YLE Teaching Tips

I've mentioned before that I am subscribed to the Cambridge English South East Europe Blog.

This week, I've had three emails about posts describing activities submitted to a global competition run by Cambridge English Language Assessment UK and Bell which invited  teachers of English from all over the world to submit written practical teaching ideas for preparing their candidates for a range of Cambridge English examinations.

All three posts talked about suggestions for fun activities to prepare for the Cambridge English: Young Learners English Tests.

In Post 1, Natalia Cheskidova, from Russia describes an activity involving describing and drawing a picture.  Her suggested activity is recommended for YLE, Preliminary and First. 

In the second post, Julieta Caffarel, from Uruguay again uses a picture and drawing and colouring activity to practise for all 3 of the Cambridge English: YLE tests papers.

And in her post, Daniela Mirza,  from Romania, suggests recording an interview and then creating a comprehension activity.

It was great to be able to see both Natalia and Julieta 'in person' on Cambridge TV!

I leave for Rome in under 4 hours' time.  Hope to inspire and be inspired!!!!!

Tips for learning languages for visual learners

As I mentioned last Friday, I will be speaking at the IH World Young Learners Conference in Rome on March 1st.  My session is called 'What's in an image?'
(I guess you know by now that I like using pictures and photos in class!)

http://www.zazzle.com/planetmug/gifts?cg=196977425062661686

Another of my interests is Multiple Intelligences.  I'm always looking for ways to make things memorable for students and am aware that music stimulates people and helps many of them learn and remember things.

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Others will associate particular items with situations or when they learnt it or where.

I myself am brilliant at faces, hopeless with names.  I can probably tell you where I know a person from, when we last met, but don't ask me to introduce you!!

So, I clicked on a link to a Youtube video about Visual/Spatial learners.

It's a short clip about tips for learning a language with people who learn better when they associate language with images.
It contains some good ideas for recording and remembering language.

And I liked the final sentence:
'Remember - no matter what you decide to do, learning a language should be fun!  So be creative and enjoy learning about a new language and a new culture!'
Great advice!

Hello from Italy!

Good morning!
Just a very quick post from Salerno, Italy.  In a couple of hours, I will be giving two sessions with teachers here.

My journey started in Turin on Monday.
I helped out with the storytelling session given by Marcus Tubby.  (Here's me and the picture washing line!)

And I shared tips and ideas with teachers for getting the most out of pictures and for useful knowledge to pass on to young learners about words.

Then it was on to Milan.  Unfortunately, I don't have any photos from Milan.

One thing I will say is that I have been impressed (as always) by the dedication and obvious love of teachers for their subject and their vocation.

And also this time, by the architecture of the three venues we've been to.  (The photos I have are still on my camera, so I can't share them with you yet)

And what about this sky? - yesterday evening, Salerno.  You can just about make out the Costa Amalfi through the clouds.

And this sunset??????  Even on a mobile phone photo, it's still impressive.

Right, time to get a move on.  Off to meet and share ideas and experiences with lots more teachers here in Salerno.

http://www.quirkyguide.com/story/seconds-to-spare