As a returning Language Assistant in my second year, my first day this year was not that eventful. So I am going to write about my first day of school last year so that future Language Assistants can know what they could potentially experience on their first day!
I was lucky because there was one other Language Assistant at my school and we shared a flat together. By the time we started our placement, we were comfortable with each other and ready to face our first day together!
The day before starting school, we did a ‘practice run’ to make sure that we knew how to get to school. This might seem silly, but we were very nervous, and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is worried about starting. On our first day, the journey there was much less daunting.
We arrived for the school tour at 11 AM, which was done by two older students in Bachillerato. I was conscious to learn their names and speaking to them as they were going to be my students. They showed us around the school, from the cafeteria to the classrooms, and they made sure to introduce us to any teachers or students walking in the corridors. The tour lasted about 30-45 minutes. The students spoke great English. These students had been chosen to show us around because of their high English level. They did a great job at making us feel welcome.
After this, the students took us to the headteacher’s office to introduce us. Our headteacher doesn’t speak much English, but he was very polite and made it clear that he was always there when we needed him. He took us to meet the lunch lady and ensured that we would have lunch provided free of charge if we ever requested it.
Next, we went to meet the English departments that we would be working with. The other Language Assistant met with the Infantil and primaria teachers, whilst I met the ESO and Bachillerato English department. These teachers have been nothing but kind, welcoming, and accommodating to me.
We discussed that I would have small sessions with the students in groups of 2-5 for 20 minutes, and sometimes, I would be in class to introduce a presentation that the students would perform in our smaller sessions. This format works well and has been used since I started my placement at La Salle.
My teachers provided me with each year’s curriculum so that I could plan my sessions accordingly (family, travelling, bucket lists, etc). They also gave me the class registers, my timetable, and other resources for formatting my sessions. I mostly have free will for this, but I can always ask for guidance if needed. I like it this way because I get to create games while being given a topic to build off of.
Starting a placement can be scary, but with Meddeas, the schools have requested your presence, and they see you as valuable. They also want to make a good impression on you and help you fit into school life easily, so remember that they are adjusting to you, too!
Author: Kendra C.