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Monday is the one day of the week where I do the least teaching, however it gives me a chance to observe various lessons and plan for the week ahead. I am beginning to understand more and more French as the weeks go on. This is proving to be very helpful as the supply teacher who works on a Monday does not speak much English. Being submerged in the French language and culture has allowed me to pick up words and phrases. I still don’t feel confident having a full conversation in the language due to the speed that native speakers talk and the complexity of the language. I am proud of myself for attempting to speak French when I am in school and making an effort with the children. I feel as though I haven’t been able to form as strong a relationship with the children on this placement as I did during my professional practice in Scotland. This is definitely due to the language barrier.

I observed the children take part in an English lesson where they revised the concept of time. I found it very interesting that this was a topic taught to children in the primary school. When I began learning French not once did I ever have a lesson on time. One thing I have noticed in France is that children are taught language in a very practical way. They are taught vocabulary and grammar that they would be likely to use in life. I believe that this is something we should adopt in Scotland. Learning French throughout high school I found that we were not taught conversational French, we spent a lot of time reading and writing, when more time should have been focused on speaking.

Before lunch time the children had PE, we walked along to the local sports centre where the children were doing gymnastics. I always love having the chance to watch the children take part in creative subjects outside of school. Because the school timetable is so structured and form what I’ve seen, a little bit boring, it is great to see the children enjoying themselves. PE is the time in the week where the children can let their hair down and be children. They don’t have to sit with pen and paper. It is great to see how much fun they are having whilst taking part in this subject. I think it is a good thing that the school take the children out of school and make use of the facilities that are close by. I think this should be something encouraged in Scottish primary schools.

Having an observation day was very good, however I am looking forward to getting stuck in to teaching tomorrow. I am very excited to have the opportunity to do a lesson about Scotland and show the children my hometown as well as some things that are traditionally Scottish. I have been asked by the teacher to play the national anthem. I am looking forward to sharing where I come from with the children.