First Week of Classes

I have successfully finished my first week in the class rooms at my school, Grupo Cantico and I can already tell that I am going to really enjoy working there. All of the other teachers are so nice and friendly. We had our orientation on Tuesday for all of the Auxiliars in Cordoba so I was only able to do one of my English class's this week. It was with 4th ESO which is the highest level class. It was a rather big class probably around 3o students or so but it all went pretty smoothly. For the class I did a power point presentation about myself and where I am from. I showed pictures of my hobbies, New Hampshire and Amherst, along with friends and family. I then asked them questions about Cordoba and what they would like to learn about this year regarding the United States and its' culture. They all seemed pretty engaged in the class. I just hope to keep my enthusiasm up with all the other topics I present in class.

I do all of the English classes with the Director of the Bilingual Department, Antonio, who has been extremely helpful. I was a little anxious and worried going into my first class considering he has worked with many other Auxiliars through the years and I was unsure of the expectation he may have for me. However, he seemed pretty impressed with my class and said he could tell that I have done this before, which was definitely a big relief.

On Friday in my History class I had my youngest level students, 1 ESO, all around 12 years old and absolutely adorable. It was probably by far the most fun I have had teaching. They were all excited to participate in class and have me there. There is a little boy named Jesus, who sits in the front and was itching to answer every question that I asked. I was trying to give other students a chance. When I would call on him he would do this big fist pump when he got the answer correct. It was so cute. I was impressed with the amount of English they were able understand, especially since this is their first year in the secondary schooling. However, the history teacher, Rafael, still had to occasionally translate certain things into Spanish.

In addition I have managed to pick up a few Clases Particulares, which are private tutoring classes, this past week. I will be doing the classes at their house and I think it will be a really good way to meet other natives in Cordoba. I had my first class with an older woman on Friday and she just seemed so appreciative on how I was willing to help her become a better English speaker and improve upon the things that were lacking in the English class she has been taking at the Adult Language School.

I have been spending my nights and weekends going out with the other Auxiliares, Laurel, Angelica and Kimzey who are all really nice. I am hoping to soon meet other Spaniards from Cordoba and becoming more involved. Below I have posted a few pictures of us.

Laurel and I in Plaza de La Corredera


Angelica and I
A few tapas. We made the mistake of order sardines in vinegar which was definitely an experience. Solmorejo is a typical dish of Cordoba which is a creamy Gazpacho soup with pieces jamon (ham) and eggs. Olives are also very popular in Spain, which I am also not a big fan of.

Ok that is it for now. Hasta Luego!