Teaching English

I have started teaching English here in Segovia as part of an exploratory practicum program. It is so exciting, and has definitely been one of the most valuable experiences of being here! I go twice a week to a four year old classroom and teach them English! They don’t really know a whole lot, so it is just teaching them a few key phrases, songs, and activities to keep them moving (and entertained). They are seriously the cutest kids you have ever seen in your life, with their big eyes and Spanish accents-so cute! As of now we are teaching them the alphabet song, heads shoulders knees and toes, and working on colors. They are pretty well behaved for the most part, but can get riled up pretty fast. Everytime we have been there, a kid has peed their pants on accident-whoops! I guess that is pretty normal though for that age. (and nothing I’m not used to after teaching in the toddler classroom this summer). The school is Catholic –and the administration is mostly nuns. They are sweet and said that I can come into the Spanish classrooms as well. Today actually I went to the 6-7 year old classroom (the age I want to teach in the US 1^st grade) and it was really interesting. They were having religion class and reading a poem called “Compartir es amar” Which means “To share is to love”. They are really talented for their age! They all write in cursive and it looks amazing-though they all started going to school when they were 3 so that helps! After class I helped walk them to the lunch room and I saw my 4 year old class and they were so excited to see me! I love my little Spanish friends. It is also fun because I went for a walk the other day and saw one of the girls in my class to and she recognized me! How exciting! I should be able to keep going a couple times a week which I am very excited about-maybe I will be able to use some of the stuff I see in my classroom someday too!