of both school, you never know what happens with the future……. ;-)
Final Kiss. X
woensdag 11 maart 2009
DAY 32 (11/03)
Today I taught 2 French lessons. We continued doing the daily routine thingy…
The first lesson in the morning, just didn’t work out at all. The pupils were really noisy and not paying attention at all !! But Viv understood us and she walked around in class and we all tried to get their attention in other ways, by talking about their girlfriends and boyfriends and love,… I asked questions in French and translated them in English afterwards, because otherwise they didn’t understand me.
They didn’t even know how to conjugate the verb ‘être’, I was surprised, how is this possible?? They are 13/14 years old !! *grumble grumble*
Anyway, after school we are going to Leicester one more time to go shopping and I still want to buy a new pair of trousers, some new leather shoes and a new “teacher” bag…
Kiss xxxx
The first lesson in the morning, just didn’t work out at all. The pupils were really noisy and not paying attention at all !! But Viv understood us and she walked around in class and we all tried to get their attention in other ways, by talking about their girlfriends and boyfriends and love,… I asked questions in French and translated them in English afterwards, because otherwise they didn’t understand me.
They didn’t even know how to conjugate the verb ‘être’, I was surprised, how is this possible?? They are 13/14 years old !! *grumble grumble*
Anyway, after school we are going to Leicester one more time to go shopping and I still want to buy a new pair of trousers, some new leather shoes and a new “teacher” bag…
Kiss xxxx
DAY 31 (10/03)
This day, I had some changes in my timetable. I gave an extra lesson French (went well again, though it was a really difficult class) and I also gave a lesson together with Ann about Edgar Allan Poe! This lesson was just great!
We first explained the biography of Edgar Allan Poe and used a lot of pictures to visualise everything. Strangely enough (normally they’re rather noisy) they were very interested and silent!
We also read the poem ‘Annabel Lee’ aloud. It’s a very nice poem about romance and passion between two people. Also kind of forbidden love they say.
We also had a little discussion about the poem, very interactive and I also asked whether they believe in true love, only two did… :p wauw*
Finally, they had to sit in pairs and write their own poem. Each pair received a picture and they had to link this picture to their poem.
Nice examples were produced! ;-)
I also taught Dance again, which was AWESOME !!!!!!
It was our last lesson and we finished our dance. Evi got it all on tape and this will also be on face book !!!! No worries ;-)
I am just SO proud of it !! hihi *
At the end of the day, I had to follow another lesson, PE and badminton was planned. I played a match together with several pupils, it was nice, they were smashing all the time and it was a real competition, unfortunately we lost, but I don’t do this as much as they do. I like to play badminton, we also play it a lot in the Ardennes mm lovely *
During this lesson, Ann came in and joined in as well… We played together for a while until the lesson was finished, we had great fun !!
Ps: we were very tired, because the previous day we worked for school until 1 ‘o clock so we slept for about 5 and a half hours… And we had to be busy and teach for the whole day + Vermeulen, Lintermans and Vandael were here, so we had to do our best ;-) Tomorrow morning, they’re living again…
This teaching practice was ONE great experience !!! :D
We first explained the biography of Edgar Allan Poe and used a lot of pictures to visualise everything. Strangely enough (normally they’re rather noisy) they were very interested and silent!
We also read the poem ‘Annabel Lee’ aloud. It’s a very nice poem about romance and passion between two people. Also kind of forbidden love they say.
We also had a little discussion about the poem, very interactive and I also asked whether they believe in true love, only two did… :p wauw*
Finally, they had to sit in pairs and write their own poem. Each pair received a picture and they had to link this picture to their poem.
Nice examples were produced! ;-)
I also taught Dance again, which was AWESOME !!!!!!
It was our last lesson and we finished our dance. Evi got it all on tape and this will also be on face book !!!! No worries ;-)
I am just SO proud of it !! hihi *
At the end of the day, I had to follow another lesson, PE and badminton was planned. I played a match together with several pupils, it was nice, they were smashing all the time and it was a real competition, unfortunately we lost, but I don’t do this as much as they do. I like to play badminton, we also play it a lot in the Ardennes mm lovely *
During this lesson, Ann came in and joined in as well… We played together for a while until the lesson was finished, we had great fun !!
Ps: we were very tired, because the previous day we worked for school until 1 ‘o clock so we slept for about 5 and a half hours… And we had to be busy and teach for the whole day + Vermeulen, Lintermans and Vandael were here, so we had to do our best ;-) Tomorrow morning, they’re living again…
This teaching practice was ONE great experience !!! :D
DAY 30 (9/03)
Today, I gave a French lesson (went well) and a PE lesson (theory about sports, I have done a statements game).
The French lesson was a nice lesson! Normally, this is a noisy and difficult class, but today they were very brave. We played the role-plays. Each pupil could choose again one card and I played the role-plays quickly and fluently with them.
I really noticed they made some progress, which I am proud of!
Some of the boys, who before didn’t participate, are now interested and functioning in the group.
For me, it’s also easier to talk with the pupils. I don’t stick all the time to the role-plays, when something funny has been said or done, I try to ask extra questions in French and try to make it a bit funny.
Sometimes, they have also got questions about Belgium and then we just chat for 5 minutes and go on with the role-plays.
They told me, they really like doing this though it are always the same role-plays and fixed answers. It’s nice to hear pupils like you and the way you teach and that they have made some progress with our help.
That keeps me going!
In the evening, little Dan had put the table and he laid some small chocolate eggs on the table, which was very cute of him! We ate Risotto mmmm ANDI read some more in my very very very exciting book!! ;-)
Ciaoooooo *
The French lesson was a nice lesson! Normally, this is a noisy and difficult class, but today they were very brave. We played the role-plays. Each pupil could choose again one card and I played the role-plays quickly and fluently with them.
I really noticed they made some progress, which I am proud of!
Some of the boys, who before didn’t participate, are now interested and functioning in the group.
For me, it’s also easier to talk with the pupils. I don’t stick all the time to the role-plays, when something funny has been said or done, I try to ask extra questions in French and try to make it a bit funny.
Sometimes, they have also got questions about Belgium and then we just chat for 5 minutes and go on with the role-plays.
They told me, they really like doing this though it are always the same role-plays and fixed answers. It’s nice to hear pupils like you and the way you teach and that they have made some progress with our help.
That keeps me going!
In the evening, little Dan had put the table and he laid some small chocolate eggs on the table, which was very cute of him! We ate Risotto mmmm ANDI read some more in my very very very exciting book!! ;-)
Ciaoooooo *
DAY 29 (8/03)
Don’t laugh, but Ann and I went to church at half past 10… :pI wanted to experience such an event and see if I could notice any differences between Christianity and Anglicanism. We were sitting at the back, still a bit waking up, but when they started to sing we were paying attention. We received a book with loads of prayers, they were singing very beautiful prayers, but not all about God this and God that, also about people and human relationships, the strengths of life, moral questions,…
There was also a role-play, which was REALLY strange and funny, but this was because today’s women’s day and the role-play was about women.
It was also someone’s birthday and they sang for her and she even got a little present, which was so cute.
Just all those things together; role-plays, general prayers, the priest who showed his wedding ring, the singing for someone’s birthday,… was all so nice and different. It may sound weird, but sometimes I feel more comfortable to become a protestant than a catholic…
After church, Molly made us a big breakfast; bacon, eggs, toast, mushrooms, saucages,… Njammiee *
Then, we started to prepare some lessons, a lesson about Edgar Allan Poe and we also practiced our dance. In the evening, I read some more in my book hihi *
So as you can read, we had a rather quiet weekend… :D
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee *
There was also a role-play, which was REALLY strange and funny, but this was because today’s women’s day and the role-play was about women.
It was also someone’s birthday and they sang for her and she even got a little present, which was so cute.
Just all those things together; role-plays, general prayers, the priest who showed his wedding ring, the singing for someone’s birthday,… was all so nice and different. It may sound weird, but sometimes I feel more comfortable to become a protestant than a catholic…
After church, Molly made us a big breakfast; bacon, eggs, toast, mushrooms, saucages,… Njammiee *
Then, we started to prepare some lessons, a lesson about Edgar Allan Poe and we also practiced our dance. In the evening, I read some more in my book hihi *
So as you can read, we had a rather quiet weekend… :D
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee *
DAY 28 (7/03)
Today, at half past 12, Di Robinson (the teacher of my tutor group) picked me up to go to the rugby match between the Leicester Tigers and Gloucester.
I was really looking forward to it, but I had to go all alone, because normally Di’s ticket was meant for her daughter, but she couldn’t come so I got her ticket, even for free, because they had season tickets.
We talked a lot in the car and her husband was driving. Some friends were also coming with their two little daughters, they were so cute.
Once arrived, we passed a prison, it looked medieval and like a castle! I was stunned and surprised and took several pictures. When back home, I will put all my pictures on face book!
Inside, we were sitting at the 8th row. I took my glasses, but I could see enough with or without! :p
There were several refreshments, shops, pubs, heavy supporters,… And we also went to have a look in the shop. I bought 3 pictures of the cutest boys of the team and a program.
When sitting on the benches and waiting for the match to begin, Di’s husband was sitting next to me and every time he was explaining what happened, which was very funny, because I didn’t really understand everything he said, he used several specific rugby terms so…
It was very exciting to watch such a game! Everyone was yelling and supporting!
17.000 people…
The most impressive thing was when the Leicester Tigers had to do a penalty…
Everyone (imagine: 17.000 people) was silent, no noise, nothing (!), until they kicked the ball and scored a goal !!
The Leicester Tigers won: 21-10 !!
This was a great experience !!
Kiss.
I was really looking forward to it, but I had to go all alone, because normally Di’s ticket was meant for her daughter, but she couldn’t come so I got her ticket, even for free, because they had season tickets.
We talked a lot in the car and her husband was driving. Some friends were also coming with their two little daughters, they were so cute.
Once arrived, we passed a prison, it looked medieval and like a castle! I was stunned and surprised and took several pictures. When back home, I will put all my pictures on face book!
Inside, we were sitting at the 8th row. I took my glasses, but I could see enough with or without! :p
There were several refreshments, shops, pubs, heavy supporters,… And we also went to have a look in the shop. I bought 3 pictures of the cutest boys of the team and a program.
When sitting on the benches and waiting for the match to begin, Di’s husband was sitting next to me and every time he was explaining what happened, which was very funny, because I didn’t really understand everything he said, he used several specific rugby terms so…
It was very exciting to watch such a game! Everyone was yelling and supporting!
17.000 people…
The most impressive thing was when the Leicester Tigers had to do a penalty…
Everyone (imagine: 17.000 people) was silent, no noise, nothing (!), until they kicked the ball and scored a goal !!
The Leicester Tigers won: 21-10 !!
This was a great experience !!
Kiss.
DAY 27 (6/03)
Tiring day:
FRENCH: During this lesson, I had to hush several pupils, but after 4 weeks being here, you really get to know how you should handle your pupils. It doesn’t help when you start shouting because then it will end in a discussion. I have just said how I felt and why and what I expected and they seemed to understand.
