Day one of work

Hi all!

Well my stress was mostly for nothing, as I thought it would be. I think once I settle in with how things work over here and hopefully keep getting work I'll be ok. But for now it just feels like even though it's similar to home here, everything is just different enough to be confusing and overwhelming. And it might sound really immature, but having lived at home for all of my 22 years I am so used to walking into the kitchen or living room and going "Mum, how does this work?" or "Mum, what does this mean?". Over here if I don't understand something I feel like I'm stuck in a hole and there's nothing I can do about it. But I think that's part of what this year is about for me. I need to learn how to cope with stress by myself and sort things out for myself. 

So anyway. This morning I woke up and rang my first teaching agency (not the one from yesterday) and they said to call back in 10-15 minutes. Which I did and I got some work! I leapt out of bed and got ready super quick. Ran to the station and got the two trains. Delayed! So I was a tiny bit late but did ok considering. 

I seriously am going to develop claustrophobia here though. The train was literally jam packed full to the point I was being pushed on al sides. Trains here in peak hour give me anxiety already!!! I got the bus this afternoon even though it took twice as long haha. 

Today it was just as a TA/teaching assistant which meant it was half the pay of a classroom teacher. But I didn't mind for today because it was kind of nice to ease myself in anyway. As you could tell yesterday I was feeling quite overwhelmed so it was nice being told what to do and not having full responsibility of the class. That'll happen soon enough!

So I spent the day in a primary school in Putney working in a grade 6 (Aussie equivalent grade 5) class. Scary thing was their posters on the walls said they were born in 2004. That was the year I was in grade 6!!! Haha. 

I had quite a good day. Worked on Maths with some kids one on one who were really nice, helped with reading and supervised two more troublesome boys but managed it. They wouldn't listen to a word I said!!

The afternoon was the best. The kids had to decide whether they agreed or disagreed with time travel and the teacher had a big discussion with them about films like "Back to the Future" and the ramifications of that. I worked with a small group coming up with an argument as to why we disagreed with time travel and they were nice kids too. It was interesting seeing what all the students came up with. Funny (but slightly controversial) was when the teacher showed some photos on the screen to provoke thought and one was of Hitler. One of the boys yelled out "well I'd go back and kill him!!". I agree but due to him yelling out uncalled on the teacher wasn't very happy!!

Had a few funny moments too. I said 'pants' instead of trousers. If you come to England, don't say 'pants'. 'Pants' over here means 'underwear'. Oops. So some kids laughed at me. Then I said something about recess and they all laughed and asked if I was American!!

Ended the day by thanking the teacher and she said I had been a big help which was great to hear. I've had lots of messages from both teaching agencies today. The one from yesterday wanted me to go to another interview Friday but I've kind of lost faith in them so told them I don't want to go. I think for now I'll keep doing daily supply. I guess I risk not getting something some days but I think it might be interesting seeing lots of different schools. 

Tomorrow is polling day/Election Day here and unlike home they aren't required to vote. Apparently lots of schools are closed tomorrow due to that, so I think I'm going to another agency to keep my options open. Louise and Matt who I met up with on the weekend have a friend at a reputable one so I figure it might be good to go through him. 

As for Friday I've been booked into a school not too far from Ann's to teach a reception (Prep) class all day. Little nervous due to not having experience teaching primary much. I had a couple of smaller placements though. But the teacher leaves work to do so as long as I arrive early and do some research I should be ok. 

After school today I went to the phone shop because they've stuffed up my bill already. Then I went to the bank and gave them my national insurance (like tax file) number. Then I went off to pick up my laptop which has been fixed (another 25 pounds - booooo!) and then headed home to research some things and relax a bit. I think tomorrow off might be a good idea anyway. It might sound a bit pathetic but I'm just feeling overwhelmed and signing up with the other agency will help, as well as not having to rush off anywhere like I did this morning. I'll settle soon, just everything is crazy and confusing at the moment!!

Missing you all lots. Could do with a hug and to be told it'll all work out but I have to get used to telling myself that and believing it. All will be ok!!

Love to all

Claire

Xoxox 

PS: I've just spoken to Louise's friend at the new agency. He's an Aussie and was so nice, I'm feeling 100 times better now. Heading in there tomorrow afternoon to register and go to a gathering for new teachers over here. And they have another do on Friday night with free dinner and drinks! He gave it to me straight and said though supply will decrease as exams happen (now) he will be able to get me work not too far away and not at horrible schools. That was the London equivalent of a hug from Mum in the kitchen hahaha. Think I'll be ok now :)