I couldn’t sleep last night in anticipation of my first day of school today! I felt like a little excited school girl again, and ran 5 blocks because I didn’t want to be one minute late! The class is from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday to Friday in an old brick school in the plateau. My teacher is very kind, patient and funny too. I can tell she’s been teaching forever as she just seems to really know her stuff. The whole lesson was in French, all the grammar was explained in French, and I had to strain to listen and understand. It felt really weird being the one in the desk and not up at the front, and knowing somewhat how my students must have felt learning English! I think it should be a requirement for every language teacher to have to be a student in a second language class. I think this would make them better teachers because they would understand how to speak, what their students might be thinking and what they need. There are about 20 students in my class, and the ones sitting around me were really nice. All of them are in their 20s or 30s and all of them WANT to be there! I kept thinking how enjoyable it is to teach a class that wants to learn. I made two new friends: Steve, from New Brunswick, who told me I was smart to start classes right from the get-go as he’s been in Montreal for a while now and doesn’t know why he didn’t start French classes sooner. Also, Li li, originally from China. She is probably the best student in the class – her understanding and pronunciation are great. She always has a kind smile on her face. So when it came time to choose our own partners, I went across the room to her. We made a funny dialogue together and presented it. After class, Li li and I ate lunch together upstairs in the cafeteria and she helped me with some apartment business. I am so glad there was room for me in this class, despite signing up two days late! These classes are practically free as they are funded by the Quebec government to encourage people to learn French. Thanks for French class!
