Miss Hickson's and Mrs Burkey's Trip to Carcassonne

Date: 2nd Oct 2016 @ 9:50am

14/10/2016 - Day 8

Homeward bound today! Not quite as early downstairs for breakfast so that we could pack up ready for our trip home. We spent time sharing our resources that we have created through the week.

We've met some amazing people, seen some fantastic places and learnt so much. A bientôt! 

13/10/2016  - Day 7

Thursday was another early start.  Thankfully Odette took pity on us as the rain was so heavy and drove us to our last French lesson.  By the end of the lesson Mrs Burkey's group had all earned chouchou (teacher's pet) status for all of our hard work!

In the afternoon we had a methodology session where we learned some new games to play back at school. Later on we had a visit to a beautiful vineyard.  Jacques,  the owner, told us lots of history about the chateau and the area.  We're really looking forward to telling you all about it when we get back.

12/10/2016 - Day 6

After continuing our language classes in the morning, we travelled to the local supermarché and bought some French books for the children. We then continued our shopping spree at a bookshop where we enjoyed practicing our French reading skills!

In the evening we took a very wet walk back into the citè for authentic French onion soup which was delicious.

11/10/2016 - Day 5

Today has been a much more relaxed day.  We spent the morning in language lessons and playing educational games in class. We can't wait to share the games with our classes. After learning about how to form the past participle, imperfect and reflexive tense, we welcomed our delicious lunch followed by an ice cream! 

10/10/2016 - Day 4:

Phew! A long day spent in a primary school in Toulouse. It was eye opening to see the differences between schools in England and France. We were surprised by the two hour lunch and the beautifully set tables. We were also surprised to see how formal the classroom was and the lack of ICT.

By the end of the day yesterday we were exhausted! We had to leave the hotel at 6:45am and didn't get back to hotel for the night until 10pm!

09/10/2016 - Day 3 

We enjoyed an exciting game of traditional pétanque yesterday evening. Mrs Burkey has hidden talents in this area it seems! 

This morning, we were given lots of new and exciting activities by our teacher to try out in the classroom which we think the children will love. These included learning songs, actions and how to teach different concepts to our classes. 

After successfully asking for directions to the local 'boulangerie', we enjoyed our freshly prepared sandwiches before heading back to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow at our French school. We are definitely nervous about what the day will bring but we can't wait to meet the children and teachers! 

08/10/2016 - Our first morning in Carcassonne

Oh my goodness! In at the deep end!

This morning we have a renewed respect for how hard the children in our class work.  We have had French lessons with teachers who have taught us lots of new things.  Miss Hickson was placed in a higher group where her teacher spoke no English to the students at all! Miss Hickson has been set homework to read in the evenings to talk about when we go back to class.  In the beginners class Mrs Burkey has learned to conjugate French verbs and make introductions. 

07/10/2016 - Our first evening in Carcassonne

What a busy start to our trip!

Yesterday we explored the Citê de Carcassonne.  We were amazed by the stunning scenery and the medieval walls which put Chester to shame!

We were set off in groups to take part in challenges which gave us the opportunity to speak to local people and find out all about Carcassonne and the surrounding area.  Everyone was friendly and happy to help us in our missions. As team leader Miss Hickson led her team expertly! 

In the evening we sampled local delicacies including gizzard and Camembert.  Mrs Burkey was pleasantly surprised by her choice and Miss Hickson was pleased to sample French cheeses beautifully prepared in France.  

07/10/2016

Salut!

Here we are nervously awaiting our big adventure in Carcassonne! We have already had our first French conversation with Odette, our course leader, and luckily she understood what we were saying! Off to a great start! We've checked the weather report in Carcassonne and it looks bright and sunny so goodbye rainy Manchester! 

A bientôt

02/10/2016

Next Friday will be the day that we will set off on our 1,000 mile journey to Carcassonne in Southern France.

In preparation both classes have been finding out all about the area and considering the similarities and differences between there and Winsford.

We have also had a look at the day in the life of a school child in France.  Reception were surprised that French children have a two hour lunch time which included nap time.  There were lots of mixed feelings about that!

Both classes have been busy creating cards and bookmarks which we will give to the children in the classes we will be teaching in France.

We have also been busy brushing up on our French so that we can communicate more easily with our French counterparts who may not speak English.

Whilst in France we will update this blog daily if we can to share all the new things we have learned.

Make sure to pass on questions and comments so we can ask the children and our French teachers everything you want us to find out about!