They’re actually really nice and friendly, you just have to know how to get them interested and motivated for French. They can be respectful and they can be friendly and polite and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ without pushing it.
It’s just, we don’t know the pupils very well and that makes it more difficult. Some are special needs, some have dyslexia, … And we sometimes aren’t well informed about this. When you have this noisy class several hours a week and you really work with them and put strict rules, this can really be worked out.
Either way, as a teacher you stay an example, a model for your pupils and you can give them your morals and standards.
TRAVEL AND TOURISM: The lesson started really noisy, some boys were “fighting”, girls were nagging and shouting,… The start was really chaotic and Carlin couldn’t get them quiet.
During this lesson, the pupils had to plan a 4 day break to Euro Disney and look up things like transport to and from the destination, any transfers that have to be included, details of accommodation, what you will be doing, attractions, costs both for air travel and rail travel, explanation about which would be the best form to transport. But this hour, they only had to focus on the four first points, so until what you will be doing and the attractions.
There was also a girl who didn’t have any internet anymore and she was talking and bothering the lesson so I said to go and sit on another computer, but she said no.
I went to Carlin and explained the situation, but she said it was ok, otherwise there was going to escalate a whole discussion etc…
I felt sad. Sometimes, pupils really get what they want and because of that some become really arrogant.
If this would be my class, she would listen and change computers and work!
In the evening, I read some more in my SECOND book of Twilight ;-) LOL
The competition between Timmy and me keeps on going, but this time I think he is going to win… Unfortunately ;-)
Smakkerds -
FRENCH: During this lesson, I had to hush several pupils, but after 4 weeks being here, you really get to know how you should handle your pupils. It doesn’t help when you start shouting because then it will end in a discussion. I have just said how I felt and why and what I expected and they seemed to understand.
They’re actually really nice and friendly, you just have to know how to get them interested and motivated for French. They can be respectful and they can be friendly and polite and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ without pushing it.
It’s just, we don’t know the pupils very well and that makes it more difficult. Some are special needs, some have dyslexia, … And we sometimes aren’t well informed about this. When you have this noisy class several hours a week and you really work with them and put strict rules, this can really be worked out.
Either way, as a teacher you stay an example, a model for your pupils and you can give them your morals and standards.
TRAVEL AND TOURISM: The lesson started really noisy, some boys were “fighting”, girls were nagging and shouting,… The start was really chaotic and Carlin couldn’t get them quiet.
During this lesson, the pupils had to plan a 4 day break to Euro Disney and look up things like transport to and from the destination, any transfers that have to be included, details of accommodation, what you will be doing, attractions, costs both for air travel and rail travel, explanation about which would be the best form to transport. But this hour, they only had to focus on the four first points, so until what you will be doing and the attractions.
There was also a girl who didn’t have any internet anymore and she was talking and bothering the lesson so I said to go and sit on another computer, but she said no.
I went to Carlin and explained the situation, but she said it was ok, otherwise there was going to escalate a whole discussion etc…
I felt sad. Sometimes, pupils really get what they want and because of that some become really arrogant.
If this would be my class, she would listen and change computers and work!
In the evening, I read some more in my SECOND book of Twilight ;-) LOL
The competition between Timmy and me keeps on going, but this time I think he is going to win… Unfortunately ;-)
Smakkerds -
DAY 26 (5/03)
Bonjour tout le monde,
Today I had:
PYSICAL EDUCATION: Normally, Timmy and I had sports with Mr. T. (Martin), but before the lesson started I ran to Martin and asked what today’s plan was. It was rugby again. My heart trembled… No just kidding…Though I do like rugby, standing on the field myself isn’t a cosy feeling. I will watch it from a distance, I don’t like the scrum and the tackles,…He noticed this on my face (after laughing with me) and said we could also join Michelle, the female sports teacher. They were playing netball and this was more my cup of tea.
CITIZENSHIP: This was a movie lesson. The teacher first gave a short introduction what was about to come. The fragments were about ‘racism’ and lasted about 10 minutes each. It were 2 movies we have seen.
After we have seen the first movie, the pupils had to answer some questions about the content. Actually, this was really fun to do, because there was a lot of interaction and a lot of interest from the pupils.
The first movie was about racism seen in general; prejudices, a lot of racism attacks, what is your identity, religion, clothes, culture, skin colour,…
And that racism doesn’t always have to do with white against black, but it can also be for example and Englishman who just lives in Holland and the people of the street don’t like him at all = racism too!
FRENCH: Not so much to say about French. We had to use the same questions again. For us, as a teacher, it might be a bit boring to do every time the same questions, but for them it’s a good practice and they really improve their speaking skill, that’s for sure! So I am prepared to suffer some more ;-) Anything for my pupils!
Big Kiss X **
Today I had:
PYSICAL EDUCATION: Normally, Timmy and I had sports with Mr. T. (Martin), but before the lesson started I ran to Martin and asked what today’s plan was. It was rugby again. My heart trembled… No just kidding…Though I do like rugby, standing on the field myself isn’t a cosy feeling. I will watch it from a distance, I don’t like the scrum and the tackles,…He noticed this on my face (after laughing with me) and said we could also join Michelle, the female sports teacher. They were playing netball and this was more my cup of tea.
CITIZENSHIP: This was a movie lesson. The teacher first gave a short introduction what was about to come. The fragments were about ‘racism’ and lasted about 10 minutes each. It were 2 movies we have seen.
After we have seen the first movie, the pupils had to answer some questions about the content. Actually, this was really fun to do, because there was a lot of interaction and a lot of interest from the pupils.
The first movie was about racism seen in general; prejudices, a lot of racism attacks, what is your identity, religion, clothes, culture, skin colour,…
And that racism doesn’t always have to do with white against black, but it can also be for example and Englishman who just lives in Holland and the people of the street don’t like him at all = racism too!
FRENCH: Not so much to say about French. We had to use the same questions again. For us, as a teacher, it might be a bit boring to do every time the same questions, but for them it’s a good practice and they really improve their speaking skill, that’s for sure! So I am prepared to suffer some more ;-) Anything for my pupils!
Big Kiss X **
donderdag 5 maart 2009
DAY 25 (4/03)
FRENCH:
French went well again. Though, this is a rather difficult class and they can’t concentrate for a long time, but it went alright. I really had to be severe several times, which isn’t easy for me, it was my work point last TP. But they listened and apologised when they were giggling too much.
FRENCH:
we had to ask the questions again, but this time the ‘higher’ questions instead of the foundation. The pupils’ level was higher and they were ready for it. First, they panicked, but they have done it well!The foundation questions are more simple questions and fixed answers, compared to the higher questions, those are more open-ended questions like describe what your house looks like, what means your family to you,…
We had great fun because I was the lucky one who was able to talk about having a boyfriend or a girlfriend and they were all giggling, but in this group, they showed respect, they knew when they had to stop laughing and pay attention again. I wish I had such a class, they are so nice and friendly!
And cooperative!
They asked Viv when we came back, because they really like us and they feel a lot of improvement for French.
EVENING:
Molly invited some old friend (not to stress the age, but the friendship :p) and she made Indian food (curry)... These are vegetables, rice, chicken, fish,... in different sauces and quite spicey (I know, I don't like spicey food, but actually it wasn't spicey at all).
We ate a lot, because we were very hungry, we though ate around half past 8!
Then we ate pudding (=dessert) as always and every day ;-)
She made a special Indian dish too, but I forgot the name, it was something with cream and almonds which was soooo sweet and again sooo nice :D
My belly was filled and the calories were spreading *Doh* ;-)
I gain some weight I think... About 1 kilo I think, so that's still ok?! Yeah... it is...
I filmed the friends (everybody actually) yesterday, so when i'm home next week, I will put everything on Facebook!
After their visit, we still watched the movie TWILIGHT (obsessiooooon!!!!) and we just melted away during the movie wauw ** Natalia, Timmy and I also wanted such a perfect nice guy, but hey they don't exist in real life snif * ...
We went to bed at half past 12, a bit too late I know, because I am certainly going to be very, very tired tomorrow... It's the second or third day in a row we go to bed soo late...
Zoen xxx
French went well again. Though, this is a rather difficult class and they can’t concentrate for a long time, but it went alright. I really had to be severe several times, which isn’t easy for me, it was my work point last TP. But they listened and apologised when they were giggling too much.
FRENCH:
we had to ask the questions again, but this time the ‘higher’ questions instead of the foundation. The pupils’ level was higher and they were ready for it. First, they panicked, but they have done it well!The foundation questions are more simple questions and fixed answers, compared to the higher questions, those are more open-ended questions like describe what your house looks like, what means your family to you,…
We had great fun because I was the lucky one who was able to talk about having a boyfriend or a girlfriend and they were all giggling, but in this group, they showed respect, they knew when they had to stop laughing and pay attention again. I wish I had such a class, they are so nice and friendly!
And cooperative!
They asked Viv when we came back, because they really like us and they feel a lot of improvement for French.
EVENING:
Molly invited some old friend (not to stress the age, but the friendship :p) and she made Indian food (curry)... These are vegetables, rice, chicken, fish,... in different sauces and quite spicey (I know, I don't like spicey food, but actually it wasn't spicey at all).
We ate a lot, because we were very hungry, we though ate around half past 8!
Then we ate pudding (=dessert) as always and every day ;-)
She made a special Indian dish too, but I forgot the name, it was something with cream and almonds which was soooo sweet and again sooo nice :D
My belly was filled and the calories were spreading *Doh* ;-)
I gain some weight I think... About 1 kilo I think, so that's still ok?! Yeah... it is...
I filmed the friends (everybody actually) yesterday, so when i'm home next week, I will put everything on Facebook!
After their visit, we still watched the movie TWILIGHT (obsessiooooon!!!!) and we just melted away during the movie wauw ** Natalia, Timmy and I also wanted such a perfect nice guy, but hey they don't exist in real life snif * ...
We went to bed at half past 12, a bit too late I know, because I am certainly going to be very, very tired tomorrow... It's the second or third day in a row we go to bed soo late...
Zoen xxx
DAY 24 (3/03)
DANCE:
Today’s dance (2 hours again) was less easy than last week, because now the roles were switched; the PUPILS had to teach US their moves and dances, which actually was very difficult!!
We split the whole group in two and took one group for half an our (then switched). We decided to split our little group in two again, this made it easier to let them find some moves, in little groups and meanwhile, we could already learn some moves and follow what they were doing.
Ann and I were together and we did our best to learn the moves, but after a while we were starting to get frustrated. We get mad when something doesn’t want to work or progress. In this case, we were getting mad.
The moves were really complicated and they did lots of confusing twists and things with their arms. But hello, they have been dancing for loads of years (some even started at the age of 7) and we both danced for about 4 years in a dance school once a week…
We really noticed the level was too high, but we did our best and tried to be concentrated.
We got some further in the song and we decided that we will prepare the next chorus and the following again, otherwise we won’t be able to follow anymore I think, lol…
After all, the pupils were very friendly, it took some time to actually “learn” the moves, so they had to explain several times and do it over and over again.
