Being the best version of me

Sometimes, just when you weren't sure of yourself, everything becomes clear. Or, maybe not clear, but you can see a lot more clearly than you could six months ago. Three weeks ago, I had one of those moments. I'd finished my Cert III in Children's Services, and had thoroughly enjoyed my week off, lazing around, and firing off a few job applications. I was ready to start getting up at seven in the morning again, and settling into a routine, apply for some more jobs, and generally prepare for what would, undoubtedly, be a long wait before I got so much as an interview, let alone employment.

The two job applications I sent off during my week off had been sent on a whim, that is, I liked the sound of the jobs advertised, I had the necessary qualifications, they were in a good location, and weren't asking for experience. I didn't expect anything to come of them, because I'd never got a job on my first try before, and I wasn't terribly hopeful. It was mid-year, a bunch of Cert III courses would have finished, and every just qualified Sarah, Sally and Sue would be looking for an assistant level position in children's services.

So just imagine my surprise when I received a call from Eltham College Kids Melbourne City, asking if I could come in for an interview early the next week. Not daring to hope, I said yes, I was available, and a quietly confident feeling settled in my stomach for the rest of the day. The reason for this feeling was that the woman who called me had said something no other potential employer had ever asked me when asking if I could come in for an interview: Are you still looking for work?

It wasn't the kind of question prospective employers asked if they just wanted to screen you for a position, after all.

When I arrived for my interview, I took the lift up to level four, and rang the door bell. Like most childcare centres, ECKids kept the doors locked, and you needed to type in a code on the keypad to open the door. Reception could open the doors from the inside without the code if you were a new parent or staff member. The handle was also positioned higher than usual on a door, so that if one of the children managed to escape their room and get out to reception, they would not be able to reach the door handle and escape the centre.

Through the door was a lovely, clean reception area, with a comfortable, white leather couch and two matching chairs. There was a round, glass table in the middle of a rug, and lounging under the table was a large, caramel colour rabbit.

I told the receptionist I was there for the interview, and she showed me a small meeting room off to the side. It was a group interview, as my interview time had accidentally been double booked, but the woman I was interviewed with was wonderful, and we've actually become great friends since.

Truth be told, it was the best interview of my life, because I came out of it with a job! Yes, a job. My very first application turned into my very first job.

I've been working at ECKids for about three weeks now, on a casual basis, 'floating' (as we call it in the industry) between different rooms. There are eight rooms in the centre, six downstairs, and two upstairs (yes, the centre is over two levels), and I've worked in five rooms downstairs and one upstairs.

ECKids is different from the centers I did my placements at, first of all in size (ECKids has places for 160 children a day), but also in set up. In most childcare centers there are three rooms, 0-2yrs, 2-3yrs, and 3-5yrs, and they take children from 6wks to 5yrs. ECKids takes children from 6wks to 6yrs, and not only has a childcare centre and three-year-old kinder downstairs, but two structured, government accredited kindergartens upstairs, run by bachelor qualified kinder teachers. One is for four year olds, and one for five year olds. I haven't been in the four year old kinder, but I did spend the day in the five year old kinder last week. I didn't enjoy my pre-school placement when I was at TAFE all that much, but I really enjoyed the structured pre-school environment at ECKids. It was different to placement, I grant you, because it was a five year old pre-school, rather than a three-five year old room at a daycare. However, my favourite room I've been in so far as been one of the toddler rooms, 1-2yr olds.

By the time the children get to this room, Toddler A, they're walking, and they're saying several words, or are able to communicate, relatively clearly, what they want. One thing they all love is singing songs, so I've been brushing up on my nursery rhymes. Most of the children can say the name of their favourite song, and most can sing the majority of nursery rhymes, even if they can't use the words out of that context. It's lovely to have a group of little children at your feet, contentedly singing along with you. They're like a little chorus birds, a little out of tune, but lovely to hear all the same. Some hands down favorites have been: Baa Baa Black Sheep, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Ring Around the Rosy.

