Teaching English in Brazil 4

   
                         

   The New Year was upon me. This year would be even be more special, because It was the first year, I started working with kids. Paulo and Julio were their names, Both kids were very enthusiastic, full of energy, imaginative, and curious. For me, it was the perfect environment to work. When I first started teaching them, it wasn't easy. At times they were more than I could bare. They would push me to my limits but I had to learn how to be patient with them. Within time, the patience allowed be to figure out the best way to reach them. I tried to understand their personal interest and what drove them to want to learn. They would tell me about their aspirations to be scientist in the future. I would use that to motivate them. I would mention to them how important it was for them to study so they can meet their future goals. I would always motivate them by reminding them how important it was for them to dedicate time to their studies.I would say,"you put the work, you will see the results." Teaching and learning for me is a two way street and for both students and teachers to have an understanding of each other, you have to understand the relationship between you and the other person and  what drives each other. Use that as an opportunity to show them that learning comes from constant repetition and focus. From the beginning of 2014, when I first started teaching we couldn't understand each other, but as time began to past, we started to develop a great teacher and student relationship. One way I can tell,  is their instant focus when they enter the room now compared to the past when I had to constantly reminded them they needed to focus. Its our chemistry over time that had allowed us to understand what´s expected from each other.


   Julio is eights years old. He is a typical kid, who loves video games, sometimes love to joke around in class. He is really exceptional and picks up on new things fairly quickly. Paulo is the oldest brother, he is a bit more shy than his brother, but when focused, he can grab everything you throw in his direction. He has a great way of analyzing things that are difficult, and finding a way to resolve it. I think both see the world differently but both process a gift that future generation will be lucky to have, We have a great understanding of what is expected for each other, but form time to time I remind them however from time to time how  important it is to stay on track and not lose focus. At INEP where I work I have a great teaching relationship with my Tuesday 6pm classes. We share a lot with each other and they expected me to share my knowledge with them. At times I would let them know they had to put in time to studying the book and find ways to have contact with the language. Even if it was reading a newspaper, magazine or watching a film or TV program or listening to music. From that point in the past until now I think they have excepted the advice. From this, I can see the drastic change in their use of speaking. They sometimes credit me for my patience with them but I continue to tell them you dedicate the time the results will show.


   As time went on in 2014, I needed another job to compensate for my living expenses, I decided to teach at another course, |The name of the course was Focus. It was first mentioned to me by two of my current students at INEP. Catharina and Roseli. I have been their  teacher for a year now, Both Roseli and Catharina were very helpful showing me and teaching  me the do´s and no´s of Brazil, At times I refer to them as my Brazilian mothers.]

  Focus was a new and Innovative Language School. Its mission was to teach English to local Brazilians who wanted to learn English for their travels, for their work, or for their personal  development, Its very different compared to INEP. Focus uses a more modern method They used video, new and modern updated books to explain how English is used in an everyday environment, For example, when it comes to eating out, planning a trip, or staying in an hotel. It was a bit simple for me to organized my lessons compared to the other school, where I had to explain everything from ground roots. Focus gave me more flexibility and a better chance to be more organized with my material.  Focus which was the perfect name for the school, would be the place and cornerstone where I had to teach myself how to focus. In August 2015, I was going to embark on another journey where I discovered something about new about myself.............