It was interesting. I have a couple of pretty decent classes.

I did my standard ‘get to know each other’ kind of classes. I played a name game where I run through the classes and try to memories their names. I did a standard three question thing I do where I get to know a little bit about each student such as their hobbies and their lives. Both of these help me assess their level of English and a lot of the kids were really smart and totally with it when it came to English comprehension. I was impressed.

My favourite part of these introductory classes is always the part of the lesson where I open up the lesson to a Q&A. I tell the students they have a 15 minute window where they can ask me anything they want and I’ll answer their questions but it’s a one time deal. It’s amazing how good this exercise is in terms of building rapport. It gives me a great indication of which students are inquisitive and curious - read nosey - and which are shy and quiet. It really lets me look in to the way they think, the way they gather information, and they way they then process it. I really like it.

My second class was cut a tiny bit short because Man Utd v liverpool was on. I actually taught them through the first half - which is a big deal for me. The game kind of ruined my mood, though.

Today was a long day. I woke up at 5:30am and I’m really shattered now. Sleep soon, I think. More impressions on these kids over the next few days and weeks.

It’s unusual but I always seem to like the cheeky ones the best. Maybe it’s because I see a bit of myself in them.