So, what does this have to do with being the best version of me? Well, I had to do an employee induction before I started work at ECKids, and there was one part of this induction that really stayed with me. That was the part that said that all staff working at ECKids must strive to 'be the best version of you'. I've really taken that to heart in the last three weeks, and strived to become the best version of me that I can possibly be.

So, there you have it, a little late in coming, but, as they say, better late than never. I'm sure you'll hear all about my adventures with the children at ECKids as time goes on, and I start to know them all a bit better. But, for now, just remember this:

~ Juliana

 

Sometimes it can only be kismet...

Sounds a little strange, doesn't it: kismet. The word has its origins in the Persian word qismat, which means 'division, portion, lot, or fate' depending on its context. In English, the word kismet means 'fate, or destiny'. Now, before you head over to a new browser window because you think I'm about to go off on some New Agey rant, I implore you to read a little further down this page. Please?

On the night of the 12th June, I prayed to the Lord for guidance as I embarked on a new stage in my life. Then, last night, my dad and I sat down and had the most wonderful talk about my future possibilities, goals, aspirations, and ideas. Something that came up in the discussion was the possibility of going back to New Zealand (back home, as it is, because I am originally a Kiwi and always a Kiwi at heart), and doing some work over there. Then my old dream of being a chaplain in the defense forces came up, and then it was like a lightening strike. I can't become a chaplain in the Australian Defense Force, because I'm not an Australian citizen and it's very hard for me to become one, but I am a New Zealand citizen, and I could become a chaplain in the New Zealand Defense Force. It was the most amazing realization to come to, that just because I couldn't do something in Australia, didn't mean I couldn't do it at all.

This morning, I looked back through my Spiritual Journal  and got a shock when I found out that my guardian goddess for Gemini (the current star sign) is Penthesileia, the Amazon warrior queen from Greek Mythology. And, on a magical night earlier this month, when I read goddess cards, I drew Penthesileia again! Penthesileia was a female warrior who followed her inner wisdom and instincts, both in combat and when the Amazons were at peace. She knew what she desired and fought for it, never giving up until she had within her grasp the thing she had worked so hard for. She urges me to do the same, to be true to my inner feminine wisdom, and to fight for what I desire, to work for it. I do not believe it is a coincidence that she is watching over my this star-sign and my old army dreams have risen to the surface again.

My Penthesileia Goddess Card

I feel like I am, for the first time, really allowing the spiritual forces to guide me, and show me the right path to walk. No longer to a pray for guidance and then balk when it comes my way, I feel like I have taken the first steps along the path God and I have designed together, and this is only the beginning.

Sometimes, it can only be kismet...

~ Australian Kiwi

And I'm feeling giddy...Wheeeeeeeeeee

As I write this post, I notice that my computer seems to have a bad habit of breaking into two at random intervals, or perhaps it's just me seeing double. Whatever it is, it's annoying, and it's giving me a headache, but I have important news to share, so I will brave my pounding head and splitting computer and attempt to write an understandable post.

First, a bit about my TEFL course. I have completed module two, passing with 84%, the same mark I got for module one, and I had to do my first written assignment. Written assignments on TEFL are called Checkpoints, so, last night, I completed Checkpoint 1, and passed. The comments from my tutor were wonderful, so wonderful, in fact, that I have included my assignment and the comments in this post for you to read.

Checkpoint 1

Q1: What are the qualities of a good teacher? List and describe at least 5 qualities, drawing on your experience as a student or teacher, and explain why they are effective.

