Teaching Tips for English Teachers

Although I was never trained as a teacher, I'd like to think I did a pretty good job acting like one while I was in Spain. I think my teaching days are past me now, so I thought I would pass on my best activities for learning and encouraging English. Most of these are for older kids (1st ESO-2nd Bachillerato), since I mainly worked with kids in that age range. I know many future auxiliars are wondering what you'll be doing in the classroom, so I thought I would share some successful lessons you can use or adapt.

Conditional Stories

This activity works great as a group activity, and can also be used as a writing activity if need be. It's very simple. The teacher starts with one sentence in the conditional:
If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.
Then, the students have to add on using the last part of the sentence:
If I traveled the world, I would go to Egypt.
This continues in this format until you have a nice story, which, with high school students, usually turns out somewhat silly.

Never Have I Ever

I can't be the first English teacher who has realized that drinking games make great conversation games. For this activity, everyone starts with five fingers up.  The students go around and say something that they haven't done:
Never have I ever eaten jamón. 
Everyone who has eaten jamón has to put a finger down.
Another great one that works well for younger kids is Categories, where you name a category (food, for example) and everyone goes around and says one food until they can't think of any more.

Superlative Olympics

Comparatives and superlatives (he is better than she is, she is the best) are something you're probably going to come across in your stint in Spain. The Superlative Olympics were a smashing success in all my classes, and really lets you see the personalities of the kids. Use the worksheet and ask the kids the questions on it. They have to fill in the superlative:
Who has the __________ hair in the class? (long)
The students have to figure out who has the longest hair, can burp the loudest, and jump the highest.

Mafia 

This is a classic group game that I used to play on youth group trips. I realized it's great for speaking and listening comprehension, and older kids love it. I used it with great success with advanced  speakers ages 14-18. All you need is a deck of cards. 

The number of cards you use depends on the number of people you are playing with. Everyone is dealt a card, and each card means something different. There are many variations of the game, but this is how I play:

Ace: Mafia (usually 2 in a group of 15)

King: Detective (2)

Queen: Doctor (1)

Anything else: Townsperson

Everyone looks at their cards, but doesn't show anyone. Then, the narrator (usually me, but with really advanced speakers you can switch it up) spins a story about a quiet town infiltrated by the mafia. The first thing the narrator does is tell everyone to go to sleep-everyone puts their head down and closes their eyes. Then, they awaken the Mafia. The Mafia decide (silently) on who they want to "kill". Then they go to sleep. 

Next, the narrator awakens the Detectives. They point to one person, and the narrator will confirm or deny that they are the Mafia. Then they go to sleep. Lastly, the narrator awakens the Doctor. The Doctor can choose one person to "heal". If it's someone the Mafia has killed, they are saved. Then the Doctor goes back to sleep.

The narrator awakens the town, and describes the crime scene and who was "killed". If you know your students well, this part can be really fun. If the victim likes basketball, I'll say they were hit in the head by a ball, hung from the hoop, etc. The student "killed" is then out of the game. 

Next, the floor is opened for discussion. The group must choose two people to accuse of being the Mafia. They must have "evidence" and reasons to why they think they are guilty. Then that person must defend themselves as convincingly as possible. The whole group votes, and the person with the most votes is banished from the town, and out of the game. The cycle repeats itself until the Mafia have won or they have both been banished.

Speed Dating

This is one of my favorite activities, hands down, and one that I am most proud of creating (along with Will Burress, of course!). I'm linking the activity for you all to look at and download and use at your convenience. Make sure you randomly hand out the cards (boys can be girls and vice versa), and make sure they're not just going down the list asking everyone the same question. Since the students are taking on another "personality", they feel more comfortable doing the activity, and it's hilarious to watch. I think it's pretty self-explanatory, but feel free to email me with any questions. Here is a link to a video that shows how it works in a classroom setting (don't kill me, Will).

Speed Dating Activity

Other classic and effective ideas are mad libs, song gap fills (bonus points if you use a song in the tense they're learning), and matamoscas, which I'm sure most of you played in Spanish class. It's scary to go into a classroom setting, especially if you've never been a teacher before. But trust me, if I can do it, you definitely can. 

Escape to Lanzarote

Fun fact: did you know that the Canary Islands are named after a dog, not a bird? The name comes from Latin: Canariae Insula, which means "Island of the Dogs", because apparently there were lots of big dogs. These days, tourists, not dogs run around the islands. Especially popular with German and Scandinavian tourists, The Canary Islands are warm year-round, and if you can stay somewhere like this, it's a slam-dunk vacation. 

