How Maja blends drama and mindfulness in language learning

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Maja’s journey into teaching Croatian and inspiring young minds

Maja grew up in Zagreb, watching her mother work as a Croatian teacher. Observing that genuine care and commitment to shaping young minds, she felt drawn to the same path and pursued Croatian and philosophy studies at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Over time, Maja’s conviction only grew stronger. She discovered that teaching offered more than just a classroom routine – it was a chance to create an environment where students can connect with the Croatian language and culture on a deeper level.

Beyond the classroom – Maja’s other passions

While Maja focuses most of her time on teaching, she also pursues a wide range of interests that feed her creativity. A certified drama teacher, she uses theatre as a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth. Outside of drama, she explores mindfulness through meditation, yoga, and journaling, always seeking to understand how habits and mental health impact our everyday lives.

This holistic approach reflects her curiosity and love of exploration. From delving into psychology to pondering quantum theory, Maja embraces every opportunity to expand her horizons and bring new insights back to her teaching. It’s this thirst for knowledge that ultimately helps her connect with a variety of students.

Weaving drama into language teaching

As a Croatian teacher, Maja integrates drama methods to transform lessons into creative explorations. She relies on the communicative approach, encouraging learners to speak freely, improvise dialogues, and even adopt different characters. The result is a low-pressure environment where students can explore new language structures without fear of mistakes.

Maja finds that drama and language learning complement each other perfectly. In role-plays and improvisations, students often become so immersed in the storyline that they forget they’re studying grammar or memorising vocabulary. This sense of play fosters true confidence in speaking Croatian.

Memorable moments and lasting connections

Over the years, Maja has seen countless heartfelt experiences unfold in her classes. Some of her most cherished memories come from intensive language holidays, where students spend a full week immersed in both Croatian lessons and cultural activities. The deep bonds formed during this time linger long after the course is over.

One standout memory is watching learners reflect on their progress through video recaps. Seeing them light up when they realise just how far they’ve come remains a constant source of inspiration. These moments remind Maja why teaching is so rewarding: she’s not just imparting language skills, but also helping students form meaningful friendships and personal breakthroughs.

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Embracing community and growth

For Maja, teaching Croatian isn’t just about language acquisition – it’s about fostering a supportive community. She opts for smaller classes, aiming to tailor lessons to individual needs while ensuring that everyone learns from one another. This sense of teamwork underlies her entire approach, bringing students closer together and making the language-learning journey both collaborative and fun.

Maja’s story brims with creativity, collaboration, and an unending quest for deeper understanding. Whether she’s guiding students through new vocabulary or organising theatre-based activities, her dedication to nurturing their confidence and excitement for the Croatian language stands out in every lesson. For Maja, it’s a noble calling – one she embraces wholeheartedly, just as her mother did.