Contributions

My contributions to the LA programme has come in a range of different ways. Firstly, I feel like I have contributed by being friendly and talking to the teachers inside and outside of the classroom, for example during the breaks. I think it is important to be integrated and feel a part of the school, and I most definitely feel this way about Fuente Santa. This ranges from the other assistants, to the head teacher, I think it is really important to make a big effort with the other staff. Furthermore, I think I have been involved in the school’s activities, for example for dressing up and partaking in activities at Halloween and during Christmas. I have also been on some school trips, for example I particularly enjoyed a trip in which I went walking around Colmenar Viejo with the sixth grade, it was a great chance to get to know the teachers and the children.

I have also contributed by leading group activities outside the classroom and making my own activities and games so that the children are more engaged. At other times, I have lead a game or activity in front of the whole class, for example we played a game called Emily says when I gave directions and also I lead the class in playing bingo. By contributing in this way, it has boosted my confidence in public speaking, as well as teaching me crucial skills in ways to engage the children.

I feel like I contribute everyday because I constantly chat with the children in English, and even if they reply to me in Spanish, i will continue to speak only in English with them as it will increase their listening skills. I think it is very important to have a good relationship with the students, but not so much that they don’t respect and see me as one of them.