Nobody was sighing or getting bored, some were even laughing with the way we danced, when we did something wrong! It’s a nice group!
ENGLISH:
Today’s dance (2 hours again) was less easy than last weak, because now the roles were switched; the PUPILS had to teach US their moves and dances, which actually was very difficult!!
We split the whole group in two and took one group for half an our (then switched). We decided to split our little group in two again, this made it easier to let them find some moves, in little groups and meanwhile, we could already learn some moves and follow what they were doing.
Ann and I were together and we did our best to learn the moves, but after a while we were starting to get frustrated. We get mad when something doesn’t want to work or progress. In this case, we were getting mad.
The moves were really complicated and they did lots of confusing twists and things with their arms. But hello, they have been dancing for loads of years (some even started at the age of 7) and we both danced for about 4 years in a dance school once a week…
We really noticed the level was too high, but we did our best and tried to be concentrated.
We got some further in the song and we decided that we will prepare the next chorus and the following again, otherwise we won’t be able to follow anymore I think, lol…
After all, the pupils were very friendly, it took some time to actually “learn” the moves, so they had to explain several times and do it over and over again.
Nobody was sighing or getting bored, some were even laughing with the way we danced, when we did something wrong! It’s a nice group!
kiss
Today’s dance (2 hours again) was less easy than last week, because now the roles were switched; the PUPILS had to teach US their moves and dances, which actually was very difficult!!
We split the whole group in two and took one group for half an our (then switched). We decided to split our little group in two again, this made it easier to let them find some moves, in little groups and meanwhile, we could already learn some moves and follow what they were doing.
Ann and I were together and we did our best to learn the moves, but after a while we were starting to get frustrated. We get mad when something doesn’t want to work or progress. In this case, we were getting mad.
The moves were really complicated and they did lots of confusing twists and things with their arms. But hello, they have been dancing for loads of years (some even started at the age of 7) and we both danced for about 4 years in a dance school once a week…
We really noticed the level was too high, but we did our best and tried to be concentrated.
We got some further in the song and we decided that we will prepare the next chorus and the following again, otherwise we won’t be able to follow anymore I think, lol…
After all, the pupils were very friendly, it took some time to actually “learn” the moves, so they had to explain several times and do it over and over again.
Nobody was sighing or getting bored, some were even laughing with the way we danced, when we did something wrong! It’s a nice group!
ENGLISH:
Today’s dance (2 hours again) was less easy than last weak, because now the roles were switched; the PUPILS had to teach US their moves and dances, which actually was very difficult!!
We split the whole group in two and took one group for half an our (then switched). We decided to split our little group in two again, this made it easier to let them find some moves, in little groups and meanwhile, we could already learn some moves and follow what they were doing.
Ann and I were together and we did our best to learn the moves, but after a while we were starting to get frustrated. We get mad when something doesn’t want to work or progress. In this case, we were getting mad.
The moves were really complicated and they did lots of confusing twists and things with their arms. But hello, they have been dancing for loads of years (some even started at the age of 7) and we both danced for about 4 years in a dance school once a week…
We really noticed the level was too high, but we did our best and tried to be concentrated.
We got some further in the song and we decided that we will prepare the next chorus and the following again, otherwise we won’t be able to follow anymore I think, lol…
After all, the pupils were very friendly, it took some time to actually “learn” the moves, so they had to explain several times and do it over and over again.
Nobody was sighing or getting bored, some were even laughing with the way we danced, when we did something wrong! It’s a nice group!
kiss
dinsdag 3 maart 2009
DAY 23 (2/03)
FRENCH: To be honest, the French lessons are becoming really monotonous, because this morning it was the 3rd or 4th time we had to play those dialogues. For those pupils it was their second time, but some of them were also tired of doing this.
We can’t really do anything else, because Viv wants us to do speaking activities and those dialogues and questions are the exam questions. So it’s important they practice them. Lindsay and Evi have the opportunity to prepare some creative speaking activities, but it’s during a French lesson when I have travel and tourism, so I won’t be joining in.
Hopefully, Viv gives us some other nice speaking activities too, or I will ask her if we could do some lesson something of our own, to have a bit of variation.
Natalia and I had to prepare a discussion about sports, gender, culture and tradition, differences in sports between women and men,…
We prepared some statements and some true/false questions, which are very nice, because there we wrote down some goodies who would certainly lead to a big discussion!
We were waiting and waiting in class for the lesson to start, but suddenly Mark came in and that wasn’t the one we needed. Martin (our normally PE teacher) couldn’t come, because he had an A-level exam or something like that and he didn’t tell Mark we had prepared something, but gave instead a homework to do in class.
Physical Education: Natalia and I had to prepare a discussion about sports, gender, culture and tradition, differences in sports between women and men,…
We prepared some statements and some true/false questions, which are very nice, because there we wrote down some goodies who would certainly lead to a big discussion!
We were waiting and waiting in class for the lesson to start, but suddenly Mark came in and that wasn’t the one we needed. Martin (our normally PE teacher) couldn’t come, because he had an A-level exam or something like that and he didn’t tell Mark we had prepared something, but gave instead a homework to do in class.
We explained and excused us, because there wasn’t anything we could do.
The statements game will be for next week !
Evening: We ate some rice dish, made by Molly, nice but heavy on the stomac.
For the rest, I have to admit something..........................................
CONFESSION:
I am really getting a NERD !! !!!!!
They got me into reading and now I don't want to stop anymore !!!!!! HELP ...
Normally, I never read books and I hated reading, but now I bought the Twilight books and I am really really really OBSESSED by these books !!
I LOVE TWILIGHT !!
next week, I am going to see the movie with Timmy, but then I first have to finish this book (434 pages !!!)
Big smile and kiss hihi **
We can’t really do anything else, because Viv wants us to do speaking activities and those dialogues and questions are the exam questions. So it’s important they practice them. Lindsay and Evi have the opportunity to prepare some creative speaking activities, but it’s during a French lesson when I have travel and tourism, so I won’t be joining in.
Hopefully, Viv gives us some other nice speaking activities too, or I will ask her if we could do some lesson something of our own, to have a bit of variation.
Natalia and I had to prepare a discussion about sports, gender, culture and tradition, differences in sports between women and men,…
We prepared some statements and some true/false questions, which are very nice, because there we wrote down some goodies who would certainly lead to a big discussion!
We were waiting and waiting in class for the lesson to start, but suddenly Mark came in and that wasn’t the one we needed. Martin (our normally PE teacher) couldn’t come, because he had an A-level exam or something like that and he didn’t tell Mark we had prepared something, but gave instead a homework to do in class.
Physical Education: Natalia and I had to prepare a discussion about sports, gender, culture and tradition, differences in sports between women and men,…
We prepared some statements and some true/false questions, which are very nice, because there we wrote down some goodies who would certainly lead to a big discussion!
We were waiting and waiting in class for the lesson to start, but suddenly Mark came in and that wasn’t the one we needed. Martin (our normally PE teacher) couldn’t come, because he had an A-level exam or something like that and he didn’t tell Mark we had prepared something, but gave instead a homework to do in class.
We explained and excused us, because there wasn’t anything we could do.
The statements game will be for next week !
Evening: We ate some rice dish, made by Molly, nice but heavy on the stomac.
For the rest, I have to admit something..........................................
CONFESSION:
I am really getting a NERD !! !!!!!
They got me into reading and now I don't want to stop anymore !!!!!! HELP ...
Normally, I never read books and I hated reading, but now I bought the Twilight books and I am really really really OBSESSED by these books !!
I LOVE TWILIGHT !!
next week, I am going to see the movie with Timmy, but then I first have to finish this book (434 pages !!!)
Big smile and kiss hihi **
DAY 22 (1/03)
Got up at half past 10 I think? Went downstairs with my cosy clothes and my sleepy head...
**Good morning everyone**
Molly: We're going to eat something 'Lunch' in the Lancaster pub...
We: Stress, still so much work to do for school and get undressed and dressed again...
We had a great time in the Lancaster pub. I ate mushrooms with bacon and sort of cheese as starter and mushrooms with cream sauce and rice as main menu and both were DELICIOUS!!
I don't know, but I think when I am back home, I might be a bit more vegetarian...
I don't miss the meat at all !! (mum and dad: "Please read this sentence several times)
Though, I would miss the pita and hamburgers and the spread at the morning to put between my beloved slices... But I just don't like that big, chunk of dead animal on my plate sometimes LOL... What a nice description isn't it?
--> For those who don't know, our host family are vegetarians, so we eat a lot of fish and vegetables and sometimes meat, but because she doesn't want to touch nor smell the meat, it is often too hard baked or it has a strange flavour, so :D
Anyway, the Lancaster pub was cosy with the whole family!
The rest of the day, we worked for school and because I had finished quite early, I took a little walk in the village, funny enough I got lost while this village is about 3 kilometres walking and you're in a deserted place with farms and cows,... Typically me, I don't have a good orientation.
Never had ...
Then we searched on the internet for a riding school, but sadly enough, we didn't find one yet.
Keep on searching, because Evi and I really want to go horse back riding some day !!
OOOh yeah, this Saturday, I am going to see a REAL rugby match in Leicester :D
How greeeaaaat is that ???!!
Kissssssss
**Good morning everyone**
Molly: We're going to eat something 'Lunch' in the Lancaster pub...
We: Stress, still so much work to do for school and get undressed and dressed again...
We had a great time in the Lancaster pub. I ate mushrooms with bacon and sort of cheese as starter and mushrooms with cream sauce and rice as main menu and both were DELICIOUS!!
I don't know, but I think when I am back home, I might be a bit more vegetarian...
I don't miss the meat at all !! (mum and dad: "Please read this sentence several times)
Though, I would miss the pita and hamburgers and the spread at the morning to put between my beloved slices... But I just don't like that big, chunk of dead animal on my plate sometimes LOL... What a nice description isn't it?
--> For those who don't know, our host family are vegetarians, so we eat a lot of fish and vegetables and sometimes meat, but because she doesn't want to touch nor smell the meat, it is often too hard baked or it has a strange flavour, so :D
Anyway, the Lancaster pub was cosy with the whole family!
The rest of the day, we worked for school and because I had finished quite early, I took a little walk in the village, funny enough I got lost while this village is about 3 kilometres walking and you're in a deserted place with farms and cows,... Typically me, I don't have a good orientation.
Never had ...
Then we searched on the internet for a riding school, but sadly enough, we didn't find one yet.
Keep on searching, because Evi and I really want to go horse back riding some day !!
OOOh yeah, this Saturday, I am going to see a REAL rugby match in Leicester :D
How greeeaaaat is that ???!!
Kissssssss
zondag 1 maart 2009
DAY 21 (28/02)
WEEKEND, finally !!
We were really looking forward to it !! Especially me, because then I could sleep al little longer mmm lovely…
I slept until half past 10 and I had a rather strange start of the day. Actually a hilarious start. Yesterday, when we went to the drama performance and to Leicester for a drink, I wore my dress and underneath a little top. That night, back home, I was so tired I just threw my clothes on my chair and fell asleep.
