A Very Merry Christmas in Year 1!

Whew! These past 2 weeks have literally flown by. They have been challenging, exciting, fun, joyous- I've loved every moment. The kid's excitement about Christmas is contagious. We did a bunch of fun Christmas-themed activities. Wednesday we had our class party. I brought my kids over to the other Year 1 class for some snacks and games. We even had a visit from Father Christmas! 

Father Christmas visits both Year 1 classes

I sent my darlings home to their parents at 2pm yesterday- Miss French was on a bus home by 3pm ready to begin the holiday vacation! The girls and I are ready to celebrate Christmas- there are presents under the tree, cookie ingredients purchased, and some sweets ready to be eaten! We fly out on Wednesday morning to Venice for 3 days, and then from there we will take the train to Munich for another 3 days. I'm really looking forward to it! I will definitely write an update after I return, but in the meantime, Merry Christmas to all! I love you bunches! xx

Welcome to my Classroom!

Today marked my first full day in my "own" classroom!! I say it like this, because literally, everything in here has been inherited. It's quite a disaster, really. It doesn't look awful, but it is honestly so disorganized, and not to my liking at all. I mean, can we look at the VCOP wall for a minute? We've been in school for almost 2 full terms and there is literally next to nothing on it! VCOP stands for Vocabulary (so we up-level our word choices), Connectives (and, so, because), Openers (therefore, firstly, then), and Punctuation. It's all the rage here in England, so every classroom has a VCOP wall/area. I will be giving mine some attention in the very near future. The walls are quite bare since the teacher took a lot of the stuff with her when she left on Friday. I also want to give the book area some attention, and organize the sink/painting area. 

Today was a whirlwind... trying to memorize all the names while following routines AND doing dress rehearsal for Nativity is bananas. I am certain I have picked the worst time of year to begin because there is so much craziness with Christmas... but at the same time it's good because there is less planning to do! I'm soo tired I can't wait to go to bed. I woke up at 5:30am, caught the tube at 7am, got a train to West Drayton at 7:20, and was at the school by 7:45. I had a meeting with the Deputy Head and my Year partner about midterm planning for the next 2 terms after school. I didn't leave the until almost 5:15pm and then had to catch the train home. It was a LONG day! I had dinner and then I did some more planning and organizing for the upcoming days. I'm about to fall asleep at my computer now, so I'll give you more updates as I have the time. I am so so so excited to embark on this CRAZYYY ride!! xo 

It snowed! (and other bits)

Hi guys!

Has it really been a over week since I've posted? Life is so hectic, sometimes I literally do not have the energy to do anything except lay in my bed once I get home. Is this what being a real adult is like? haha

Anyways, lots has been happening on this end, so I'll do my best to recap. First, and foremost, I did my day of supply teaching at Cowley last Wednesday... and the Headteacher and the Deputy head kept popping in and out of my lessons all day to see how I was doing. Needless to say, immediately after school was done, my consultant Craig called me like 3 times, then texted me and said "Tiff, go find Jamie... she LOVESSSS YOUUU!" hahaha what a guy. Jamie is a Canadian who been living here for 13 years- her accent is so strange! She is honestly so nice and laid back- I really like her! Anyway, I went to find her, and she basically told me that I was an amazing fit for their school and would do well there if that is what I decided. She said that the teacher who is currently in the class would be done at the end of the week, and they would have me in for the remaining 3 weeks to "get a feel" for the class, and if I so wished, I could sign on for a contract beginning in January. They said they would put on their NQT (newly qualified teacher) program even though I don't need it because I have my QTS (qualified teacher status). This means I will get an extra bit of time out of class each week for planning, mentorship, and professional development. I think it is a good idea because everything is honestly so different here, and any little bit of extra support helps. I left the school feeling quite elated that I was going to start on Monday!!

