Mr Damian

1.5 years in China, 4 years in Vietnam, and nearly 3 years in Russia

I chose to become a teacher, specifically a Primary English teacher, because I believe this age is a true gateway. It’s the magical period where children transition from learning to read to reading to learn, and I wanted to be the one to hold that door open for them. More profoundly, I see English not merely as a subject, but as the foundation of storytelling. Stories are how we first understand the world, grapple with big emotions, and build empathy. The privilege of guiding a child as they decipher their first sentence, see themselves in a beloved character, or craft their own tiny narrative is, for me, an unparalleled joy. I wanted a career built not on profit, but on purpose—on nurturing the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and communicators. Inspiration in Year 1 is about creating an environment where language feels alive, accessible, and joyous. My approach is hands-on and multi-sensory. We don’t just learn the ‘sh’ sound; we become quiet librarians, hissing snakes, and rustling leaves. We don’t just read stories; we act them out with puppets, build the settings with blocks, and draw the characters. I fill our classroom with a diverse range of books that act as both mirrors and windows—reflecting their own experiences and offering glimpses into other worlds. Furthermore, I strive to make every child feel like a legitimate author. We have weekly ""Author's Chair"" sessions where they share their own writing, even if it's just a single sentence accompanied by a vibrant drawing. The confidence this builds is transformative. By celebrating their unique voices and showing them that their ideas have value, I aim to plant the seed of a lifelong love for language, ensuring they see English not as a set of rules, but as a playground for their imagination. Finding a common language with six-year-olds is less about complex vocabulary and more about authentic connection, built on trust and observation. The first and most literal step is to get down to their level — I spend much of my day kneeling or sitting on the carpet, ensuring our conversations are face-to-face. The true key, however, is speaking the language of their interests. I make it my mission to learn each child’s ""sparks."" Who is fascinated by space? Who can tell you every fact about dinosaurs? I note these passions and weave them into our lessons. For the dinosaur enthusiast, a writing prompt becomes, ""Can you describe what a Triceratops eats for breakfast?"" This shows I see and value them as individuals. Finally, I embrace the universal dialect of childhood: play. A child struggling to articulate a feeling might easily show you through role-play in our ‘miniature world’ or by drawing a picture. By being a respectful and engaged play partner, I build bridges of trust. This foundation of mutual respect and understanding is the essential, unspoken common language from which all effective teaching and learning flows.

TEFL, Jolly Phonics Qualified

Being able to watch my son grow up and be there for his milestones.

I love travelling all over the world and have been to many countries, but I am currently travelling in Russia and experiencing the different cultures. I love rugby, UFC, and MotoGP.