Speaking with 4th grade

So my 10th graders began their teaching experience last week. Poor kids! They were so afraid of the 4th graders. I went with the first group and feared for them. Their voices trembled when they introduced themselves, but despite their obvious shaking they kept on going as if they were meant to be teachers. I loved seeing the little ones with their eyes wide open and waiting to hear what those "big" kids wanted to tell them in those hilarious costumes. Then, surprisingly enough, my kids became natural teachers. What took me so much time, they learnt in 20 minutes!

So how did I come up with the idea? Easy! I found out that I was going to be both, their English and Speaking teacher. Tell you the truth? I was afraid. How could I make the kids see me as another teacher from another lesson? I considered as far as wearing a wig! So in that wig-moment it came to me like a lightning bolt: they should be the teacher (and I should never wear a wig!)! I told the kids that they will be teaching 4th graders and they should use the literary concepts that we would talk about in English class (which was actually a double win for me: they would reinforce their understanding of literature as well as their communicative skills at once). So they began. All of their presentations are unique ideas that they came up with. I just said: "Choose one (or two) of these concepts and teach it to little kids". A bit whimsical I know, but my kids indulge me.

They began their teaching career last Friday and hopefully they will practice their English not only with the teachers but among themselves. Though we got a few penalties for speaking Spanish, I say both lessons rocked! As soon as Nando teaches me how to download the videos from the camera, I'll post them so you can go "Aaaww!" just as Lili and I did.