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Lanzarote, the northern-most island of the group, is not quite as busy as Tenerife or Gran Canaria. The first of the islands to be settled, Lanzarote hosts stunning beaches and magnificent views. Although the island is small, there is lots to do! 

Beaches

Of course, one of the main reasons to visit Lanzarote is the miles of beaches around the island. There are surfing beaches (Famara), nude beaches (Papagayo), and white sand beaches (Bastian), you'll have plenty of options. Don't forget the sunscreen, as you'll be much further south than mainland Spain.

Carnival

While Gran Canaria might be more well-known for its Carnival celebration, Lanzarote can definitely hold its own! Celebrated 40 days before Easter, Spaniards go all out for Carnival-think Halloween in the States, but a lot more cross-dressing. There are parades, performances, and people stay out all night long celebrating. If this sounds like your scene, mark the next Carnival celebration on your calendar! 

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Food

As I have mentioned before, food is one of my favorite parts of traveling, and Lanzarote is no exception. Expect the food to be a little different that what you might expect in Madrid or Barcelona. As the Canary islands are close to Africa, you can see the influence in some of the typical dishes. Being an island, there is a lot of fresh seafood served, especially fish. A popular dish, sancocho, is a stew made from dried fish and potatoes. And don't forget to try papas arrugadas, which translates to "wrinkled potatoes". Served with different sauces (mojos), you don't want to miss it! 

Transportation

Getting to Lanzarote is not difficult-EasyJet, Spanair, and Iberia all have routes that service the island. The airport is in Arricefe, on the eastern side of the island Once you've arrived, you have a few options. Renting a car is a great choice, as it gives you the freedom to explore the entire island at your own pace. If you prefer public transportation, the busses are easy to navigate and run frequently. 

Off Spain's Beaten Path

When people think of Spain, the think of sun, sangria, and flamenco. Since living in Pais Vasco for two years, I can confirm that there is much, much more to Spain than these stereotypes. Of course, you can find these things throughout the country, but for your next Spain holiday in 2013, why not try something a little different? Here are my suggestions:

Asturias

Asturias, located in Northern Spain, has beaches, nature, and amazing food. If hiking is your thing, you can venture into the Picos de Europa, the mountain range for mountain climbing or horseback riding. The beaches are pristine, and not as crowded as some you would see in Alicante or Benidorm. The typical dish of Asturias is fabada, a hearty bean stew that you shouldn't miss. Make sure to wash it down with some Asturian cider (sidra), but take a hint from the locals and don't drink the last sip-toss it on the ground! 

Santiago de Compostela, Galicia

Even if you're not up for the long walk that is the Camino de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela is a unique, beautiful city. The cathedral in and of itself is worth the trip, as its architecture will take your breath away. Peek inside where the bones of St. James are said to rest. It will probably rain at least once when you're there, so pack your rain boots and an umbrella! Seafood is fresh and plentiful, and if you're brave you should try pulpa a la gallega, fresh octopus prepared the Galician way. Delicious! 

Tarifa-Andalucia

Tarifa has beautiful beaches, but it's not the best place for swimming. It's one of the windiest places in Spain, which makes it uncomfortable for sunbathing, but amazing for kite surfing and other water sports. The village is small and quaint, with tiny bars and restaurants to explore. Tarifa is also the closest part of Spain to Africa, so it's possible to take a ferry to Tangier for the day if you're feeling adventerous. 

Valladolid-Castilla y Leon

I might be a little biased as this was the first ever place I lived in Spain, but if you are looking for Spanish immersion on your holiday, Valladolid is the place to go. This region is thought to have the purest Spanish spoken in all of the country, so your language skills can only improve. If you're interested in history, Valladolid was the capital of Spain before Madrid, and was the home of Miguel de Cervantes. There are countless museums, churches, and monuments to see. 

Lekeitio-Basque Country

Anyone will tell you-Basque Country is different! If you want to see just how different, you need to visit Lekeitio. It is definitely off the beaten path, but if you can survive the winding roads, you'll be rewarded with amazing views and delicious food. In Lekeitio, many people speak Basque as their first language, so be prepared to not hear as much Spanish. The beaches are amazing, and there is a tidal island that you can walk out to and explore at low tide. It's a small village, but a great place to see how Basque people live. If you can, try and go for the Goose Festival in late summer. 

