Rambling for the first time!

I've always wanted to write, but never found the context. Lately, I've been seeing many articles encouraging teachers to write about their experience, to share their skills but also as a self-evaluation tool. For me, I plan to write mainly for the second reason. Also because sometimes I have the need to let all that steam out. I don't know if people will ever read this, but I don't mind, I'll take it as a personal diary. I’ve started this blog with the purpose of sharing materials and ideas, but I found it extremely time consuming and, also, not unique. Let’s see if I can shake things up a bit!

In September 2016 I've started my third school year at the same English school. Every year, I stress over the anticipation, but I must admit that experience makes it easier. I'm much more confident, I have many more tools and lessons prepared. But the first day of class is always terrible! That feeling of "what will they think of me?" haunts me during the first week, until I realise that I'm in a comfort zone.

This year, I've got only one primary class, around 10 years old. My first reaction was panic, but they're all lovely. They're too many, 10 kids, but I cannot complain. Two pairs of twins, which makes my memoir works extra hard, but mostly I have fun.

I've got two groups of teenagers, one in a B2 level (meaning First for Schools exam in June) and the other in a C1 level, with kids that just took the FCE last June. The latter is a challenge: they're boring! I know, we shouldn't say that, but it's true, they are BORING!! Also, playing a little psychologist here, they're the kind of teens that I'd be scared at school when I was their age. Pretty, popular, party animals... all that I never was, thank God! So I believe it is normal that I don't feel comfortable in this class. On the other hand, the B2 class is amazing, I know some of them from previous years, and it's a great group. They’re motivated, they're always in the zone, they have a great level. I hope they continue like this!

Now turning to adults, here's where the fun begins. I've got B1, B1+, B2 and two groups of C1. Meaning that I go from teaching past continuous to inversions; everyday vocabulary to complex academic. Yes, it is exhausting! But overall, they're good groups, with good people. No annoyances or bored students.

Looking at all these groups on my screen makes me realise the amount of people I've got coming in and out my class. And the amount of people being somehow influenced by what I say! Isn't it terrifying?