Caroussel

Decided to give Thibaud a break of camera-in-face and took a picture of the carousel found in the centre-ville. It very much reminds me of the one at my home in England, although I never actually see it moving in Caen...whereas the one in Southport always seems to have someone on it, something to do with it being a seaside town? I don't know!

Finally feeling like a fully functioning human being after some proper sleep, and although my back is still stiff...it's getting better so I know I haven't done any lasting damage! Started my day with a presentation to the sixième INTER about England...the idea was to show them how someone presents a topic, i.e. body language, how they speak, eye contact etc. as they have to do their own presentation on another European country for next week. Now I would say I'm a pretty confident public speaker, from working for the university as a student ambassador I'm happy talking at people! I didn't actually realise just how much method goes into public speaking, as when they were analysing everything I did and saying how it made the presentation effective it made me realise that these weren't things that came naturally to everyone. Always a strange sensation to have what you've just said being analysed by ten other people! They are such a sweet class though, I wish I could see them through their time at the college, as the mix of students they have will guarantee success.

I then found myself with a normal troisième class...I always have to remind myself that they are not an INTER class and therefore will not understand me as well as other students might! I ended up taking a group of students for a conversation class, but I was surprised when one of them admitted they didn't understand me when I asked them their name. Then again, they are of a mixed level and therefore may not necessarily have the same drive as others.

Talking of drive, after a lovely chat in the salle des profs with some of the teachers about the pro-marriage demonstration at the weekend, and the differences between England and France I met up with three of the troisième INTER to start work with them on their dossiers that they have to present for their exam at the end of the year. We figured the sooner we got started, the more accustomed they would be to public speaking (something that is not particularly practised in French schools)...so I have four months of working with smaller groups and making sure they can speak. Two of the three, no problem, they could probably take the exam now and still pass...but the third, I genuinely don't know what I can do with her to get her out of her shell. I know she is trying, but she isn't particularly hanging round with the best group of friends to make her work harder. We shall just have to see I'm afraid, I really hope I can help her...

Finished my day with Thibaud in Tour Solidor...we I decided it was going to be English speaking night rather than French, as I had promised him that I would help him with his spoken English in the same way he does with my French...so I insisted! Lovely chilled out evening, and some great conversation...although we still need to work on the "friend of me" thing...I've told him now if he says "me" instead of "mine" I get a forfeit of some sort...on verra.