Saturday 12 January 2008

An Australian Teacher in London.

I've managed a week teaching the kidlets here in London.

The week has been a tough one, and it's had me jumping in the deep end and experiencing a whole stack of things I would usually run screaming from back home. I've been yoinked out of my comfort zone, and have taught kids from preschool all the way up to grade five - panicking on the inside but surviving in the long run.

The children have tested me, that's for sure. They have seen their share of supply teachers, they're not phased by my accent, and they're just.. different from the children at home. Their routines are different. The curriculum is different. A lot of things are different, but they're all helping me learn new things.

I don't have a set plan at the moment when it comes to teaching. I'm happy enough working at the current school daily at the moment, and we'll see what happens. For now though, it's good to be able to arrive at the school, teach whatever is left for me, and head straight home when school is done. I just need to get used to the tiredness that comes hand in hand with the lack of sunlight over here, and I'm sure things will be fine.

20 comments:

  1. It sounds like you're adjusting! You'll find your groove...it's only been a week! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  2. You'll get a hang of it and do great! I'm happy it's working out for you so far.

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  3. it takes time to adjust, love. i'm sure soon enough you will feel right at home :)

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  4. Adjusting takes time, but it seems to be going fairly well for you so far. So, yay! And although we're not quite as gloomy-weathered over here, we do have very limited "daytime" right now, so I hear ya' on that one!

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  5. It sounds like you're starting off pretty well, all things considered. Spring arriving might help you, too. Though of course it still won't be as sunny as you're used to.

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  6. Oh, it sounds like it's going well! I'm sure you'll settle in quickly. One of my favorite things to do when I move to a new place is to go exploring with a camera, or go out and try to find the best coffee shop, vintage clothing store, antique shop, and bars. That always makes me feel like it's I'm more at home once I have a couple places to frequent. :)

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  7. Hey sweetie, with that attitude and positivity, good things will come.

    Sorry to sound so trite, but it's true. It's served me well over the past years.

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  8. Well done on your first week!
    If you get a class and need penfriends dont forget me!!!!

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  9. I hope your commute isn't too bad. I can't remember what you mentioned it was. I imagine it's so hard, to dive into a new city, a new job. It'll get easier, of course, but that doesn't make it any less hard now, I know. We're thinking of you.

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  10. I've been back at work for a week too, now. TRICKY. I haven't gotten back into the swing of things yet.
    time, I think

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  11. It's a brave thing you're doing. Being a teacher is scary enough (my mum is a teacher) let alone being in a new country too.

    Good luck.

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  12. Leaving your comfort zone and doing something different is very brave and I admire you for it. You will get the hang of this and get a lot of joy out of it. I am sure.

    Enjoy your well-deserved weekend with your guy.

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  13. Teaching outside of your normal age-range is tricky! You'll get the hang of it soon, though. And, just think....at least you don't have to write lesson plans!

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  14. Who ever knew that teaching would be such a learning experience? Ha! Good for you!

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  15. Sounds like it will work. Growth can be hard and uncomfortable, and we get that when we are pushed beyond our comfort zone. Hopefully it smooths out soon and you find your zone so to speak. Take care.

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  16. I'm so excited for you on this adventure - a new shared home, quite a variety on the job, and living in London! I'll live vicariously.

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  17. That post title instantly reminded me of the Sting song "Englishman in New York". Not sure why.

    Get a U.V. lamp if you can. And I know they're controversial, but I used to go to a tanning booth because of a skin condition I had as a teenager and it was in the winter and.....oh it was GLORIOUS!

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  18. "Yoinked!" Love it! Do you find that the curriculum is more intense and that they have higher expectations? That's what I thought when I taught abroad. Congrats on surviving your first week!

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  19. You're teaching children? You have my sympathy.

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