A good teacher is able to respond to student's individual needs as they learn. If a teacher is able to assist a student in a particularly difficult area of learning for them, or is able to help an excelling student reach their potential, then they have done their job as an educator and are a good teacher. Good teachers also need to be able to listen to their students, there are two main reasons that this quality is important in a teacher. The first is that, in a classroom of students learning English, a teacher must be able to gently correct students when they make a mistake to help them improve their grammar and vocabulary, but also to find out more about the students and their interests, so that the teacher can incorporate them into the learning. For example, if there are several members of a class who are particularly interested in big cats, an activity could be developed around the theme of big cats. In a teaching setting, it is also paramount that a teacher knows and is confident with their material. A teacher who is uncertain of the subject matter they are teaching will not be able to teach their students effectively, and the students will also pick up on the teacher's insecurity, and will begin to doubt their own ability. A teacher should also be organized and punctual. When I was going through high school, I always found it easier to settle into a class when my teacher had prepared the lesson before hand, and was able to keep to time without getting flustered, and who didn't waste my time by being late or running over time. Finally, a good teacher must be able to have fun, and genuinely enjoy their work. A teacher who is too strict, or who appears bored and angry at work, will be an obstacle to student's learning.    

Comments

Thanks Juliana, that's a great answer. You have outlined many important qualities of a good teacher.

Self-evaluation and reflection are also vital in creating a successful language learning environment. I find it very helpful to evaluate each lesson on completion, both the good and bad points of the lesson. By doing this we learn by our mistakes and improve on our success.

The psychological aspect is crucial in language-learning/teaching. It takes a lot of encouragement and moral support to keep the learner motivated. I would add that it's also important to set achievable goals, both short-term and long-term ones, so that your students never feel frustrated.

Q2: Name at least 5 different seating arrangements and describe classroom activities that suit each one. In your answer, try to give ideas from your own experience, as well as referring to the examples given in the module.

Probably the most common seating arrangement I encountered during my education, in primary school, secondary school, and at university, was rows. As most of my teachers both at school and at university taught in a lecturing style, which is the best way to teach when students are seated in rows, I found this style to be engaging, and particularly helpful to my learning. When I studied briefly at TAFE, the seating in the classroom was organized in a horseshoe, which promoted discussion, but also allowed all the students in the classroom to see the board and any overhead projector sheets the teacher displayed. When students are working in groups on a task such as a poster, it is helpful to sit the students in the groups they are working in, so that they can discuss their ideas and work collaboratively. If a teacher wishes to engage students in a debate about a particular issue, the teacher could sit the students in opposing teams. This arrangement would promote lively discussion back and forth between the groups as each argued their point. Finally, a simple seating arrangement that encourages conversation, and would encourage English students to practice their informal conversation skills, is sitting students in pairs. Teachers should try and make sure that friends do not sit together, so that students are given the opportunity to socialize with those they would not normally associate with. 

Comments

Another considered and excellent answer Juliana!

You've described five seating arrangements and when each would be useful. You have also demonstrated a keen interest in, and awareness of the learning process.

Well done – you have now passed your first set of checkpoint assignments! I enjoyed reading your ideas. You can proceed to Module 3 (grammar) and Checkpoint 2 related to it.

Above (in italics) is my first assignment, with my tutor's comments in red below my assignment questions. I had to write at least 150 words, but TEFL encourages students to go over the word limit. A TEFL maxim is: 'The more you put into it, the most you get out of it', and they encourage their students to apply this in both their studies, and when they eventually teach English to a class. 

Now, my other big news. I have been searching for a job for nearly three years now, and the only trial shift I managed to get anywhere was at Subway, and they never called me back, or paid me for the shift I worked. Today, I saw an advert in the paper for 'waiting staff, all ages and levels of experience'. Deciding I had nothing to loose, I rang the number at the bottom of the advert and was offered a trail shift (11:30am - 4:30pm) tomorrow! They're going to pay me too, $20 an hour, which is awesome. If I do well on my trail shift, I will be offered the job, so please keep your fingers crossed for me.

So, that's all my news. Perhaps it's excitement that has made me feel so giddy, but my computer is doubling up even more right now, and my brain is ready to burst through my skull! I'll sign off now, and hopefully feel better by tomorrow when I work my first (five hour) shift.

