Teaching Philosophy & Experience

           Having finished a Marketing degree in the Philippines, one wouldn't think I'd be teaching English at a primary school a thousand miles a way where I don't know anyone.However, the two years that I have been teaching here in Spain has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done.

This is a poster posted on one of the classroom's door in school. 

 "To teach is to touch a life forever."

This is true. I believe that the children are the future and as an educator, I must continue touching their lives even in the simplest ways. Teaching kids who came from different backgrounds made me appreciate the task I was given. I know that every kid is different. They all have different learning capabilities and as a teacher, I've learned to become not just a teacher but a teacher with a heart. Even if my work is only in the four corners of the room, I want that they'll be able to bring outside and carry as they grow up the the things they've learned from me.

ASSIGNED GRADES AND SUBJECTS

I work mostly with 1st-3rd grade students in their English and Science classes. I can say that I am very grateful with my classes because I have amazing students who are eager to learn and very dedicated workmates.

Here I will share to you the classroom dynamics 

1st Grade

Every time we start the class, we always start with our "assembly".  A mini teacher is assigned every day. He calls his classmates to gather around. The mini teacher then acts his classmates through random selection about what his classmates feel and what the weather is on that day and the date and season. As an assistant, I guide the mini teacher and assist throughout his "mini class". I also occasionally review the kids with phonics and guide them during class proper. I've also done activities with them to practice their English skills. To add, we have started introducing basic English questions to them and from my observation, they are able to respond well. 

a pictionary I wrote
Visual aids are very effective for kids

2nd grade 

Like my 1st grade class, my 2nd grade also has this routine before starting classroom lessons. Using visual aids that are around the room I review the alphabet, weather, numbers, colors, emotions, phonics, etc with them. 

I find all this pre-discussion/class activities very helpful as it isn't just interactive but it also helps everyone to be familiarized with the basics.  We also practice a list of questions for them to learn. 

3rd grade

With the 3rd grade,  the routine usually is asking them about the date,weather, and how they feel. 

The 3rd graders have been preparing for their Trinity Exam since October. As an assistant, I've been doing different preparations with them for the Exam. I've done group/pair activities with them where I ask them Trinity questions. We previously finished working on their essays too and recently we've been working on their Trinity booklets. It feels really great to see the kids improving day by day. The kids especially my 3rd graders have great potentials. They learn quickly and are motivated to participate and do the activities. 

I believe that engaging kids in activities motivates them which helps a lot because there are different kinds of learners in every class. Having a positive outlook for the kids will help them a lot.

5th&6th grade
I also have a science class with the 5th graders and an English class with the 6th graders.
5th Graders- when they're not having a test/class activity I'd take usually a group out and make them do an activity about their lesson.

6th Graders- I have been doing Cambridge Exams preparations with them (usually by pairs).
 We always do the speaking test and I try to make sure that they're able to use all the needed elements for the speaking test.