I’m teaching frequency adverbs and expressions of frequency

I’m teaching frequency adverbs and gerund as object of verb to the young ones. Who, What, Where questions are next, with Yes or No questions. Frequency adverbs and expressions of frequency for the older classes. Plus how to use the verb “like”. Describing people and apologising and accepting an apology for the end of the class.

Teaching begins

I’m teaching introduction and expressions of frequency. Who they are, what they like, what their favourite anything is, and how often they do things. The older classes are good at this topic. They can introduce themselves and they can talk about what they like.

We will have to write lesson plans for each class, which is taken for granted. Actually, I find it easier to teach if I have a good lesson plan. Writing a lesson plan is not time wasted, it’s an investment.

English for beginners

This is really the first week. We practise introduction, the verb “to be” and school subjects with the younger classes. It goes something like this with the older classes too, with more free conversation. They are happy to learn and I am happy to teach English. I also got some textbooks that help to estimate how much the students know.

My accommodation is about 10-12 minutes on foot from the school, so I’ll just walk there every day. The colleagues are fun too. We are enjoying ourselves as English teachers.

First day in school

This has been my first day in school. The teachers are helpful, the kids are nice, I have a desk in the teacher’s room, all is fine. I got my timetable. I will teach around 800 students in classes of 40-45. They are between 12 and 17 years of age.

I had my first classes too. I started with a long introduction and asked the students questions to find out about their level of English. They are mostly at beginner (A1) and elementary (A2) levels, with some really exceptional intermediate (B1) students.

We were told we had to focus on speaking and listening skills. Great! Let’s get into it!

In Thailand again

After some teaching and travelling in Vietnam I flew back to Thailand. School begins on 15th May, so I have to arrive, find accommodation, find the school and meet the staff. I’m excited. There are only a few days left so I don’t have much time to travel around the country. It’s ok, I’ve been to many places in the past. I love the food, the beaches and the people here, I’ll be fine. Getting ready to teach English for beginners. Well, are they really beginners? We’ll find out soon.

XIN CHÀO Vietnam

I’m in my beloved Vietnam. I’ve travelled in the country extensively in the past. I know the sights, I know the cuisine, I know the people. I actually know a Vietnamese English teacher who teaches at a private English school. They invited me as a guest teacher to join in some of the classes. The students are 7 to 8 years of age. All beginners. They are excited about my arrival. I introduce myself in English, they introduce themselves in English, then we sing some songs and play games. They can also ask questions. They are curious. Some vocabulary practice with flashcards ensues, and at the end we play ball outside. We make friends quickly. They would like to meet me again. Ok, I can teach some more English to them. They can practise their speaking and listening skills. Check out some of the photos.

It went fast

A high school wants to hire me in Thailand. They need foreign English teachers. The students in the school are between 12 and 18 years of age. Class sizes are 40 to 45. They provide textbooks. Sounds good to me. Now what shall I do until school begins? I’ll travel some more in Thailand and then I hop over to Vietnam to visit an old friend. Now I have the travel bug again.

สวัสดีครับ Thailand

I’m back after a short hiatus. I had to tie up loose ends at home, organise my trip, get ready and say good bye. I’m in Thailand now. Feels like home. It’s good to be back after so many years. The academic year begins in the middle of May and I’m trying to land a job as an English teacher. The prospects are good. I came in the right time and I have some contacts. I have already sent out my resume to some places. I’ll keep you updated.

Dear Kindergarten!

Dear Kindergarten! Thank you for the time that we spent together, thank you for the colleagues, thank you for the lovely, warm memories, and for being a part of my life. Children, I hope you will remember me later too, as we meet on the street in the future. Best regards, Teacher Charlie

It is public

Now the kindergarten children know that I am going to leave. They are sad, but they will get over it soon, I’m sure. We will miss each other. Seven more days in the kindergarten and the winter holiday begins. And I will not come back to them after that. I will begin to prepare for a new chapter in my life.