Another experience

First impressions

Children’s World Academy is a very dynamic, welcoming and friendly place where it is very educational to work there. It is a professional work place where the children and the workers are kind and happy to meet you. 

First day!

In general on a first day of an internship I don’t talk much and I observe a lot but because I needed to do my blog tonight, I tried to talk as much as I could. Also, today was the school evaluation day so teachers, educators and all the others employees were very busy and they framed me less during this first a little stressful day. Even the children asked me if I was an evaluator. During lunch, it’s difficult to talk because we don’t have much time. I helped a grade four educator than the children played soccer in the gym before they went to the cafeteria to eat. In the afternoon, I went to help students in grade four to do their homework. I helped in math and in French. Math was quite easy because it was basic questions. French was more challenging than I thought even if it was basic words. I needed to find the right translation and it was really difficult. After they finished their homework, the children went outside to play different games. Even if it was a stressful day for everybody, they were all welcoming and friendly. I was also surprised that I understand 100% of children’s English. I didn't see differences between my language and my culture and theirs yet.

Language structure

In three hours, I didn't have a lot of time to learn new words but I discovered:

[  A referee (un arbitre) (During lunch time, a student from grade six came to be the referee during the soccer game.)

Misunderstanding

I didn't have big misunderstanding like I had on the phone with my host but the secretary asked me to directly go to the daycare office. Than the daycare coordinator told me to take a visitor badge at the secretary office. It was an intern misunderstanding and what I could learn about it is that we need to communicate so everything would be clear as water.

(320 words)

(pictures from https://www.google.ca/imghp?hl=fr&tab=wi)

At the end of the day, a child put on my nails 3D sparkles stickers. 
It finish my day with a big smile because I love sparkles!

It always begins with a call…

Hi! This post is about many subjects before I begin the internship.

Where: Children’s World Academy

When: Fall 2013

What: day care (grade 3, 4)

Language goals

I hope my pronunciation in English will be even better after my internship. Also I’m sure I will learn new vocabulary or specific (for teaching) words in teaching.

Language learning strategies

I think that the five language learning strategies I will use are:

[  Guessing: Using the context and the words I already know to understand some sentences or text.

[  Practice: Speak, talk and write with native English speaker will surely help me.

[  Monitoring: Taking a fast break to see if I understand.

[  Constantly searching the meaning: Ask to the speaker to explain what he means, so I can understand more.

[  Low inhibition: I know I will make some mistake and I just need to correct myself without shame.

                                 

Expressions

[  A picture paints a thousand words (A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.)

[  A piece of cake (A task that can be accomplished very easily.)

[  Add fuel to the fire (Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is.)

[  It costs an arm and a leg (Very expensive.)

[  Apple of my eye (Someone who is cherished above all others.)

[  Every cloud has a silver lining (Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.)

[  Get up on the wrong side of the bed (Someone who is having a horrible day.)

[  It takes two to tango (A two person conflict where both people are at fault.)

[  Practice makes perfect (By constantly practicing, you will become better.)
[  Rome was not built in one day (If you want something to be completely properly, then it’s going to take time.)

First call

First, I left two messages. When we finally reached each other, I did a mistake I said Tuesday instead of Thursday. What I learn from that is I need to calm myself and think when I say a date.

First meeting

I was pretty nervous about that meeting but it went well. I didn’t do mistake. Catherine and I still don’t know what date we begin and with witch grade we will be (day care, specific class (music or gym) or grade 3, 4, 5 or 6). I’m really satisfied from that meeting. I asked all my questions and it went well. I’m sure I will have a great time there.

Pre internship impressions

My impressions are that it will be really fun, not too stressful. Of course it will change a little depending what will be my responsibilities. I already have some experiences because I did an internship last year with grade 6 students at my elementary school. I also worked during 2 or 3 summer in a camp and their day care.

(314 words)

(pictures from https://www.google.ca/imghp?hl=fr&tab=wi)