Well, the next morning I woke up, slept well and made up my bed and wiped out my fleece blanket. I have a little window next to my bed so it was easy to wipe that out.
Then I wanted to get dressed, but suddenly I realised my bra and my top had disappeared ! I looked EVERYWHERE, really every where !! And I couldn’t find it anymore … It seemed as it had vanished… I remember I drunk some wine and some beer, but I wasn’t drunk so maybe I sleep walked through the corridor with my bra and top?
I went to the bathroom and my room to look in the laundry basket, but no bra nor my top. Strange…? Then I started to think someone of the group wanted to tease me, but they were all very serious and said they didn’t see my bra nor top.
I was desperate and finally took another bra and top and hoped I would find it again somehow.
We all had a little breakfast and Ann and Stef were coming too (they slept in the Blue Bell, a pub next doors) and they were on their way until suddenly Ann was holding MY bra and MY top in her hands !!
I was chocked, HOW could it be possible?
Ann said: Well, this was lying on the street and I thought, hey I know this bra, it’s from Tanja! Why was it over there?
I didn’t know… I just couldn’t figure out how it came there… I concluded I must had a naughty dream or that I slept walked…
Suddenly I realised, I had put mu fleece blanket on the chair and in a hurry took it off my chair to wipe it out and in a rush my bra and top must have been wrapped in the blanket!!
So when I wiped out, it fell on the ground.
You must know, while I was wiping out, a twin of 4 years old and their mum passed by… Now I know why they looked so strange… Woeps…
After a lot of laughter, went to Leicester for some shopping (oh yeah again ;-)). I bought a little scarf with flowers, a little present for Liesje’s birthday and a nice t-shirt to go out. I spent 15 pound, so not too much…
Evening: I ate chicken burger with chips mmm and afterwards I have seen ‘High School Musical’ = great film !!
Bye,
Kiss from freaky Tanja
We were really looking forward to it !! Especially me, because then I could sleep al little longer mmm lovely…
I slept until half past 10 and I had a rather strange start of the day. Actually a hilarious start. Yesterday, when we went to the drama performance and to Leicester for a drink, I wore my dress and underneath a little top. That night, back home, I was so tired I just threw my clothes on my chair and fell asleep.
Well, the next morning I woke up, slept well and made up my bed and wiped out my fleece blanket. I have a little window next to my bed so it was easy to wipe that out.
Then I wanted to get dressed, but suddenly I realised my bra and my top had disappeared ! I looked EVERYWHERE, really every where !! And I couldn’t find it anymore … It seemed as it had vanished… I remember I drunk some wine and some beer, but I wasn’t drunk so maybe I sleep walked through the corridor with my bra and top?
I went to the bathroom and my room to look in the laundry basket, but no bra nor my top. Strange…? Then I started to think someone of the group wanted to tease me, but they were all very serious and said they didn’t see my bra nor top.
I was desperate and finally took another bra and top and hoped I would find it again somehow.
We all had a little breakfast and Ann and Stef were coming too (they slept in the Blue Bell, a pub next doors) and they were on their way until suddenly Ann was holding MY bra and MY top in her hands !!
I was chocked, HOW could it be possible?
Ann said: Well, this was lying on the street and I thought, hey I know this bra, it’s from Tanja! Why was it over there?
I didn’t know… I just couldn’t figure out how it came there… I concluded I must had a naughty dream or that I slept walked…
Suddenly I realised, I had put mu fleece blanket on the chair and in a hurry took it off my chair to wipe it out and in a rush my bra and top must have been wrapped in the blanket!!
So when I wiped out, it fell on the ground.
You must know, while I was wiping out, a twin of 4 years old and their mum passed by… Now I know why they looked so strange… Woeps…
After a lot of laughter, went to Leicester for some shopping (oh yeah again ;-)). I bought a little scarf with flowers, a little present for Liesje’s birthday and a nice t-shirt to go out. I spent 15 pound, so not too much…
Evening: I ate chicken burger with chips mmm and afterwards I have seen ‘High School Musical’ = great film !!
Bye,
Kiss from freaky Tanja
DAY 20 (27/02)
First lesson: FRENCH
This lesson was slightly different than the previous ones, but not really inventive or creative for us. We received a little booklet from Viv where short role-plays/dialogues, where mentioned. It was actually the same thing like the previous lessons, only with those dialogues you couldn’t really ask extra questions, you had to stick more or less to the leaflet.
Teaching French is actually easy, because we don’t have to prepare anything, only do speaking activities with the pupils, but on the other hand it’s also a pity, because otherwise we could have practiced our French more and prepare our own self-made lesson preparations. Now, we do talk French, but it are more fixed and simple sentences.
Second lesson: PSYCHOLOGY
I gave this lesson with Timmy and we gave a lesson about depression and its symptoms,… We made the lesson interactive and creative with pictures of ‘famous depressed people’, statements game, little movie on from YouTube where they explain about depression, a poem,…
But the text we got from the teacher was rather difficult to understand for me, because there were certain hormones with a difficult name and some strange processes to understand. It would even be difficult to understand in Dutch, let be in English. I tried to understand it, but I think I underestimated ‘depression’ a bit.
But after all, it has been a nice experience and a great challenge. The pupils had a lot of fun and so did we!
Third lesson: TRAVEL AND TOURISM
We wanted to give something about Belgium, and so we prepared a short leaflet 'Dutch for beginners', with nice and funny sentences, how you should ask to go to the toilet, what you should say when you really like a girl/boy,...
It was funny to hear them speak Dutch, but they liked it !
All the pupils were very different at worked at a different level and speed. It was easier to work and guide in little groups, so I explained how they should pronounce Dutch and mentioned some difficulties like: ‘sch’, ‘g’, ‘h’, …
Next to the course ‘Dutch for beginners’, we also prepared a little leaflet about the most important cities in Belgium like Ghent, Bruges, Ardennes and Antwerp,…
After we had finished our little Dutch leaflet, we started by letting them indicate Belgium on the map, and not surprising us, they didn’t know and we helped. Next, they had to indicate and situate the most important cities where we were going to talk about. And then we started the introduction about Antwerp (made by Ann). The pupils did their best and they were very friendly, curious and respectful. They also said they had never done so many things in one lesson and that they really enjoyed doing it!
Evening:
This evening, we went to the drama performance in our school (performed by our own pupils in Groby school), which was SO NICE to see!
There was dancing, singing, playing the piano, theatre,...
We will probably go back this Monday and Thursday!
After the performance we went for a drink in Leicester, together with Sophie ( a local) and we had great fun. We first went to a kind of lounge/pub with loud music and a loooong wait before you could even order your drink, but it was pleasant.
After this lounge, we went to a real pub, where we had room to sit and drink our beer at ease and where we could talk without shouting.
This neighbourhood actually was much better than the previous one (less Pakistanis) and a more mixed kind of people, lots of students, normally dressed girls (sometimes it was the same = worse) but this neighbourhood was better ;-)
It was half past 2 we fell asleep !
Kisss xxxx
This lesson was slightly different than the previous ones, but not really inventive or creative for us. We received a little booklet from Viv where short role-plays/dialogues, where mentioned. It was actually the same thing like the previous lessons, only with those dialogues you couldn’t really ask extra questions, you had to stick more or less to the leaflet.
Teaching French is actually easy, because we don’t have to prepare anything, only do speaking activities with the pupils, but on the other hand it’s also a pity, because otherwise we could have practiced our French more and prepare our own self-made lesson preparations. Now, we do talk French, but it are more fixed and simple sentences.
Second lesson: PSYCHOLOGY
I gave this lesson with Timmy and we gave a lesson about depression and its symptoms,… We made the lesson interactive and creative with pictures of ‘famous depressed people’, statements game, little movie on from YouTube where they explain about depression, a poem,…
But the text we got from the teacher was rather difficult to understand for me, because there were certain hormones with a difficult name and some strange processes to understand. It would even be difficult to understand in Dutch, let be in English. I tried to understand it, but I think I underestimated ‘depression’ a bit.
But after all, it has been a nice experience and a great challenge. The pupils had a lot of fun and so did we!
Third lesson: TRAVEL AND TOURISM
We wanted to give something about Belgium, and so we prepared a short leaflet 'Dutch for beginners', with nice and funny sentences, how you should ask to go to the toilet, what you should say when you really like a girl/boy,...
It was funny to hear them speak Dutch, but they liked it !
All the pupils were very different at worked at a different level and speed. It was easier to work and guide in little groups, so I explained how they should pronounce Dutch and mentioned some difficulties like: ‘sch’, ‘g’, ‘h’, …
Next to the course ‘Dutch for beginners’, we also prepared a little leaflet about the most important cities in Belgium like Ghent, Bruges, Ardennes and Antwerp,…
After we had finished our little Dutch leaflet, we started by letting them indicate Belgium on the map, and not surprising us, they didn’t know and we helped. Next, they had to indicate and situate the most important cities where we were going to talk about. And then we started the introduction about Antwerp (made by Ann). The pupils did their best and they were very friendly, curious and respectful. They also said they had never done so many things in one lesson and that they really enjoyed doing it!
Evening:
This evening, we went to the drama performance in our school (performed by our own pupils in Groby school), which was SO NICE to see!
There was dancing, singing, playing the piano, theatre,...
We will probably go back this Monday and Thursday!
After the performance we went for a drink in Leicester, together with Sophie ( a local) and we had great fun. We first went to a kind of lounge/pub with loud music and a loooong wait before you could even order your drink, but it was pleasant.
After this lounge, we went to a real pub, where we had room to sit and drink our beer at ease and where we could talk without shouting.
This neighbourhood actually was much better than the previous one (less Pakistanis) and a more mixed kind of people, lots of students, normally dressed girls (sometimes it was the same = worse) but this neighbourhood was better ;-)
It was half past 2 we fell asleep !
Kisss xxxx
donderdag 26 februari 2009
DAY 19 (26/02)
This morning, we all (except for Evi, Lindsay and Ann) joined in in Rugby (even Stef, Ann's boyfriend).
It took place outside, which was very cold but quite alright. When you have crossed the field several times to run after the ball, you will get hot you know...Well, the game started, but I didn’t know any play rule or even what to do, so I decided to have a watch on the field for a moment and see what happens. At the start I was really chocked, because those people really bumped into each other like two bulls getting ready to fight. I didn’t want to be in the middle of the scrum! So during the game, I ran “after the ball” (read: running in its direction), we couldn’t really do anything else, because they were all experienced pupils and they played really tough.
But to make it more easier, Martin our PE teacher, made us a little team and a separate field where we could play at ease ;-)
We really laughed a lot and this game is alright, it only looks a bit tough and hard in the beginning, but I think there are risks in every thing and every sport you do. But now I DO understand why more boys participate than girls (bumping into breasts seems painful to me).
Next we gave 'Citizenship', together with Evi. We talked about Belgium, where it is situated, the capital city, that there is a French part and a Dutch part and that there are loads of tension between them, we also said the language spoken in Belgium is Dutch and not Belgian, talked about our identity card, etc...