See you soon!

~ Australian Kiwi

And so, the adventure begins...

i-to-i logo

Last night, I made the decision to spend the majority of this month's pay on an online Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. When I was still in Year 11, before I moved to Mildura, I dreamed about doing a TEFL course and going overseas to teach English in Asia or Latin America as a kind of gap year after Year 12. Then I moved to Mildrua and my dreams shrank until all I wanted to do was finish Year 12 (Mildura will do that to your dreams, shrink them down until getting up each day is an effort). After Year 12 I tried my hand at a few different courses, got a bad taste in my mouth from the unforgiving job market, and once again found myself sitting at home, unemployed and with nothing to do. Then, last night, I found my way back to TEFL, but, this time, my dreams are of a much more affordable scale. I will do my 40hr accredited TEFL course (which was on special when I brought it! YAY!) and will then approach the migrant centers in town, asking if they would be interested in letting me do some volunteer work leading to employment. If they say yes to the volunteer work but not to the employment, I will volunteer, but I will try and find work teaching English somewhere else in town. If I can make enough money, this course may be my ticket out of Mildura!

So, I thought I would share my TEFL journey with you all. The course needs to be completed within three months, and there are 13 modules to complete. At the end of each module there is a quiz to see how well you have remembered the information, and you must get at least 80% to pass, and move onto the next module. I have already done module one, which looked at Intrinsic and Extrinsic student motivators, the importance of a Needs Analysis, Learner Types, Senses, and Styles, what makes a good teacher, and eight different Teaching Methods. It took me about two hours to do the module, and take notes in the exercise book I have assigned for this course. I work in blocks of two hours, at least three blocks of two hours a day, with one half hour break in the morning, and a lunch break in the afternoon, exactly as if I was back at school.

Age groups and levels of language proficiency

So far, the course has been quite engaging, and I really enjoyed the first module, and am looking forward to doing the second. In fact, I'm off to do it now.

Catch ya!

~ Australian Kiwi

2011: The Year From Hell, 2012: The Year of Australian Kiwi

I have to be honest an say that I am not at all sorry to say goodbye to 2011, it's been a terrible year. From leaving uni, to being unable to find a job, and stressing out about my future, the year really only improved after I went back to uni and did my history paper. Then I went on holiday in Melbourne and that was just... words can't describe it, it reminded me of where I want to be in the future. Who said country air is good for your health? I didn't, that's for sure!

But, 2012 is going to be my year. I'm going to TAFE to study Childcare, something I love, and I'm going get a job (at Woolies or Coles or something like that), and do my creative writing course. I'm going to go to the gym more often and set up a yoga and meditation practice. 2012 is going to be the year of Australian Kiwi, so watch out world! Here I come!

~ Australian Kiwi

New Year's Resolutions


1) Go to the gym three times a week for a workout.
2) Do a full hour of yoga once a week.
3) Read Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now and A New Earth.
4) Go out nightclubbing on Friday night once before I turn 19.
5) Finish one book in the Voices of the Trojan War collection.

Coffee with that?

So, finally, after months of unsuccessfully applying for jobs, I have landed an interview at Gloria Jeans in Centro, those from my ares know where I'm talking about.

I'm quite hopeful for this job, because they advertised that they just wanted new staff who were passionate and wanted to learn how to make coffee, no experience required. Experience has been the killer for me in all the jobs I've gone for, because I have never had a part time job before I have no experience and everyone (EVERYONE) wants experience. Another good thing about this job is that it wasn't advertised in the local paper, only in the Gloria Jeans store. Most people in my area do their shopping in the other mall in town, and a lot of other job hunters I know didn't even know this position was available, so hopefully there won't be so many applicants to compete with.

Keep your fingers crossed for me and, with any luck, the next time I blog I will be able to tell you all that I have a job!

~ Australian Kiwi