Teachers' articles, thoughts and opinions

The transition between Primary and Secondary school can be daunting for numerous reasons and sometimes it feels like there are no straight-forward answers available. During my time as a classroom teacher and tutor to pupils both at the beginning and end of their seconary school journey, the most frequent statements and questions I hear are: "Will my child be able to cope with the pace of secondary school English?" "How do I make sure my child m...

As with every new school year, all teachers face the same challenge: to prepare everything so that lessons do not descend into chaos. Regardless of what kind of teacher you are, whether you teach in a school or in private lessons, preparation is essential. Teachers who work in a school or college may have a little more leeway for preparation as they usually know what the curriculum will be. A private tutor's curriculum is based on student demand...

As a native Spanish speaker, social communicator, professional journalist, American high school exchange student, and wife of a Brit, I have experienced a lot in my journey of learning a new language. From my own experience, I firmly believe that immersion is the best way to acquire a new language. I hope that each one of us will have the opportunity and means to invest in ourselves by living in a new place and immersing ourselves in its culture...

Embarking on a new language is a thrilling odyssey, one that unlocks a universe of possibilities and expands your horizons. English, in particular, as the lingua franca of the globalised world, has the power to increase your professional prospects and personal experiences. In this blog post, my aim is to give insights into mastering English as an English as a foreign language tutor, and offer valuable tips to propel you towards excellence in the...

The moment you decide to learn a new language, a flurry of questions are bound to take center stage in your mind. One such crucial query that often leaves language learners bewildered is - should I focus on conversation or delve deep into the grammar? To help you on your linguistic journey, let's break down the pros and cons of these two dominant learning methods and pinpoint the best route for language acquisition. 1. Can you learn a language ...

According to figures from the World Health Organization (WHO), people with an insufficient level of physical activity have a 20% to 30% higher risk of death compared to those who achieve a sufficient level of physical activity.  Nowadays, taking sports and fitness classes is not a matter of vanity to achieve a better physical appearance, it is really a matter of personal health, necessary to achieve a healthier lifestyle. It is true that f...

Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging. But when it comes to language lessons, what's the best way to learn: Should I follow traditional grammar classes or try conversational ones? That's where everyone gets confused, and to answer this question we are going to break it down step by step. Can you learn a language exclusively through regular conversation? Yes, you can definitely learn a language through regular conversation...

The fact that your child has expressed a desire to learn music is very good news: music is a creative art that allows them to express themselves freely. In addition, they can acquire some skills that will help them grow, such as having a better memory, better concentration or knowing how to work in a group. So, don't hesitate to sign them up for some good music lessons! But how do you make sure you are choosing the right music tutor for your chi...

When embarking on a journey to learn a foreign language, the choices of language lessons can be overwhelming.  Aspiring learners often find themselves torn between regular conversation-based classes and traditional grammar-focused ones and I was one of them while approaching English. In this blog post, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, aiming to determine the most effective route to master a foreign lan...

Modern language learning techniques used in private language lessons and in schools have created a divide between conversation classes and grammar classes. Assuming that traditional grammar classes lack the tools to teach conversation, language methods these days have often catapulted to the opposite extreme: conversational skills without conscious teaching of grammar.  Can you learn a language exclusively through regular conversation...

I get this question asked a lot… to me, this is like being asked: what is more useful to have, bones or muscles? A heart, or a brain? This approach triggers my fallacy alerts. If you don’t recognise the concept, or it sounds a bit like a dirty word to you, allow me to clarify: Fallacies are quick, simplified conclusions our brains have learnt to reach, in order to survive.  For example “Lion: dangerous”.   They make sense and are ...

Ciao a tutti! Are you ready to conquer the Italian language and unravel the secrets of its grammar? In this blog post, we'll embark on a thrilling adventure through Italian grammar, making it fun, approachable, and easy to understand. So, grab your favourite gelato and let's dive in! "Ciao, Verbs! Mastering Italian Conjugations": Verbs are the heart and soul of any language, and Italian is no exception. In this section, we'll delve into the...

The world of medicine is evolving faster than ever before, as a prospective medical student, you might be wondering what this means for your education and eventual career. This guide will help you navigate the roadmap to your future in medicine, providing insights into the latest trends, application processes, and the unique challenges and rewards that await you in this noble profession. Applying to study medicine Getting into medical school in ...

The exam season can be a stressful time for students, with the pressure to perform well on their revisions mounting. While a certain amount of stress can be motivating, excessive stress can hinder productivity and overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore three practical and modern methods that can help students address stress during revision and improve their study experience.   Mindfulness and Meditation Mindfulness and medit...