Friday 6th October

Came into school today for 3^rd period under the impression that Herin wanted me in one of her classes. Sitting in the staff-room shortly after the bell for 3^rd period rang it seems I was wrong. I sat there looking up useful vocabulary instead – there was no sign of any staff. Anyway, Herin appeared and I went off to class with her. They were 3^rd years and I did my usual introduction thing. They were very well behaved and interested to hear what I had to say. After that we had break and I had “red tea” which was bizarre but tasty and then we had our little department meeting. They discussed the new readers they’re getting in for certain years and how suitable they were and we checked that everyone has a copy of my timetable. Angel brought up the fact that each member of staff needs to decide on the role I’m going to have within their lesson. With him I’m just going to be helping and picking out specific cultural aspects and aspects of pronunciation.

After that I went with Rita to do my standard introduction bit to her 3^rd years. This lot were interested but a bit more bolsterous – asking for my mobile number and my msn! I told them my phone number was secret but they could have my msn if they promised to talk to me in English! I think that’ll stop them.

After that I had first class with Amera* (still not sure of her name) and they were really quite as I spoke, and asked good questions in Spanish to me like where have I travelled to. They asked for my msn as well but I didn’t give it out. They’re a lot younger, there’s no real point. One kid at the front of this class was really shouty – keen to know stuff about me but shouting “me me me” unless I picked him. I tried ignoring him and I tried focusing on him but he was a bit annoying. Felt like smacking him round the head and telling him to let someone else have a go. Lol. One thing that was a bit mental about this class was that they asked me to talk German. So I did. Lol. There is German at this school but English and French are the first 2 foreign languages taught and the German department only teaches a few kids a few days a week. I’m not really sure how it works. Anyway, that baffled them and shut them up a bit.

After class Amera offered me a lift back as she was going to Las Palmas to pick up her kids. That was brilliant as we chatted loads in the car on the way and she said it’s no problem for her to do that daily. She leaves at 2pm everyday so every day I do as well I may as well go with her. The school her kids go to has a special name, it’s not private and it’s not a state school. The parents pay half towards it and the government funds the rest. Anyway, it literally backs onto my flat so that’s a really good arrangement.

When I got home, Amelia asked me if I would be willing to think about teaching 3 people she knows some English. I wasn’t sure how much to charge so suggested to her than they each pay me 10 Euros per hour. It’s up to them how often we meet and when but I have so much free time I don’t see it being a problem. In fact it will be a good time filler and also a good way to meet a few new faces. Got a text from Vicci offering to meet up tomorrow. We arranged to meet in the afternoon up in the north of Las Palmas to have a chat and go to the beach. I’m not sure what the weather will be like but it’s usually pretty nice in the afternoons, just greyish in the mornings.

Had a nap today and accidentally slept til 6pm! Chatted to Rob online then and later on in the evening, which was lovely. I am missing him loads but we’re getting lots of opportunities to chat, which are very precious to me. Mum rang as well this evening, which was nice. Kiwi is well. HURRAH.