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
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