You teach better if they're laughing

What better way to see a country than by making its children laugh while teaching them? When ACLE say 'Emotion Generates Learning' they mean it. ACLE’s experience and positive philosophy combine to train you to deliver games, songs and exercises that the participants enjoy so much they often forget they are learning. You’ll often come out of a workshop feeling like a rock star, with participants asking for your autograph. You’ll need to work hard and be adaptable to different ages ranges and regions and be able to read the room. If you put in the energy, the kids will give far more back.

I’ve done both Camps and Theatrino. Camps are mainly workshop based. Your day goes like this: warm up circle (songs and games), then sessions with your own group (all kinds of stuff), and then camp wide activities to finish the day (such as treasure hunts). Of course there are some more formal language aspects to teach, such as bits of grammar, but whenever possible you’ll teach through something creative. You’ll be amazed how you can you can teach comparatives through a drawing, game or football chant, or whatever suits your style. You normally help your group put on a short performance at the end of the week. The younger ones are super cute, and the older ones are often surprisingly competent. I had one group ask if they could make a film, and they did it all themselves. I ended up just checking the English. Camps give a nice balance of seeing different places, but have a week or two to settle into each one. Staying with host families is one of the best bits—many Italian families will spoil you rotten!

Theatrino is more performance based, as you put on two or three shows each day, normally followed by a short workshop. The shows are well pitched for each age, are larger than life and you play for laughs. From January to June, you will see a good chunk of Italy, getting to know the different cultures of each region, and eating amazing food. Like any long tour, you need to be prepared to share personal space—make sure you get yourself some ‘me time.’ You will genuinely make amazing memories in and out of work. Certain schools, children and teachers will stand out, and you will see incredible places. We had a school in Pompeii, so popped over to the ruins after work. Months later I still keep saying ‘when I was in Italy…’