Food Obsession

Food is one of my favorite parts of traveling. I love seeking out unique and delicious local treats, and have found that when I find something I love, I tend to obsess over it. When I book flights to a new country, I'm giddy with excitement over what kind of new new food I'll be tasting in that place. Here are some of the delicacies that have really stuck with me over the years. 

Morocco-Harira

I love soup. So much. When in Marrakech, we were eating in the main square for dinner (which is an experience in and of itself) and I spotted a soup on the menu. Of course I had it, and it was amazing. It's comprised of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, herbs and spices, and sometimes meat. I had it various times on the trip and it tasted different, but delicious every time. Unfortunately, I have not been able to recreate it or find it since. I tried the boxed harira from Eroski, my local grocery store in Bilbao, and was greatly disappointed. One day. 

Spain-Tortilla Española

One of my pet peeves is people thinking Spanish food is spicy. In most restaurants around Spain, patatas bravas is about as spicy as it gets. Spanish food is simple. Most of it's staple dishes are made from simple ingredients and taste delicious. This is the case with tortilla española, which translates as "Spanish Omelette". The main ingredients are potatoes, onions, and eggs, but it's not an omelette in the American sense. You can find tortilla at any Spanish restaurant or bar. One of my favorite ways to eat tortilla is on a slice of crusty french bread. It seemed weird to me at first to put potatoes on a sandwich, but now it's the first thing I grab when I land in Spain. 

Germany-Currywurst

In my experience, street food is always worth trying, and is usually amazing. I discovered currywurst this summer in Germany, and ate it as much as possible. It's basically a bratwurst (I've discovered any kind will do) smothered in curry ketchup. They put it in a little tray with fries on the side, so it's easy to eat on the go. I've been messing with my own curry ketchup recipe, and I think getting I'm pretty close to recreating that magical sauce. 

Mexico-Tamales

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I went to Mexico a looooooooong time ago, but one thing that sticks in my mind? The tamales. If you look at the recipe, it might gross you out (hint: there's lard involved), so let's pretend it's just meat, chilis, and masa prepared in corn husks (another hint: you don't eat the corn husk). I dreamed about those tamales for years, and nothing I tried since then lived up the original tamales. I started to wonder if I was building them up in my head. Imagine my surprise when I moved to St. Paul and tried a tiny Mexican restaurant down the street, and they had perfect tamales, the tamales I had been dreaming about. 

Kebabs-Everywhere in Europe

If you've never had this Turkish drunk food, you are missing out. Found throughout Europe, Doner Kebabs are comprised of meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) that slowly rotates on a spit. The meat is then shaved off into a pita-like bread, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and a variety of delicious sauces. The best thing about kebabs is that you can find them everywhere in Europe, and different places put different ingredients in their kebabs. The best kebab I had was in Málaga, where they put curry sauce on top. However, the kebab place down the street from my apartment in Bilbao takes a close second, as they knew me and my order by heart. America, get on the kebab train already!

5 Tips for Road Tripping in Spain

I love a good road trip. Some of my best memories during my 2 years in Spain were on road trips. Two of the big road trips I did was a trip throughout the South during Semana Santa, and a trip from Bilbao to the edge of Galicia. So the next time you have the weekend off, consider renting a car and hitting the road!

1. Do your rental car research

There are tons and tons of rental car companies in Spain, so you'll need to do some research. Some of the top companies are PepeCar, EuroCar, Sixt, and Hertz. My favorite company is Sixt, as they've always had great customer service and you can get compact cars pretty cheap. Make sure you figure out how big the cars are, how many miles to the gallon, and if it's a manual or automatic. Most cars in Europe are manual, so make sure you know how to drive a stick, or know someone who can. Getting an automatic will bump up the price significantly. I have never had problems renting a car with just a valid US license, but that may vary depending on the company. You can get an international license from AAA in the States, but if you've been in the EU for two years or more, you're now required to have a European license. Just ask Cat. 

2. Find some friends

It's pretty simple: the more people you have in your car, the more people you have to split the cost of the car and gas. Renting a car can be a really cheap option if you're with a group of four or five people. Since gas is quite expensive in Spain (although the US is getting there, let me tell you), you'll want as many people as you can squeeze in the vehicle. Another hint: make sure someone in your party is 25, as it can be more expensive to rent a car if you're under 25. 

Pack 'em in!

3. Just because you don't see the cop doesn't mean you're not getting a ticket

This was a lesson learned the hard way. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but I haven't seen many Spanish cops pulling over people on the side of the road for speeding. However, they do have radars set up that clock your speed, and they'll send you a ticket if you're over the limit. They will even send the ticket to your house in the States if they can't find you in Spain. The one time the Spanish Government is ahead of the game. 

