Hi everyone! Today I decided to make a video instead of writing a blog because I often find that writing a blog takes a lot of time. In fact, I won’t actually have the time this weekend to write a blog because I’m going to Namur with an English teacher from the school I work in (they’re celebrating the Fête de Wallonie there this weekend.)
Also, I want my parents and family (who don’t often hear me speak in French) to hear me speak so that they can see the way in which I talk in French. However, I’ve written this translation in English (but only in English) so that people can understand what on earth I’m going on about. I don’t have time to translate it into Spanish/Italian so it’s just going to have to be in English.
This weekend I introduced myself to 6 or 7 different classes with different teachers. I gave students the opportunity to ask questions and to tell me what they know about England and English people. The pupils always say the same things; tea, the queen and fish and chips. It’s a general belief that English people don’t cook very well but I think that I do!
I also observed 3 classes to see if there’s a difference in teaching style between Belgium and England. I’ve found that there’s a huge difference. The school I work in here in Belgium is rather old and they don’t have the resources that we have in England. When I studied French at secondary school, we used games, videos, music and presentations but here, it’s nothing like that. Here, they use books, listening activities and exercises but not really games. Some younger teachers have told me that they want me to prepare activities and games that are a bit more motivating and next week I’m going to do some activities about Yorkshire (and things like Yorkshire pudding) and my region in general. However, this week was simply an opportunity for me to introduce myself.
I think I’ve already said this but this weekend I’m going to Namur with a teacher from the school. I’m not going to be staying there, I’m going to be staying at the teachers’ house and I think that we’re going to travel there and back on the train, but I’m still not entirely sure.
This afternoon, after having done this video I’m going to pack a bag to take with me to Namur. Today, a teacher that I work with told me that I have to try something called ‘peket’. He said that ‘peket’ is a drink; there are loads of flavours and I have to try it. I’m not sure if I’ve pronounced it correctly, if I haven’t, please tell me in a comment or something like that.
Next week I’ll be working at the school again.
Actually, another thing I did this weekend was that I got my Belgian mobile number! Now I have all the English teachers numbers and they’ve started asking me if I want to go out and do things… I’m happy to know that they want to invite me out! Yeah, so I now have teacher-friends here around 20 years old (well, more like 25 but still in their twenties). It’s awesome!
Oh, and another thing I learnt yesterday is that there’s a Spanish assistant coming to Arlon to work in one of the other schools. I got in contact with him and he told me that he’ll be arriving in October which is awesome because then I can get to know someone of a similar age and have more of a social life!
Well, there you go, I think I’ve brought you up to date. I know I made some mistakes but I don’t want to do this video again, I’ve already done it about 5 or 6 times.
I hope everything’s well in England (or wherever you come from) and I hope you have a great day! Bye for now!
Ma vie en Belgique <3 