Our teacher was really enthusiastic about us and about our help during the lesson, we were a great help, and asked if we could come back, so we are certainly going to do that!
Then we gave 2 lessons of French (busy day pfieuw). They listened very well and spoke a lot of French. The hour flew and it was a pity it was finished.
I also felt at ease with those pupils, we laughed a lot and I actually could be myself! A crazy, funny teacher…
Sometimes, when pupils are explaining something, I misunderstand certain words because of their accent, and as you can imagine, this makes it really funny.
I also didn’t have any problems with class management in this group. I just asked, in a polite way, to be quiet and listen because it really annoyed me that they were talking and they listened. Mutual respect as we say… It was nice :D
Bye bye xxxxx...
It took place outside, which was very cold but quite alright. When you have crossed the field several times to run after the ball, you will get hot you know...Well, the game started, but I didn’t know any play rule or even what to do, so I decided to have a watch on the field for a moment and see what happens. At the start I was really chocked, because those people really bumped into each other like two bulls getting ready to fight. I didn’t want to be in the middle of the scrum! So during the game, I ran “after the ball” (read: running in its direction), we couldn’t really do anything else, because they were all experienced pupils and they played really tough.
But to make it more easier, Martin our PE teacher, made us a little team and a separate field where we could play at ease ;-)
We really laughed a lot and this game is alright, it only looks a bit tough and hard in the beginning, but I think there are risks in every thing and every sport you do. But now I DO understand why more boys participate than girls (bumping into breasts seems painful to me).
Next we gave 'Citizenship', together with Evi. We talked about Belgium, where it is situated, the capital city, that there is a French part and a Dutch part and that there are loads of tension between them, we also said the language spoken in Belgium is Dutch and not Belgian, talked about our identity card, etc...
Our teacher was really enthusiastic about us and about our help during the lesson, we were a great help, and asked if we could come back, so we are certainly going to do that!
Then we gave 2 lessons of French (busy day pfieuw). They listened very well and spoke a lot of French. The hour flew and it was a pity it was finished.
I also felt at ease with those pupils, we laughed a lot and I actually could be myself! A crazy, funny teacher…
Sometimes, when pupils are explaining something, I misunderstand certain words because of their accent, and as you can imagine, this makes it really funny.
I also didn’t have any problems with class management in this group. I just asked, in a polite way, to be quiet and listen because it really annoyed me that they were talking and they listened. Mutual respect as we say… It was nice :D
Bye bye xxxxx...
DAY 18 (25/02)
To start, we gave a French lesson. This was a rather ‘easy’ lesson, because we didn’t have to teach anything. Viv was absent today, so we had to take over her class. Viv made some worksheets (les légumes, les snacks, les fruits) and the pupils had to prepare those ones during this lesson. We just walked around and helped everywhere we could, but there were some very rude boys. They refused to work and they haven’t done anything! I first tried to get them onto work, but they just said ‘no I hate French, I won’t do this, I refuse' and some took their mobile phone.
Next, we taught religion. I never want to teach religion again here. I taught this lesson together with Ann about Hinduism. It actually was the lesson itself we didn’t like. In Belgium, I really love to teach religion, even if the pupils aren’t that interested anymore like earlier times, they do show some respect, compared to the pupils here, they don’t. I can compare them to my pupils in Borgerhout, they had the same attitude…
See you tomorrow folks !
Next, we taught religion. I never want to teach religion again here. I taught this lesson together with Ann about Hinduism. It actually was the lesson itself we didn’t like. In Belgium, I really love to teach religion, even if the pupils aren’t that interested anymore like earlier times, they do show some respect, compared to the pupils here, they don’t. I can compare them to my pupils in Borgerhout, they had the same attitude…
See you tomorrow folks !
DAY 17 (24/02)
Dance was really nice, though we were a bit nervous beforehand. We didn’t totally finished our dance song and I had some parts I always forgot. We practised it several times the evening before. When we entered the dance hall the pupils were rather curious who we were, why we are here,...
The dance teacher divided us into 2 groups. The first group started with the theory about dance styles and the second group joined us. At the start, we didn’t know very well what to do, but then we actually divided our little group into 3 more little groups (one for Ann,Natalia and me) to make the teaching and learning of the dance more easier for all of us. So we started and learnt them the moves step by step and after half an hour each one of them already knew everything, which was fantastic! They learned so quickly!
After 30 minutes our group passed on and then the other group came and we all started all over again. When the lesson had come to its end, the teacher wanted to see us dance all together and so we did; except for us, we filmed everything and it’s so cool to see!!
We really enjoyed teaching dance, it has become one of my favourite subjects !!
Hereafter, I observed a PE lesson, but this lesson wasn’t a practical lesson, but a more theoretical one, which was a pity, because I really want to join in in sports. Normally this is a practical lesson, but because the exams are coming up, other things are a priority...
The pupils had to work on their GCSE analysis, so actually analyse their dance into little steps and write down what went wrong, what could be improved, how you can see whether you have improved,... Martin (PE teacher) said I was allowed to help, so I did, but actually I couldn’t do much even after I asked if I could help. I don’t know what they do exactly, so this made it very difficult. I walked around, checked their spelling and talked a bit about Belgium, because in some way they are SO interested in discovering things about Belgium. We talked about going the different languages in Belgium, the different laws, the school system,...They were really surprised!
At the end of the lesson, I asked Marvin if I could join in in another lesson and I explained it was difficult for me to help, because I have no clue what they are talking about and it’s for their exam, so they really had to work and I didn’t want to bother them too much.So I was allowed to drop this lesson and join the next one. This is a practical lesson, but with another teacher (Mark). I had a chat with him and said I was allowed to come and observe his lesson today, so I did. They did basketball today, nice sport, but it were all boys, only 2 girls!But actually, I don’t mind. I just want to have fun and get to know the system and the pupils better.
Kiss
The dance teacher divided us into 2 groups. The first group started with the theory about dance styles and the second group joined us. At the start, we didn’t know very well what to do, but then we actually divided our little group into 3 more little groups (one for Ann,Natalia and me) to make the teaching and learning of the dance more easier for all of us. So we started and learnt them the moves step by step and after half an hour each one of them already knew everything, which was fantastic! They learned so quickly!
After 30 minutes our group passed on and then the other group came and we all started all over again. When the lesson had come to its end, the teacher wanted to see us dance all together and so we did; except for us, we filmed everything and it’s so cool to see!!
We really enjoyed teaching dance, it has become one of my favourite subjects !!
Hereafter, I observed a PE lesson, but this lesson wasn’t a practical lesson, but a more theoretical one, which was a pity, because I really want to join in in sports. Normally this is a practical lesson, but because the exams are coming up, other things are a priority...
The pupils had to work on their GCSE analysis, so actually analyse their dance into little steps and write down what went wrong, what could be improved, how you can see whether you have improved,... Martin (PE teacher) said I was allowed to help, so I did, but actually I couldn’t do much even after I asked if I could help. I don’t know what they do exactly, so this made it very difficult. I walked around, checked their spelling and talked a bit about Belgium, because in some way they are SO interested in discovering things about Belgium. We talked about going the different languages in Belgium, the different laws, the school system,...They were really surprised!
At the end of the lesson, I asked Marvin if I could join in in another lesson and I explained it was difficult for me to help, because I have no clue what they are talking about and it’s for their exam, so they really had to work and I didn’t want to bother them too much.So I was allowed to drop this lesson and join the next one. This is a practical lesson, but with another teacher (Mark). I had a chat with him and said I was allowed to come and observe his lesson today, so I did. They did basketball today, nice sport, but it were all boys, only 2 girls!But actually, I don’t mind. I just want to have fun and get to know the system and the pupils better.
Kiss
maandag 23 februari 2009
DAY 16 (23/02)
I gave my first lesson today, isn’t that great?!
I must admit I was a bit nervous, it has been a long time you see..
I had to teach French, but actually it wasn’t really difficult, but rather fun, because the pupils were divided into small groups and we (Evi, Lindsay, Natalia and I) had to sit in one group and ask questions like: Quel âge as-tu? Que fait ton père? … and after 10 minutes we had to move on to the next group and ask those questions again… I felt a bit tense in the beginning, but after a while I really was at ease! It were wonderful and very friendly students!
Everything went well and we laughed a lot!
Something important to say; my timetable has changed again, because I took one hour of French extra together with Natalia (that makes 6 hours now) and one hour of sport (practical part) extra. So this means I will be giving 15 hours, which is nice heih !
My second lesson was PE (physical education) but the theory and we didn’t really teach. It seemed as if our teacher had totally forgotten about us. We tried to participate as much as possible, but he said we will be doing some nice things next week, like a discussion and it’s up to us to prepare this.
After school, we quickly passed by Sainsbury’s to buy a writing case, a portfolio,… I had totally forgotten to bring this kind of stuff, so now all my papers are a bit chaotic. But after today, the chaos will disappear ;-) hihi*
Our lesson about religion needs some adaptations (I’ve really had enough of it) I feel like a dog running after his … J Oh well… It will be fine I hope…
Today’s planning:
- take care of my blog (check)
- practice our dance
- search basic information about Hinduism
- write down what we would like to do for citizenship
- get my sports outfit for PE tomorrow ;-)
That’s all folks !!
Bye Bye xxxx
I must admit I was a bit nervous, it has been a long time you see..
I had to teach French, but actually it wasn’t really difficult, but rather fun, because the pupils were divided into small groups and we (Evi, Lindsay, Natalia and I) had to sit in one group and ask questions like: Quel âge as-tu? Que fait ton père? … and after 10 minutes we had to move on to the next group and ask those questions again… I felt a bit tense in the beginning, but after a while I really was at ease! It were wonderful and very friendly students!
Everything went well and we laughed a lot!
Something important to say; my timetable has changed again, because I took one hour of French extra together with Natalia (that makes 6 hours now) and one hour of sport (practical part) extra. So this means I will be giving 15 hours, which is nice heih !
My second lesson was PE (physical education) but the theory and we didn’t really teach. It seemed as if our teacher had totally forgotten about us. We tried to participate as much as possible, but he said we will be doing some nice things next week, like a discussion and it’s up to us to prepare this.
After school, we quickly passed by Sainsbury’s to buy a writing case, a portfolio,… I had totally forgotten to bring this kind of stuff, so now all my papers are a bit chaotic. But after today, the chaos will disappear ;-) hihi*
Our lesson about religion needs some adaptations (I’ve really had enough of it) I feel like a dog running after his … J Oh well… It will be fine I hope…
Today’s planning:
- take care of my blog (check)
- practice our dance
- search basic information about Hinduism
- write down what we would like to do for citizenship
- get my sports outfit for PE tomorrow ;-)
That’s all folks !!
Bye Bye xxxx
DAY 15 (22/02)
I finished my travel and tourism subject about the Ardennes! And I was glad to have it finished, because I was tired of always doing the same thing.
Next, Ann and I have done some religion, but actually we were very pissed off, because every time I see that teacher he has no time or he’s too busy or I should come back later and then he isn’t there anymore,etc… So today, we were sitting here thinking ‘What the *** do we have to do?’
