Well, today was my last session with Level One. Yesterday, they all cheerfully sat their end of term exam and they all did very well. My youngest student - a good year younger than most of the others - got 100% in her written tests! And it wasn't all based on memory; I included some material from a source other than the text book they've been using all year so that I could see whether they were able to apply their learning in a different context - they did very well on the whole, so I'm delighted.
It's been a lovely day as I've spoken to all the parents too - and what a difference it has been since the beginning of term when
I had to talk to them all! This time, I've had hugs all round and some much appreciated feedback.
But it's this little group of sweeties that have made it all so worthwhile. What a lovely, lovely bunch they are - even if they're a bit out of focus here.
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| L to R: Blanca, Danae, Paula, Hugo, Elvira, Eulogio, Angel, Maria and Mercedes. |
Love 'em to bits!
I'm so glad that the parents came round to your way of teaching...I wish I'd been taught like that as I hated modern languages at school
ReplyDeleteI re-read my 'Waving' post and felt quite satisfied that I'd proved myself - to myself and to the parents - but without the enthusiasm and engagement of this particular group, it could have been a much harder task. I know they have learnt some things they'll remember forever!
DeleteI do adult classes too....:-)
Axxx
Good morning, Annie,
ReplyDeleteIsn't this what it is all about? The very essence of gocd teaching; achievement, enjoyment combined with the motivation to learn more.
I'm sure you'll miss it all but I'm also very sure that you'll have other interesting, lively and fulfilling challenges ahead.
Bravo!
Thank you Gaynor! Of course, you have only my word for all of this - no OFSTED for me! But, I can look back on the year with a real sense of satisfaction. I suspect I may have learned just slightly more than my students though...
DeleteAxxx
I have no doubt that not only will they remember all you have taught them because of the way you have taught them, and enabled them to learn, they will remember you forever. They have been very lucky, and I am so glad that their parents have recognised this. Jxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you Janice. I got a huge bunch of flowers today as well from the Level 6 students who have their exams on Friday. They have also been an absolute joy to teach. I now have just two more days...but already a few interesting proposals are raising their heads...
DeleteI just wish we already had a swimming pool - I would join you in a few lengths every day from next week.
Axxx
If I had had a teacher like you, maybe I wouldn't be so useless at languages now. Job well done Annie. You should be very proud of yourself as well as your students xx
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you, Ayak! I do have some adult classes - but I only do Spanish, I'm afraid! Turkish looks incredibly difficult as it's so different from any other language I know. In fact, I think when I did my TESOL year, we had to learn some Turkish so we knew how it felt to learn a different language. I was pregnant at the time which is my excuse for not remembering quite as well as I should!
DeleteI have my fingers crossed for good results for those taking their exams this time. Axxx
Well done to them all, and to their very special teacher :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Annie - yesterday was a very special day too as my Level 6 class said goodbye...at least I shall see them from time to time in town. It would be awful to think I'd never see them again!
DeleteAxxx
You must be sad to end the term but it's great to finish on such a high note.
ReplyDeleteExactly so, Annie. I am really sorry to be leaving but feel that we've all had a good few years together and that many of them have learnt a lot - and some of them have learnt a bit! Axxx
DeleteIt must have been a bittersweet day for you, Annie - wonderful that your methods had worked so well and the children had learned so much, but inevitable sadness that this really was the last time with them.
ReplyDeleteInspirational teachers like you are never forgotten by those lucky enough to have been taught by them and you can justifiably congratulate yourself on having done such a splendid job. Now for the new things.....
Thank you, Perpetua, for your lovely words. I am, of course, conscious that you have only MY word that all has gone swimmingly. However, yesterday, my last day, I had several beautiful tokens from my students that indicate that at the very least, they are fond of me...a huge bouquet of flowers, a beautiful letter, some ear-rings and a special photograph from the advanced class who are leaving and who didn't want me to forget them - and more hugs and kisses than you'd believe. It was a very special day and I'm very touched.
DeleteToday is exam day for many of them, so the proof of my methods will be known at the end of the day. The others won't know until July. Fingers crossed!
Axxx
You will have secured a place in their hearts forever with your teaching Annie.
ReplyDeletex Maria