English Language & Culture Assistant

Where in the world is Demi DiCarlo?

Hi there! It’s about time for an update on my life in Spain!

I’ve been placed in a primary school in the small town of Manzanares el Real in the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Spain. I work with first, second, and sixth graders for 16 hours a week. We are fortunate to be able to have school in person with plenty of safety measures in place for Covid-19.

Manzanares is about a 45 minute bus ride into the city of Madrid, the capital of Spain! When there aren’t travel restrictions in place, I’m able to explore the city on the weekends. Manzanares is also at the base of La Sierra de Guadarrama, a Spanish national park. The area in Manzanares is called La Pedriza, and it’s a natural park with mountains, rivers, and plenty of hiking trails. There is also a reservoir nearby and a 15th century castle!

More about my role as a Language Assistant

The Communidad de Madrid has implemented a Bilingual Program in their public schools in which certain schools teach 2/3 of their content in English. The primary school I assist at is a bilingual school! The students take English, Natural Sciences, Arts, and Physical Education in English. I assist mostly in English classes, but sometimes I’m in Science too.

I assist in the four 1st grade classes, two of the 2nd grade classes, and two of the 6th grade classes, although most of my time is spent in 1st and 2nd grade. Most often, while the English teacher is leading the class, I take small groups to play games or review activities to strengthen students’ listening and speaking skills. And I get to share things about my culture as an American.

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