Flo Schlesinger

My name is Flora and I am 34 years old. For the last six years I was living and working in Copenhagen.

I recently returned home to the UK and I have started a part-time training (one day a week) at PLACE2BE to become a child counsellor.  Alongside my studies I am keen to continue my Early Years teaching career. 

I have worked extensively with children since the age of 17. My first experience was working as a volunteer at the Ruby Portobello Trust afterschool homework club. Here I established an excellent rapport with the children who were between the ages of 5- 11. After graduating from Goldsmiths University in 2010, with a degree in the History of Art, I started working as an SEN teaching assistant in a primary school in West London. I worked with an 11-year -old boy with severe behavioural problems. I found the experience to be challenging, yet also extremely rewarding. It was an excellent introduction to working as a teaching assistant. After this experience I felt no challenge was too great. Following this position, I worked as a freelance TA in various schools around London.

My thirst for travelling and learning about other cultures led me to travel to India in 2011. This was an incredible experience. I worked as an English teacher with children and teenagers between the ages of 4- 16. I brought my own unique approach towards teaching English, by adding a creative touch to the lessons. I used theatre and storytelling as mediums to make the language in the textbooks accessible. In turn this made learning English a fruitful experience for the students. I found the students to be highly receptive towards my creative approach.

In 2013, I was curious to experience living and teaching in a Scandinavian country, thus I moved to Denmark. I worked as a TA in international Montessori preschools working with babies and children. In 2016, I opened my own little innovative English language company for children in Copenhagen. My little company, big heart, offers workshops for children between the ages of 3-5 and 6-8. I use singing, dancing, storytelling and theatre as mediums to teach the English language. A key aim at big heart is to develop a child’s self- confidence, self- awareness and self- expression, not only regarding their English language skills, but also within their everyday life.

I have been told I am a kind and compassionate woman, with a big heart. I feel more drawn to a more nurturing role with children and really enjoy supporting them in their daily life at school. 

I am passionate about the development of children and over the last 12 years I have acquired some highly valuable skills that I would like to share and continue to develop. I am a positive and hardworking woman. I really enjoy being part of a close- knit team where I can support and be supported by my colleagues. I always make sure to bring a smile and a happy disposition to my workplace.

Thank you for reading.

Teaching work:

Oxford Gardens Primary School, London March 2011- September 2011

Special Needs Teaching Assistant (ages 10-11)

• Working with an eleven- year- old boy with severe behavioural problems
• Responsible for correcting homework, arranging displays for the classroom 
• Supporting other pupils who were struggling with their work and also with pejorative behaviour within the classroom

Teaching Assistant- Primary Schools/Nursery. London.

December 2012- 2013

Teaching Assistant (3- 11)

• Help students with work or play time
• Encourage students positively and offer support if student is troubled
• Ensure health and safety regulations are in place to keep the classroom a happy and safe place
• Help teacher prepare for each following day 

Stepping Stones Preschool, Copenhagen, Spring 2015

Teaching assistant for 4-5 year olds.

• Help with lesson planning
•  Dancing, art and theatre workshops with the children
• Nurture the children and encourage them with their daily activities

Big Heart, children’s English language company, 2016- Present

Founder & Owner/ freelance

• Creative English teaching. I use four mediums, singing, dancing, storytelling and theatre to teach the English language to 3 - 5 and 6- 8- year-olds.
• Nurturing and instilling confidence in children with regards to language learning.
• Making sure children acquire excellent English language skills, whilst simultaneously having an opportunity to nurture their imaginations and develop their curiosity towards their learning process.

Level 2 Award in Counselling Skills for Working with Children (Access), PLACE2BE, 2019-2020