So we decided to have a kind of plan B, to let him se we definitely did something!
There was also a story about the Banyan tree (about Hinduism) but we couldn’t figure out what it was about, we searched on the internet, Molly called her friends, went to the neighbours, but apparently there’s not one story about this tree, but millions, so yeah… We decided to give it a rest and move on to the next part, so we made a quiz about Hinduism in order to find the IDS of the pupils and next, the pupils have to tell whether the gods (shown on the powerpoint) are male or female (not easy!) and then we wanted to tell them the story and do something on the internet… But I’m going to stop talking about religion because I can keep on talking about that subject!
At the evening, we were here with 13 people (Molly and Dave’s children were there too) and we ate Brussels sprouts (bah) and other vegetables and some meet…njammieee…
She always cooks delicious food you know!
Then we borrowed, as a matter of fact bought, a DVD ‘White Noise’ and saw him downstairs with the rest of us. Naturally, I got too scared and asked Natalia and Ann if I could sleep in their room or bed. But nevertheless, I was the first one to fell asleep, so I wasn't so scared then after all?!
I went to bed at about 11 ‘o clock, little bit too late, but for the first day it’s ok.
Greetings,
Mum and Dad, miss you :)
Next, Ann and I have done some religion, but actually we were very pissed off, because every time I see that teacher he has no time or he’s too busy or I should come back later and then he isn’t there anymore,etc… So today, we were sitting here thinking ‘What the *** do we have to do?’
So we decided to have a kind of plan B, to let him se we definitely did something!
There was also a story about the Banyan tree (about Hinduism) but we couldn’t figure out what it was about, we searched on the internet, Molly called her friends, went to the neighbours, but apparently there’s not one story about this tree, but millions, so yeah… We decided to give it a rest and move on to the next part, so we made a quiz about Hinduism in order to find the IDS of the pupils and next, the pupils have to tell whether the gods (shown on the powerpoint) are male or female (not easy!) and then we wanted to tell them the story and do something on the internet… But I’m going to stop talking about religion because I can keep on talking about that subject!
At the evening, we were here with 13 people (Molly and Dave’s children were there too) and we ate Brussels sprouts (bah) and other vegetables and some meet…njammieee…
She always cooks delicious food you know!
Then we borrowed, as a matter of fact bought, a DVD ‘White Noise’ and saw him downstairs with the rest of us. Naturally, I got too scared and asked Natalia and Ann if I could sleep in their room or bed. But nevertheless, I was the first one to fell asleep, so I wasn't so scared then after all?!
I went to bed at about 11 ‘o clock, little bit too late, but for the first day it’s ok.
Greetings,
Mum and Dad, miss you :)
DAY 14 (21/02)
Because we have to teach our first lessons on Monday, and because not every lesson was finished yet, we were a slightly stressed!
Today, I prepared travel and tourism together with Natalia, we are going to give a lesson about Belgium’s most famous places and worth to visit. I have Ghent and the Ardennes… I had no real inspiration, because in my opinion we started a bit too late… I love to work on time and in advance and preferably at least one week before the TP begins… That might be the reason why I didn’t have any inspiration, I was more thinking about the pressure for being finished than thinking about something creative...
At the end of the day, my lesson about Ghent was finished (creative yeps!) and I was happy, but still loads of work to do and to prepare…
But because we all worked so well today, we left at around 4.30h to go shopping in BORDERS as a reward! Borders is a famous book store, well known in every village here… It’s FULL of books on democratic prices, but there are also DVD’s and a Starbucks whiiii… So we first choose some books we liked and then drunk a nice coffee at Starbucks!
Before we drove home again, we took a quick look at Sainsbury’s, but I didn’t buy anything. I only bought a book in Borders: The Notebook for only 7 pounds and that's also my favourite movie, so I can compare the book with the movie.
For diner we ate Spanish rice dish, made by Molly, and it was really NICE !!
Then I spoke my parents and read in my book ;-)
Another lovely day !
Kisses Tannie xxx
Today, I prepared travel and tourism together with Natalia, we are going to give a lesson about Belgium’s most famous places and worth to visit. I have Ghent and the Ardennes… I had no real inspiration, because in my opinion we started a bit too late… I love to work on time and in advance and preferably at least one week before the TP begins… That might be the reason why I didn’t have any inspiration, I was more thinking about the pressure for being finished than thinking about something creative...
At the end of the day, my lesson about Ghent was finished (creative yeps!) and I was happy, but still loads of work to do and to prepare…
But because we all worked so well today, we left at around 4.30h to go shopping in BORDERS as a reward! Borders is a famous book store, well known in every village here… It’s FULL of books on democratic prices, but there are also DVD’s and a Starbucks whiiii… So we first choose some books we liked and then drunk a nice coffee at Starbucks!
Before we drove home again, we took a quick look at Sainsbury’s, but I didn’t buy anything. I only bought a book in Borders: The Notebook for only 7 pounds and that's also my favourite movie, so I can compare the book with the movie.
For diner we ate Spanish rice dish, made by Molly, and it was really NICE !!
Then I spoke my parents and read in my book ;-)
Another lovely day !
Kisses Tannie xxx
zaterdag 21 februari 2009
DAY 13 (20/02)
We went to Nottingham today (the place where Robin Hood is based on as you all should know...)
We visited the castle and there were beautiful, maintained gardens and inside the castle were clothes from the earlier times, remnants,...
Then we took a look in the town and we suddenly discovered: Nottingham City of Caves and Crime and Punishment. We asked whether it was worth it and finally went to the second thing (Crime& Punishment), so we came in the building and there was a kind of skeleton thing (in steel with bars) hanging on the ceiling... It gave us the creeps!!
This "thing" hanging on the ceiling was meant for example for murderers. A murderer was hung inside, one inside you weren't able to move anymore and you just had to wait until you die and feel the birds picking and tearing apart your skin... BRRRR !!
We followed our guide, which was a strange person all dressed up and playing angry, and we entered a courtyard from the earlier times. This was funny because our guide immediately divided us into parts! When you were wearing green, had a cap or had curls,... you were guilty and a punishment was said (mostly this ended up in death after cruel punishments or the stake...)
For the rest, we were free to walk around but every time another guide received us and gave us some explanation, but they were really in their roles, so they also got angry when we laughed or something... Because something funny happened... =D
Our next guide was a pretty handsome guy (VERY hihi) and he said "there are some rule you must obey as a prisoner. Rule 1: You do as I say!" And I said: "Well, this is rather kinky", but he saw us laughing and asked: "What did you say? Throw it in the group come on!"
But I didn't dare to say it, because I already felt a bit embarrassed :p LOL...
It was really worth it, because we have seen a lot of cruel things, but also how prisoners have tried to escape, how they washed themselves (20 men in 1 little bath isn't njammie...), so I really learned a lot and it was very interesting.
We were all really dragged into the earlier times, which was exciting !
Everything was done in an interactive way where one another could participate etc...
Really nice !!
The evening was a 'silent' evening --> TIREDNESS again ;-)
Kiss kiss xxxx
We visited the castle and there were beautiful, maintained gardens and inside the castle were clothes from the earlier times, remnants,...
Then we took a look in the town and we suddenly discovered: Nottingham City of Caves and Crime and Punishment. We asked whether it was worth it and finally went to the second thing (Crime& Punishment), so we came in the building and there was a kind of skeleton thing (in steel with bars) hanging on the ceiling... It gave us the creeps!!
This "thing" hanging on the ceiling was meant for example for murderers. A murderer was hung inside, one inside you weren't able to move anymore and you just had to wait until you die and feel the birds picking and tearing apart your skin... BRRRR !!
We followed our guide, which was a strange person all dressed up and playing angry, and we entered a courtyard from the earlier times. This was funny because our guide immediately divided us into parts! When you were wearing green, had a cap or had curls,... you were guilty and a punishment was said (mostly this ended up in death after cruel punishments or the stake...)
For the rest, we were free to walk around but every time another guide received us and gave us some explanation, but they were really in their roles, so they also got angry when we laughed or something... Because something funny happened... =D
Our next guide was a pretty handsome guy (VERY hihi) and he said "there are some rule you must obey as a prisoner. Rule 1: You do as I say!" And I said: "Well, this is rather kinky", but he saw us laughing and asked: "What did you say? Throw it in the group come on!"
But I didn't dare to say it, because I already felt a bit embarrassed :p LOL...
It was really worth it, because we have seen a lot of cruel things, but also how prisoners have tried to escape, how they washed themselves (20 men in 1 little bath isn't njammie...), so I really learned a lot and it was very interesting.
We were all really dragged into the earlier times, which was exciting !
Everything was done in an interactive way where one another could participate etc...
Really nice !!
The evening was a 'silent' evening --> TIREDNESS again ;-)
Kiss kiss xxxx
donderdag 19 februari 2009
DAY 12 (19/02)
(Our first "pub" experience)I spent the night with Natalia and Ann and we talked about certain interesting subjects ... :p
It was funny and I slept well...
This morning, I woke up at about 11 'o clock (woeps still the tiredness I think :D) and we ate a nice prepared breakfast, because this time Natalia pampered us a bit by baking an omelette and mushrooms...MMMM...
Then I got dressed and we all decided to have our first official working day (you know: typing lesson observations, reports, lesson preparations,...) and I have just finished my work for today!
This evening, we have to cook for ourselves, because Molly is away for 2 days, but we don't mind. I'll go downstairs in a moment and lay the table...
Then, hopefully, I will finish my book today (I don't read a lot so it takes daaayys before I've finished a book) LOL... :p
And normally, we're going to practice our dance performance again (I hope) and maybe have a drink in the pub "next doors" as end of the day...
Big Kisses,
Tanniee xxxx
DAY 11 (18/02)
Hi everyone,
Not sooo much to say, because today was a peaceful day...
I slept until 11 'o clock (the tiredness is killing me), I took a shower, washed my hair, hung around, read in my book,...
And at around half past 1, we took the car to Leicester (Timmy, Lindsay and I) and we visited some museums, shops (no I didn't buy anything :p), cathedrals and we ate something in 'The Subway' which is DELICIOUS foooood !! Njammieee ...
It has been a rainy, cold day bleh *
At the evening, we planned to do some dancing, we have to teach dance next week so we'd better get started, and we already have a nice part... It was nice, but I'm sure tomorrow I'm going to be a bit stiff ! :D
Bisou X
Not sooo much to say, because today was a peaceful day...
I slept until 11 'o clock (the tiredness is killing me), I took a shower, washed my hair, hung around, read in my book,...
And at around half past 1, we took the car to Leicester (Timmy, Lindsay and I) and we visited some museums, shops (no I didn't buy anything :p), cathedrals and we ate something in 'The Subway' which is DELICIOUS foooood !! Njammieee ...
It has been a rainy, cold day bleh *
At the evening, we planned to do some dancing, we have to teach dance next week so we'd better get started, and we already have a nice part... It was nice, but I'm sure tomorrow I'm going to be a bit stiff ! :D
Bisou X
dinsdag 17 februari 2009
DAY 10 (17/02)
This morning, my alarm went off at around 8 'o clock pfff * and I felt really tired... We always have very tiring and occupied days...
