Viaggio a Vieste
Image by Cindy47452 on Flickr It’s 6am. Even the local cockerel isn’t awake yet. The town is cloaked in mist and the car windscreen is covered in a heavy layer of dew. Alex and I climb in, bleary-eyed and … Continue reading
Author Archives: Kate Bailward
The Python School of Language
One of the cornerstones of EFL teaching is eliciting. Essentially, it’s all to do with trying to draw out the knowledge that students already have. This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly, there’s no point teaching something that they … Continue reading
Posted in Teaching Like a Maniac
6 Comments
Not Without My Children
I went away to boarding school just before my ninth birthday. I absolutely loved my prep school: we climbed trees, rode ponies and had midnight feasts, all in the beautiful surroundings of a Jacobean house in the Dorset countryside. It … Continue reading
Posted in Teaching Like a Maniac
5 Comments
I know a fruit when I see one …
(image by Lucian Teo on Flickr) In a change from teaching, today is a day of learning. Sadly, it’s a Saturday, and none of us are best pleased to have to be in school for 9am for a day of … Continue reading
Posted in Teaching Like a Maniac
6 Comments
Lost in Translation
(image by Hryck on Flickr) Songs are a fabulous teaching tool. The repetition of language is great for making words stick in students’ heads, and the fact that they’re listening to music makes them feel like they’re not learning. When I … Continue reading
Eating the Italian way
(image by ehpien on Flickr) Thankfully, the train does indeed go to Lecce, as I have a lunch date to get to, with Tina, of Tina Tangos. There’s only one thing better than eating delicious food, and that’s sharing it … Continue reading
Roll up for the mystery tour
(image by Paolo Margari on Flickr) It’s a day for an adventure. Buying the train ticket is the first challenge, at which I almost fail. ‘Biglietta?’ asks the station attendant, as he walks past me. I nod and reply in … Continue reading
Country Roads, Take Me Home
“Let’s go for a walk.” Alex has popped his head around my door, bundled up in coat and hat. I’ve been sitting and staring blankly at my computer screen for hours, and therefore agree with alacrity. It’s been a long … Continue reading
Posted in Living Like a Maniac
11 Comments
Coughs and Sneezes Spread Diseases
(image by mcfarlandmo on Flickr) I teach a class of 5-year olds. Well, I say teach: it’s glorified babysitting. They tear around the room causing havoc while I hold up flashcards, which they sometimes deign to acknowledge. When they do … Continue reading
I am the Ostrich
(image by Gilmoth on Flickr) After a long absence, the sun has come out in Salento today. It’s beautiful. I’m sitting here writing next to an open window, a light, warm breeze ruffling the curtains, and the sunlight glinting off … Continue reading
Posted in Living Like a Maniac
8 Comments
