The new school year starts!

My second year of teaching pupils at school is full of challenges. I meet many children, they are all different, not all the pupils learn in the same manner. So, I should use various teaching methods, styles and strategies to reach all the learners. I spend a lot of time preparing for lessons, creating materials and finding resources. I try to do my best to make my lessons interesting and useful for pupils. My purpose is also to provide pupils with the self-assurance, motivation and opportunities to make learning a priority.

Since I began teaching children, I have been trying different activities and teaching techniques. My experience allows me to consider authentic texts to be one of effective classroom teaching tools. I usually print articles from news websites such as the BBC or CNN. Children love being able to understand and read current news in English, it bridges the gap between the classroom and the "real" world. One of my lessons in the 11th form was based on the article “Scotland rejects independence from U.K.”. The aim was to develop both reading and speaking skills. Before reading, the pupils looked at the big map and answered the questions: Where does the story take place? What is the capital of that country? What countries and seas does the country border on? etc. Then they ranked the words on the blackboard - things that make them proud of their country on the top: history, language, army, people and others. Children were full of enthusiasm! After reading the article, the pupils worked in pairs interviewing each other and filling in the table with 5 questions about independence.

At the moment the new term has started. Whilst it is time to look forward, it is also a great opportunity to look back and reflect on the previous lessons. By remembering the best teaching moments I´ve had, I understand my pupils better and learn how to spark their desire and encouragement to learn.