We visited Warwick Castle, which was worth it, because it was an old medieval castle and everything was very well explained, the kings and queens, what happened,...
You were also able to walk on the walls of the castle, it was a bit scary, because they were rather high. There were also men "fighting" with children for fun; in order to let them see how it was during the medieval times.
And at the end of the day, there was a performance of how to use a 'trebuchet' and this was really really nice to see how it really works!!
It was a great day !!
This evening, I am finally going to type my lesson observations and think about our dance lessons. It's about time I know ...
Kisses xxxx
PS: I REALLY DETEST THOSE ROUNDABOUTS WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA......... !!!
We visited Warwick Castle, which was worth it, because it was an old medieval castle and everything was very well explained, the kings and queens, what happened,...
You were also able to walk on the walls of the castle, it was a bit scary, because they were rather high. There were also men "fighting" with children for fun; in order to let them see how it was during the medieval times.
And at the end of the day, there was a performance of how to use a 'trebuchet' and this was really really nice to see how it really works!!
It was a great day !!
This evening, I am finally going to type my lesson observations and think about our dance lessons. It's about time I know ...
Kisses xxxx
PS: I REALLY DETEST THOSE ROUNDABOUTS WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA......... !!!
DAY 9 (16/02)
--> On this picture you can see Shakespeare's house...We went to visit Stratford-upon-Avon (village where Shakespeare was born and also died).
We left home at around 10 'o clock and arrived at around 11 'o clock in Stratford.
First, we went inside a 'Tourism Office' to grab some leaflets, a map of Stratford, etc...
I noticed, Stratford is a very picturesque and little village with lots of real British houses, of course (again) a lot of shops and those little streets where you can walk through. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining (no rain whii) and there was a rather "warm" breeze...
We first wanted to see and visit Shakespeare's house, but it appeared to be very expensive, so we just took some pictures and visited some shops.
Then, Natalia, Timmy and Ann went to visit a kind of Ghost house with witchcraft and wizardry and so Evi, Lindsay and I drunk a cup of coffee outside, which was very pleasant, because the sun was shining on our faces. Mmmm lovely...!
For the rest we went for a walk through the whole village. We were looking for some boats to do a kind of sightseeing on the water, but apparently they're not there during the winter, which was a pity... We also wanted to visit the 'Shakesperience', but is was closed grrrr ! *
Actually, today for the first time, I felt at ease in England and I actually said I could live here...
Everyone is so kind and helpful, the fooooood is delicious (but oh so FAT most of the times!), the villages are so cute and I do like the "Leicester accent" !! They almost "sing" when they speak !!
I can easily see myself living here in a kind of farm with some horses, cows, dogs, cats, some sheep, pigs,... Oh yeah *my dream* !!
Well folks, that's it for today !
I had a quiet evening and a quiet night, but that's good, because tomorrow we're going to visit Warwick Castle (medieval castle with dungeons etc brrrr...) ;-)
So more new tomorrow !
Kisses xxxxx
maandag 16 februari 2009
** All our pictures **
(Little Dan, Ann and I :D Don't we look cute?!)On this site you can find our other pictures (feel free to have a look):
On the left you can see some maps: Ann, Lindsay, Tanja, Evi and Timmy (= more pictures)
DAY 8 (15/02)
Today we didn't do ANYTHING... And it was Niiiiice !!
I woke up at around 11 'o clock and Molly indulged us a bit, because she made us a kind of English breakfast (eggs, bacon and toast,...) which was really delicious!
Afterwards we just hung around in the house, read some pages in my book, spoke to my mum on Skype, went downstairs again, went upstairs again, ate something, took some pictures of the house and its inhabitants (lol) and oh yeah, Sofie was here too (she is from Brasschaat, but she lives here now) and we had a nice chat about Groby, going out, nice places,... and she is going to show us some nice areas and she even invited us to come over for dinner. She's a sweet girl :) Claire, Ann, Dave, Daniel and Scott were also here, so actually this house was crowded today (we were with 13 to eat!) *biep*
I was rather tired from last week, you're always busy here, always doing something...
During the evening we dumped ourselves in the seats and watched an action movie ('Mystic River') which was ok, but not ok enough, because some were STILL falling asleep :p
like every single time we watch a movie... LOL...
Mum and dad, I miss you both :)
(How was the Jazz performance mum?)
Big Kiss,
xxxxxx
I woke up at around 11 'o clock and Molly indulged us a bit, because she made us a kind of English breakfast (eggs, bacon and toast,...) which was really delicious!
Afterwards we just hung around in the house, read some pages in my book, spoke to my mum on Skype, went downstairs again, went upstairs again, ate something, took some pictures of the house and its inhabitants (lol) and oh yeah, Sofie was here too (she is from Brasschaat, but she lives here now) and we had a nice chat about Groby, going out, nice places,... and she is going to show us some nice areas and she even invited us to come over for dinner. She's a sweet girl :) Claire, Ann, Dave, Daniel and Scott were also here, so actually this house was crowded today (we were with 13 to eat!) *biep*
I was rather tired from last week, you're always busy here, always doing something...
During the evening we dumped ourselves in the seats and watched an action movie ('Mystic River') which was ok, but not ok enough, because some were STILL falling asleep :p
like every single time we watch a movie... LOL...
Mum and dad, I miss you both :)
(How was the Jazz performance mum?)
Big Kiss,
xxxxxx
zondag 15 februari 2009
DAY 7 (14/03)
At around 10 'o clock, Molly and Dave arrived from their trip to Australia. I was very curious to meet them and I must say: 'They are LOVELY !!'
Molly is very relaxed and at ease and Dave is very cute! He looks like my own grandfather...
After a while, we decided to go shopping in Leicester and get to know the town a bit more.
We went to the shopping centre (again) and visited some other shops on the streets, it was very pleasant and relaxing. No stress feeling... Just vacaaation ! :D
I bought several things (of course) like a red dress (very nice and only for 3 pounds), 2 other books (The Green Mile and Twilight) and a leather jacket (only for 30 pounds) and I'm veeeery happy with my new things ;-)
Leicester is a big city where you can do lots of things, we also wanted to visited a little church, but unfortunately it was closed. But I would like to witness a choral mass !
I also want to find out more about the comparisons and the differences between the Anglican beliefs and the Catholic beliefs (unfortunately in Kdg we didn't learn about this!)
At the evening (after a tremendous shopping day) it was dinner-time and we went to a Chinese restaurant, which was very njammie*
We filled our bellies very well ! ;-)
Then we drove home, and when home we decided to go -back- to Leicester and GO OUT !! :D
We first searched some things on the internet and picked one club out and off we were...
There are lots of clubs in Leicester and the club we were at had very good music (R&B, hip-hop,...) and we had lots of fun, though there were a lot of 'strange people' staring at us or saying crazy, weird things... :p But we had lots of fun and that's the most important thing !
We were back home at around half past 3 ... and again --> very tired!
It was a greeeaaaat day and evening !! :D
kisses xxxxx
Molly is very relaxed and at ease and Dave is very cute! He looks like my own grandfather...
After a while, we decided to go shopping in Leicester and get to know the town a bit more.
We went to the shopping centre (again) and visited some other shops on the streets, it was very pleasant and relaxing. No stress feeling... Just vacaaation ! :D
I bought several things (of course) like a red dress (very nice and only for 3 pounds), 2 other books (The Green Mile and Twilight) and a leather jacket (only for 30 pounds) and I'm veeeery happy with my new things ;-)
Leicester is a big city where you can do lots of things, we also wanted to visited a little church, but unfortunately it was closed. But I would like to witness a choral mass !
I also want to find out more about the comparisons and the differences between the Anglican beliefs and the Catholic beliefs (unfortunately in Kdg we didn't learn about this!)
At the evening (after a tremendous shopping day) it was dinner-time and we went to a Chinese restaurant, which was very njammie*
We filled our bellies very well ! ;-)
Then we drove home, and when home we decided to go -back- to Leicester and GO OUT !! :D
We first searched some things on the internet and picked one club out and off we were...
There are lots of clubs in Leicester and the club we were at had very good music (R&B, hip-hop,...) and we had lots of fun, though there were a lot of 'strange people' staring at us or saying crazy, weird things... :p But we had lots of fun and that's the most important thing !
We were back home at around half past 3 ... and again --> very tired!
It was a greeeaaaat day and evening !! :D
kisses xxxxx
vrijdag 13 februari 2009
DAY 6 (13/02)
Toedeloe,
Today we finally arranged our timetables and within two weeks I will be teaching 13 lessons, but actually it will be kind of "co-teaching". This means I will be teaching together with another student (Natalia, Ann, Evi, Lindsay or Timmy) or with a teacher or even just guide and help the pupils during class... I don't have any lesson that I will be teaching alone, but that's fine!
These are my subjects I will be teaching:
- French (5 hours)
- Physical Education (2 hours) = sport
- Dance (2 hours)
- Religion (1 hour) = Anglican belief
- Citizenship (1 hour) = cultural background England
- Psychology (1 hour) = will be about 'depression'
- Travel & Tourism (1 hour) = project 'Belgium'
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT !! :D
We also discovered a lot today, because we didn't really know what we were supposed to do. Apparently, we were allowed to help the students during the observations (compared to Belgium we just sit and stay) and co-teaching together with a teacher also counts as TP (teaching practice). It's a pity we didn't know beforehand...
BUT... From now on, we are first going to take a rest and relax, because we have one week off (holiday!) and we are going to visit a lot of things and enjoy every little thing !!
This evening, we will be going to the pub again and also 'try to pool'...
Byyeeee xxxxxx
Today we finally arranged our timetables and within two weeks I will be teaching 13 lessons, but actually it will be kind of "co-teaching". This means I will be teaching together with another student (Natalia, Ann, Evi, Lindsay or Timmy) or with a teacher or even just guide and help the pupils during class... I don't have any lesson that I will be teaching alone, but that's fine!
These are my subjects I will be teaching:
- French (5 hours)
- Physical Education (2 hours) = sport
- Dance (2 hours)
- Religion (1 hour) = Anglican belief
- Citizenship (1 hour) = cultural background England
- Psychology (1 hour) = will be about 'depression'
- Travel & Tourism (1 hour) = project 'Belgium'
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT !! :D
We also discovered a lot today, because we didn't really know what we were supposed to do. Apparently, we were allowed to help the students during the observations (compared to Belgium we just sit and stay) and co-teaching together with a teacher also counts as TP (teaching practice). It's a pity we didn't know beforehand...
BUT... From now on, we are first going to take a rest and relax, because we have one week off (holiday!) and we are going to visit a lot of things and enjoy every little thing !!
This evening, we will be going to the pub again and also 'try to pool'...
Byyeeee xxxxxx
DAY 5 (12/02)
We observed 2 hours of French and a lot of teachers say: "Sorry this might be a bit boring, but we have to go through this material..."
In my opinion, every lesson can be communicative, creative or interactive... But ok... =)
I do know now what was meant by "the first week will be a shocking week" and it's true! There are so many things that are different... I sometimes compare it to my last school in Borgerhout.
