‘It’s a hard life…’

I mean that in both the real and the flippant sense. Friday is my most difficult day of the week as I teach 7 hours (with lunch and two breaks in the middle), normally 14 different groups (as I take half classes). Standing on my feet most of the day and still not getting to grips with many names, trying to keep the enthusiasm up for what I’m doing with the kids and keeping up the concentration to understand what they’re saying to me (when they speak in French or English!), etc is hard. I’m sure there are days at work in many professions which are just as long and tough in different ways.

Now in the other sense…I’ve decided to get myself a little treat from the bakery after school on Fridays...oh what a chore! I love the French bakeries (who doesn’t?!) and it’s great as they’re open until late (one near here is open until 9pm!). These last two Fridays I’ve seized the opportunity to buy a little “bûchette de Noël” (a little Christmas log) as they’re not going to be around all year and there is a selection to choose from! They are pictured here. Mmm... :)









I don’t want you to think that all I do is teach songs and make boys cry at school do I? So what else have I been up to with the kids?...I’ve talked about Bonfire night, made imaginary towns on blackboards (yes, blackboards…everywhere, with only the occasional whiteboard!), got them to introduce themselves, played blind date, played secret Santa, and lots more! Some things go down better than others of course, but I love it how language learning can involve so many different types of activities. Next Friday after school I’m having a little Christmas party with my English club and I’m really looking forward to it, I hope it goes well as I’ve been planning it for a while.

There’s going to be a nativity play and carols at Christchurch tonight, which I’m looking forward to, all the more because I’m taking part in the nativity (even though I’ve only got a small part – Herod’s advisor)! The play has been written by someone at church and it’s a very good script.

Yours-looking-forward-to-Christmas-ly,
Fiona x