Embarking on the CELTA journey is an exciting and transformative experience. However, it’s also known for being intense and demanding. If you’re considering taking the CELTA course, you might be wondering what a typical day looks like for a trainee. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a day in the life of a CELTA trainee, from morning input sessions to evening lesson planning.
Rise and shine
The day starts early for most CELTA trainees. After a quick breakfast, it’s time to review your lesson plan for the day. Whether you’re teaching a grammar lesson or focusing on speaking skills, this quiet time in the morning is perfect for final preparations.
Morning CELTA input session
The first part of the day typically begins with an input session led by your CELTA trainer. These sessions cover essential topics such as:
- Teaching methodologies and techniques.
- Language systems (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation).
- Classroom management strategies.
- Lesson planning and material design.
Input sessions are interactive, often involving group discussions, activities, and tasks to reinforce learning. This is your chance to absorb theoretical knowledge and ask questions.
Coffee break
After a couple of hours of intense learning, it’s time for a well-deserved coffee break. Use this time to chat with fellow trainees, share ideas, and recharge for the next session.
CELTA teaching practice preparation
The second half of the morning is usually dedicated to preparing for teaching practice. This involves:
- Finalizing your lesson plan.
- Creating or adapting teaching materials (worksheets, flashcards, PowerPoint slides).
- Practicing your lesson timing and delivery.
Your trainer and peers are often available to provide feedback and suggestions during this time.
Lunch break
Lunch is a great opportunity to relax and refuel. Many trainees use this time to bond with their peers, swap teaching tips, or simply take a mental break before the afternoon session.
CELTA teaching practice
The highlight of the day is teaching practice, where you’ll teach real ESL students. This is your chance to put theory into practice and gain hands-on experience. A typical teaching practice session includes:
- Warm-up activity: Engage students with a quick, interactive activity to set the tone.
- Main lesson: Deliver your planned lesson, focusing on the aims and objectives.
- Feedback from trainers and peers: After the lesson, you’ll receive constructive feedback to help you improve.
Teaching practice can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s where you’ll see your hard work pay off and your teaching skills grow.
Feedback and reflection
After teaching practice, the group gathers for a feedback session. This is a crucial part of the CELTA experience, as it helps you reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement. Feedback is usually a mix of:
- Self-evaluation: What did you think went well? What could you improve?
- Peer feedback: Your fellow trainees share their observations and suggestions.
- Trainer feedback: Your trainer provides expert insights and actionable advice.
Evening input session or assignment work
Depending on the day, you might have another input session in the evening or time to work on your written assignments. CELTA includes four written assignments, which cover topics like learner analysis, language skills, and teaching reflection. Use this time to:
- Research and write your assignments.
- Review feedback from teaching practice.
- Plan lessons for the next day.
Dinner and relaxation
After a long day, it’s important to unwind. Enjoy dinner with your peers, share stories from the day, and take some time to relax. Many trainees find that bonding with their classmates helps them stay motivated and positive throughout the course.
Lesson planning and preparation
Before calling it a night, spend some time preparing for the next day’s teaching practice. This might involve:
- Writing a detailed lesson plan.
- Creating or adapting teaching materials.
- Reviewing grammar or language points you’ll be teaching.
While it’s tempting to stay up late perfecting your lesson, remember to prioritize rest—you’ll need your energy for another busy day ahead.
Bedtime
After a full day of learning, teaching, and planning, it’s time to get some rest. A good night’s sleep is essential for staying focused and energized throughout the course.
Key takeaways from a CELTA day
A day in the life of a CELTA trainee is busy, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Here are some key takeaways:
- It’s Intensive but manageable: With good time management and organization, you can stay on top of the workload.
- Hands-on experience is invaluable: Teaching practice is the heart of CELTA, providing real-world experience and confidence.
- Feedback is your friend: Embrace constructive criticism—it’s how you’ll grow as a teacher.
- Support is everywhere: Your trainers and peers are there to help you succeed.
While the CELTA course is demanding, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll have as an aspiring ESL teacher. Each day brings new challenges, learning opportunities, and moments of growth. By the end of the course, you’ll not only have a globally recognized certification but also the skills, confidence, and passion to make a real impact in the classroom.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of ESL teaching, embrace the CELTA journey—it’s a day-by-day adventure that will shape your teaching career for years to come!
Leave a Reply