Sometimes, you'll luck out with a REALLY sweet ride

4. Consider parking outside the city

Spanish streets are narrow. Much more narrow than in the States. When you get in the old parts of the town, the roads are so narrow you can barely get anything bigger than a Mini Cooper through the winding streets. You'll just get frustrated, especially if you don't know where you're going. If possible, try and park your car outside of the city and take public transportation in. This will save you a lot of stress. 

Would you really want to drive a car through these streets?

5. Be flexible

The best part of renting a car is the flexibility. No train or bus schedules you have to keep in the back of your mind, no early morning if you don't want them. Get lost, explore little villages that seem interesting, drive around in circles. This is where you'll make the best memories of your trip. 

Holiday With Kids? Why Not Try the Channel Islands?

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Going on holiday with the kids can be tricky, especially when you have children of different ages. But have no fear, the Channel Islands has it all. Located in the English Channel, off the French coast of Normandy, the Channel Islands have over 5000 years of rich heritage and history, perfect for a trip that is both fun and educational. The islands are made up of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm and several uninhabited islets. On all of the islands you’ll find stunning scenery, varied activities and wonderful food, including mouth-watering seafood.

You’re the king of the castle!

Castle Cornet in Guernsey is a stunning ancient harbour fortress containing museums, living history and the Hatton Gallery that displays local artwork. You and the kids can discover Guernsey’s maritime, militia and social history, making it a really worthwhile day out. The castle also has an onsite café, Café Lambert, that serves light meals and tasty treats.

If your kids love castles then Elizabeth Castle on Jersey is also well worth a visit. You can climb the battlements, explore the turrets and learn about Jersey’s history.

All aboard!

The Alderney Railway is the only working railway in the Channel Islands and its first official passengers were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1850. The train runs along a 2 mile coastal route on most Sundays and also opens for an Easter and Santa special where children will receive a small present when they visit.

Animal magic!

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is a highly ethical and significant enterprise boasting a great range of endangered wildlife. Conservation is a serious business but small children will have great fun and it’s a valuable learning experience for older children.

Staying indoors?

The Jersey Bowl and Kid’s Zone has 18 top standard bowling lanes, a multi-level indoor children’s play area and a laser tag room. Perfect for keeping the kids busy on those cold or rainy days!

Family holidays can be expensive, especially when you add on all the treats, activities and souvenirs, so make sure you search for the cheapest holidays. So go on, treat yourself to an extra ice cream!

A Long Weekend In Valencia

One of my first trips out of Bilbao when I started my time as a language assistant was to Valencia. At the time, it had been pouring down rain in Bilbao for weeks on end, and I was desperate to escape it. This was easily remedied by 6-hour bus ride to Valencia. I was eager to explore the city I heard was beautiful, see the beaches, and eat paella, of course. 

Orange trees! Not too common in Bilbao

The first day was spent exploring the city. I stayed at a small hostel in the old part of Valencia, and the winding streets were especially charming. Even though it wasn't very warm, I was just happy not to be schlepping my umbrella around with me. I stopped in the Mercado Central (Central Market) to take a peek at all the fresh seafood, spices, and fruits it had to offer. 

Exploring the streets of Valencia

Day two was spent at Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, which is the modern-looking science museum/aquarium/IMAX theatre complex. It has such a futuristic feel, and is every photographer's dream. It was very cool to walk around the grounds and see the cool architecture. I ended up seeing an IMAX film, checking out the science museum, and attending a dolphin show (which was my favorite!).

   

My last day in Valencia was spent with two of my favorite things: food and the beach. Breakfast was churros con chocolate, which is always a good way to start the day.  It was a bit overcast, but I took the bus to the beach to check it out. It was pretty deserted, but I could imagine it in the summer overflowing with people. For dinner, the classic Valencian rice dish, paella, was on the menu. I found a small restaurant tucked away on one of those winding streets in the old town. I was thrilled to see it was packed with Spanish-speakers, so I was pretty sure the paella was going to be amazing. And it totally was. I'm a big fan of eating the local cuisine wherever you are, and I can confidently say I have never had a paella as good as when I was in Valencia. 

Empty beach

Valencia was definitely a success, and I was glad to be able to see this well-known Spanish city. Hopefully I'll be able to go back sometime in the summer to really enjoy those beaches!

Bonus: I also found a hilarious Spanish-English translation mishap, which always brightens my day.