Setting the Scene

When I first began to teach, at the age of 15, I was a wreck. I had no idea
on how to control a class and knew that the little 'monsters' were much more adept in tying me in knots, than I was in keeping them in check!

Nevertheless, I found my way, voice and style and can only say that I continue to do so to this day. After many a question, I decided to write a blog about teaching, for I am always happy to share and one of the nicest compliments that I received from a colleague, was just that, that I have no inhibitions or problems in sharing my knowledge and tips, for we are
all working to pass on some kind of message.

I am in love with language, I think that I always was. Even as a child I was an avid reader and would traipse to the local library to grab my quota of books (either 4 or 6) depending on my age and would complete them in a maximum time, of two weeks.

What I was to my shame to discover, that for all my endeavours, imagination and love of a story, my grammar 'sucked!'. I can recall myself sitting in a classroom, even at the very desk that I sat, with a book open in front of me called 'First Aid in English' not getting it! The proverbs would jump out at me and I could memorise them with ease, but what was present simple? that I was unable to fathom!

How in the end I got to the result that you see on this page today, I shall save for another day, but the thought that I am trying to transfer to you here is this.

This problem still persists and continues to this day, whether it be in the west or the east. Children are slipping through the chairs; if this is due to the system or the school, I cannot say, but I am addressing you, the teacher, for we can and should be the ones making the difference and I will attempt to show you my 'tips' and 'methods' of how.

So, the first thing is to set the scene. The classroom is 99% of the time allocated to us and not always under our control, facilities may be uncomfortable, board pens missing. The first thing is not to get
frustrated, keep calm and be both serious and welcoming at the same time.