The educational system is totally different and I am sure that when we are going to teach (after the holidays), the pupils are going to be thrilled, because we're going to try to make as interactive lessons as possible!
Yesterday, some pupils also told me they are able to choose their own subjects like sports, art, geography, history and so on... But some subjects are though are compulsory like for example science, religious studies, English, French and Maths, but I find this a nice manner. You really choose according to your own interests...
This morning, we were sitting in the 'citizenship class' and we actually participated. We had to tell about Belgian food, sports, music, ... and they were very interested! Although most of them don't know were Belgium is situated (somewhere in German?) and apparently Belgian is the spoken language in Belgium (not...)
They even asked us to teach them Dutch, so this could be something we might do... One girl was even able to sing the song "hoofd, schouders, knie en teen, knie en teen..." which was funny!!!
In general, this school is very loose for their pupils, piercings, short skirts, maquillage, gothic, red haired pupils, eating & drinking in class (after permission), kissing their girl/boy friends,... It will certainly be a big adaptation for us!
And this evening, there will be a parent evening and we are going to participate, I am really curious!
Some pupils also told us some nice places to go out and dance, that class (citizenship) is wonderful ! And I borrowed a book to learn Spanish ! ;-)
Kisses x x x x x
In my opinion, every lesson can be communicative, creative or interactive... But ok... =)
I do know now what was meant by "the first week will be a shocking week" and it's true! There are so many things that are different... I sometimes compare it to my last school in Borgerhout.
The educational system is totally different and I am sure that when we are going to teach (after the holidays), the pupils are going to be thrilled, because we're going to try to make as interactive lessons as possible!
Yesterday, some pupils also told me they are able to choose their own subjects like sports, art, geography, history and so on... But some subjects are though are compulsory like for example science, religious studies, English, French and Maths, but I find this a nice manner. You really choose according to your own interests...
This morning, we were sitting in the 'citizenship class' and we actually participated. We had to tell about Belgian food, sports, music, ... and they were very interested! Although most of them don't know were Belgium is situated (somewhere in German?) and apparently Belgian is the spoken language in Belgium (not...)
They even asked us to teach them Dutch, so this could be something we might do... One girl was even able to sing the song "hoofd, schouders, knie en teen, knie en teen..." which was funny!!!
In general, this school is very loose for their pupils, piercings, short skirts, maquillage, gothic, red haired pupils, eating & drinking in class (after permission), kissing their girl/boy friends,... It will certainly be a big adaptation for us!
And this evening, there will be a parent evening and we are going to participate, I am really curious!
Some pupils also told us some nice places to go out and dance, that class (citizenship) is wonderful ! And I borrowed a book to learn Spanish ! ;-)
Kisses x x x x x
DAY 4 (11/02)
We started the day with 'dance', which was very nice to see. The pupils were working/dancing in little groups and they had to work out their own performance and choreography, because soon they have to do an exam. I observed this together with Natalia and we were immediately interested, so we asked the dance teacher whether it was possible to teach dancing...and it was!!
So next week, Ann, Natalia and I will be teaching some dance lessons and I'm really looking forward to it! The other lessons we observed were kind of monotonous, except for the lesson 'food', during this lesson the pupils had to prepare and practice a dish and because of all those great smells, Natalia and I felt really hungry. It all looked nice and they have to do a kind of portfolio as well... (almost for every subject) pfieuw...
For the rest, nothing new, only that Natalia was getting frustrated sitting at the back and watching those pupils being inattentive and rude. I really had to calm her down...
It also seems the teachers never get mad, they always stay very calm... =)
I was also really shocked when I observed religion!!!! The teacher that teaches religion is actually a Geography teacher and it seemed he didn't like to teach religion at all, but he had to (the school gave him this subject).
Religion here is about 'why do we believe in God?', preaching, praying, 'don't do drugs or otherwise you will go to hell',... so I do think they try, in a way, to convince their pupils or spread the message to be a believer, but I don't know what they pupils' opinion is? Do they also think like that? Because to me, it seemed a lot of pupils weren't interested in what was told. They weren't paying attention.
I would like to teach religion and give it a try and let them see religion can be something fun and nice... =)
As closing: this evening we ate 'wok' (made by mum Evi ;-) ) and afterwards we watched a movie 'The Family Stone' and finally I read a bit in my book... But all this doesn't last long, because we're always sooo tired ! =)
Hear you tomorrow !!
Kisses xxxxx
So next week, Ann, Natalia and I will be teaching some dance lessons and I'm really looking forward to it! The other lessons we observed were kind of monotonous, except for the lesson 'food', during this lesson the pupils had to prepare and practice a dish and because of all those great smells, Natalia and I felt really hungry. It all looked nice and they have to do a kind of portfolio as well... (almost for every subject) pfieuw...
For the rest, nothing new, only that Natalia was getting frustrated sitting at the back and watching those pupils being inattentive and rude. I really had to calm her down...
It also seems the teachers never get mad, they always stay very calm... =)
I was also really shocked when I observed religion!!!! The teacher that teaches religion is actually a Geography teacher and it seemed he didn't like to teach religion at all, but he had to (the school gave him this subject).
Religion here is about 'why do we believe in God?', preaching, praying, 'don't do drugs or otherwise you will go to hell',... so I do think they try, in a way, to convince their pupils or spread the message to be a believer, but I don't know what they pupils' opinion is? Do they also think like that? Because to me, it seemed a lot of pupils weren't interested in what was told. They weren't paying attention.
I would like to teach religion and give it a try and let them see religion can be something fun and nice... =)
As closing: this evening we ate 'wok' (made by mum Evi ;-) ) and afterwards we watched a movie 'The Family Stone' and finally I read a bit in my book... But all this doesn't last long, because we're always sooo tired ! =)
Hear you tomorrow !!
Kisses xxxxx
dinsdag 10 februari 2009
DAY 3 (10/02)
We had to observe all day long, which was very tiring and actually sometimes rather boring, because every teacher teaches in a 'traditional way' (we had one teacher who was very creative).
We observed: sports studies, history, travel & tourism and science. And with this information we need to choose which subjects we want to teach and we already have some great ideas like a project about Belgium, dancing,... The teachers, as well as the students, are very helpful and sociable, which is nice, because I always get lost in that school! :D
After observing, we went to Leicester for some shopping and (yes mum and dad, I bought something :p), I bought a kind of t-shirt (to go out) and 2 books 'The Chronicles of Narnia' ! You all know the movie I'm sure!
For the rest nothing new... We just ate lasagne and are now going to watch a movie again and be together ;-)
I like it here :)
Big Kiss xxxx
We observed: sports studies, history, travel & tourism and science. And with this information we need to choose which subjects we want to teach and we already have some great ideas like a project about Belgium, dancing,... The teachers, as well as the students, are very helpful and sociable, which is nice, because I always get lost in that school! :D
After observing, we went to Leicester for some shopping and (yes mum and dad, I bought something :p), I bought a kind of t-shirt (to go out) and 2 books 'The Chronicles of Narnia' ! You all know the movie I'm sure!
For the rest nothing new... We just ate lasagne and are now going to watch a movie again and be together ;-)
I like it here :)
Big Kiss xxxx
maandag 9 februari 2009
DAY 2 (09/02)
We had to be at school (in Groby) at 10 ‘o clock to observe some lessons and to get the information we need, but unfortunately we arrived a bit late, because our GPS couldn’t find any signal (it took a long time!).
After we met Viv (the woman who guides us in school) we immediately had to observe. We observed geography and photography, which was nice (especially photography) but totally different compared to Belgium!! The school is also very big, like a kind of maze, so we all were a bit lost. We received a timetable to observe this week, luckily in pairs…
Today we also went to visit Leicester, we did some shopping and bought some food, vegetables,… for the week. Leicester is a big city with a lot of Asian people! A lot…
This evening we have planned a peaceful evening. Molly's sister has made apple and crumble, which we are going to eat in a moment and watch a real "girly-movie"! Lots of fun!
After we met Viv (the woman who guides us in school) we immediately had to observe. We observed geography and photography, which was nice (especially photography) but totally different compared to Belgium!! The school is also very big, like a kind of maze, so we all were a bit lost. We received a timetable to observe this week, luckily in pairs…
Today we also went to visit Leicester, we did some shopping and bought some food, vegetables,… for the week. Leicester is a big city with a lot of Asian people! A lot…
This evening we have planned a peaceful evening. Molly's sister has made apple and crumble, which we are going to eat in a moment and watch a real "girly-movie"! Lots of fun!
DAY 1 (08/02)
Today we have had a long day! We have been driving from 6.30 until 5 ‘o clock (breaks, lunches,… included). But everything went well, although we sometimes were a bit lost or missed our turn, but we all watched the road and paid attention!
The boat trip was also very nice, but it felt strange, it seemed like we were a bit drunk (seasick) and like some of you may have noticed on the ‘blogs’ of my co-students, my first impression of THE White Cliffs of Dover wasn’t really overwhelming me… They appeared to be very small, I expected them to be bigger I think (we also had more than half an hour to go by boat)?
After the boat trip, the biggest adventure started: “driving on the left side”!!
Natalia and Ann already drove on the on the left side and everything went well, but we do need to pay a lot of attention and cooperate, driving left isn’t as easy as it seems to be…
This evening we ate some home-made lasagne (made by Molly’s sister) and afterwards we kind of packed out our things, watched tv, chatted,… but this only was for a short period, everyone fell asleep and was very tired so we went to bed and I fell asleep at around 12.30 at night...
The boat trip was also very nice, but it felt strange, it seemed like we were a bit drunk (seasick) and like some of you may have noticed on the ‘blogs’ of my co-students, my first impression of THE White Cliffs of Dover wasn’t really overwhelming me… They appeared to be very small, I expected them to be bigger I think (we also had more than half an hour to go by boat)?
After the boat trip, the biggest adventure started: “driving on the left side”!!
Natalia and Ann already drove on the on the left side and everything went well, but we do need to pay a lot of attention and cooperate, driving left isn’t as easy as it seems to be…
This evening we ate some home-made lasagne (made by Molly’s sister) and afterwards we kind of packed out our things, watched tv, chatted,… but this only was for a short period, everyone fell asleep and was very tired so we went to bed and I fell asleep at around 12.30 at night...
vrijdag 6 februari 2009
Hi everyone,
You all know (or maybe not?), I am going to Leicester (England) for 1 month. I will be teaching there together with 5 other students from my class. We are staying in a little village called 'Desford'. Because the school system in England is totally different from ours, this is certainly going to be one great experience!
I made this blog so that every one of you is able to follow our experiences, trips, pictures,... Enjoy !
And see you soon!
Tanja *
You all know (or maybe not?), I am going to Leicester (England) for 1 month. I will be teaching there together with 5 other students from my class. We are staying in a little village called 'Desford'. Because the school system in England is totally different from ours, this is certainly going to be one great experience!
I made this blog so that every one of you is able to follow our experiences, trips, pictures,... Enjoy !
And see you soon!
Tanja *
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