European Day of Languages

Taking advantage of the European Day of Languages we can introduce the topic of language learning in our lessons. There are many resources for teachers on the web.
I have been browsing the web and these are some interesting resources that I have found and I share them with you here:

European Day of Languages - home
Some articles here
The National Centre for Languages- lots of resources for teachers of all levels
Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages- for planning
Council of Europe, Language policy division
Council of Europe, European Language Portfolio
European Commission, Multilingualism, Language Teaching

Obama's back to school speeches

This year Obama has focused on students' responsibility in their learning success in his back to school speech. He has encouraged students to study hard and stay in school:

"Every single one of you has something you are good at.You have the responsibility to yourself to discover what that is , that’s the opportunity that education can provide" (...)"No one’s been born at being good at all things, you become good at things through hard work"
(...)
"Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I'm working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you've got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you." (...)

Let's hope that he doesn't forget the Government's responsibilities on education too.

Listen here to Obama's full back to school speech.


And remeber, EDUCATION IS YOUR TICKET!:
President Obama's Conversation with 9th Graders

Six quick tips for new teachers

I have had blog holidays this summer and I haven't posted anything, so now, that summer is over and we are back to school, it's the right moment to start again. So, ready, steady, go!

This is the video I choose to start a new school year. It's about six short tips for teachers who start their career. It's a little old-fashioned but anyway I have loved two of the tips explained.

I especially agree with tips number two and three:
- Plan together with one or two teachers or even your whole grade level.
But I don't agree with the reason why we should do it. It's not only that you don't get so much stuff to do, but that you learn from all your colleagues. Team work in schools will devolop professional development of all teachers working in groups.

- Try to meet with a fellow teacher that has been teaching for five years or longer. That way you can meet with someone that has some experience.
I really feel it's the right thing to do for new teachers: try to meet a mentor, someone you can rely on and ask for help, opinion and advice. New teachers need the expertise of someone who has been working for a long time to make them think on all important aspects in teaching.




See you soon again, and happy new school year!