Maria Meca

¡Hola! I'm Maria, a bubbly PGCE-qualified primary teacher with a specialism in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL). With a deep love for Romance languages (Spanish is my favorite!), I've spent the last couple of years turning classrooms into vibrant hubs of discovery. Whether you're a wide-eyed child, a GCSE-cramming teen, or an adult chasing conversational confidence for that dream trip to Madrid, my lessons are designed to make Spanish fun, accessible, and transformative. Let's dive into what you can expect!

My Background and Experience
As a qualified teacher fresh from my PGCE in Primary Education, I've honed my skills in diverse settings. During time in mainstream and SEND schools, I crafted inclusive lessons that catered to all learners, including those with EAL needs or additional support requirements. Beyond the classroom, my roles working with the homeless and people with learning disabilities have given me real-world experience supporting vulnerable individuals with empathy and creativity—skills I bring to tutoring to build confidence and joy in every session. With my BSc in International Business Management adding a global perspective, I've tutored across ages and levels, helping students from beginners to advanced speakers unlock their potential. No matter your starting point, I adapt to you!

Lesson Format: Flexible and Student-Centred
My lessons are super flexible to fit your life—online via Teams, Google Meet, or your preferred platform (or in-person if you're local to West Sussex). Sessions typically last 45-60 minutes, with options for weekly, bi-weekly, or intensive blocks. We start with a quick chat about your goals (e.g., "I want to order tapas without fumbling!" or "Help with GCSE vocab!"), then dive in. I use interactive tools like shared screens, digital whiteboards (via Jamboard or Canva), and fun apps for pronunciation practice. Homework? Light and purposeful—think quick audio recordings or cultural quizzes—to keep momentum without overwhelm. Everything is tailored: for kids, shorter bursts with breaks; for adults, deeper discussions.

Content and Dynamics: Fun, Interactive, and Cultural
Forget rote memorisation—my lessons are dynamic adventures that blend language with real-life excitement! We cover essentials like greetings, grammar, and vocab, but through engaging activities:

Games and Stories: Role-plays (e.g., shopping in a virtual mercado), storytelling where you create your own Spanish tale, or escape-room-style challenges to practice tenses.
Music and Media: Sing along to reggaeton hits or watch clips from Spanish films/TV to build listening skills naturally.
Cultural Dives: Explore festivals like La Tomatina, cook simple recipes together (via screen share!), or chat about daily life in Spain/Latin America to make vocab stick.
Personalised Focus: For EAL learners or SEND needs, I incorporate visuals, gestures, and repetition for clarity. Teens might tackle exam prep with mock orals; adults, travel phrases or business chats.
The vibe? Supportive and laughter-filled—I'm all about celebrating small wins, like nailing that rolling 'R', to boost your self-belief. Lessons evolve based on your feedback, ensuring steady progress while keeping things fresh and enjoyable.

Why My Lessons? Because Learning Should Spark Joy!
I've seen shy beginners chatting fluently after just a few sessions, and stressed students acing exams with newfound confidence. My trauma-informed approach (from supporting diverse groups) ensures a safe, non-judgmental space where everyone thrives. Whether you're 8 or 80, you'll leave each lesson energised, with practical skills and a love for Spanish that lasts.

Ready to start your journey? Message me for a fun taster session—we'll chat goals and get you excited! ¡Hasta pronto! ??????