On Sunday morning, Craig texted me and said that the teacher I am replacing decided she wanted to stay another week... which meant that I had one more week of supply ahead of me. Jamie was really great about it though, and booked me for supply 2 days at their school just so I could get a bit more familiar with it, and have my face around the school. On Wednesday (WE WOKE UP TO SNOWWWW!---- Sidenote: The Brits really can't handle any ice/snow/frost. Honestly, transportation comes to a standstill- trains have been delayed for the past 2 days making the commute really unpleasant), I had PPA time in the morning to co-plan with the other Year 1 teacher for the next two weeks. We were really productive, and Ross (the Deputy Head) said that our plans looked good. I think we're going to be a great team! Yesterday, I was in a Year 4 class. Honestly, it was the day from hell yesterday. The class was spectacular, thank God. It took me OVER 2 HOURS to get to school. I left my house at 7:15, and I usually catch the train at 7:35. There were no trains running at all. I stood in the freezing cold on the platform with hundreds of other people for about an hour until a train finally came... but didn't take me directly to West Drayton. I had to get off a stop before, then bus it to the West Drayton station, where Jamie (the Headteacher) picked me up. I got to the school at 9:30am. What a nightmare! The day was great though, honestly, and I can't wait to start full time on Monday. It's especially exciting for me because the next 2 weeks are all about Christmas- and what a fun time of the year for kids!! If any of you are interested, here's a link to Cowley St. Laurence's website.

Then, last evening I had plans to go to dinner with Diane and a bunch of other staff from Colham Manor. My blow dryer legitimately blew up - thank goodness it didn't catch my hair on fire haha. THEN we had to make our way back on the trains which were delayed AGAIN so it was a nightmare with transportation yesterday, needless to say. I had such a lovely time last night though. I got to experience my first real "Indian" restaurant. A lady from Colham, named Bal was celebrating her birthday. She wore a beautiful sari and the food was honestly SO good. I tried a bit of everything, because, WHY NOT! There was music and dancing too, and I just sat there the whole time thinking "I am so so lucky to be able to have this experience. I would never have been able to do half of the things I'm doing if I had stayed in Aylmer. Thank goodness I was brave enough to come here!" I have honestly made some great friends- usually, I just get invited along because I'm the token "new" girl from Canada who doesn't know anything bahah! I don't mind one bit though! We got back home around 11 last night, and I just knew that I didn't want to work today. Since I had already worked 4 days this week, I'm not contractually obligated to work today. As long as I let a consultant know before 7am, I am off the hook. I texted Craig and said I wasn't available. I wanted a long weekend to get all my bits and bobs done before the tidal wave of full time hits me next week. I've done some laundry already, and am planning on shipping home my Christmas gifts this afternoon. I need to run a few more errands, and then get some planning and materials ready for my class! Oh my goodness- it's MY class! I will definitely take some pictures next week so that you can all see my classroom. There is loads to be done- to me, it's not really an inviting atmosphere, and it definitely needs to be organized. It will be a slow work in progress, but I think I'm up to the job! Have a lovely weekend all, I am missing you all more each and every day... I wish I could teleport home for an afternoon! Love you! xx

What's new!

I thought it was high time to give my blog some lovin'. I'm sure you've all been sitting on pins and needles waiting for me to post about my life- I know, I know. I flatter myself. Now, where to begin? Prepare yourself for a looong read! 

I have been feeling awfully homesick and upset for the past little while. Not a full on "let me hop on the next plane home" mood, but rather, small pangs of "I wish my parents/family/best friends (cough cough Molly and Rachel) were closer so I could have a tea and visit with them for the afternoon." However, I know that this just comes with the experience, and I know it will only get more difficult as we draw nearer to Christmas. It's my favourite holiday, and it's such a wonderful time with family. Take away that component, and I'm not sure how I'm going to cope. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it!

Speaking of Christmas: Dana, Jess, Kaitlin, and I have booked our flights and hostels for our Christmas vacation! We are going to fly out on December 26th to spend 3 days in Venice, and then take the train from Venice to Munich. We'll fly home on December 31st. Talk about a Merry Christmas present to myself! I'm really looking forward to it!

Lots has been happening on the work front. Last week, I worked a full 5 days. I went to 2 new schools last week. On Monday, I went to Heathland, which is an A+ Ofsted rated school (which means they are quite reputable and stringent on their learning procedures and policies). I was in Year 4 in the morning, and Reception in the afternoon. I really liked this school, so I tried to make a good impression. Sean called me, and told me that the Headteacher was so impressed with me that I've been put on their "short list" which means that any time I'm available, they will request me! Score!

Tuesday I went to Roxeth in South Harrow. I've been to this school a couple of times now, and honestly, it is so lovely. The staff are quite friendly, and the kids are just so nice and well behaved! I have a feeling I will be sent back there in the near future. The only downside to this day was that I had a cold, and my head was quite fuzzy... and I forgot to get a timesheet signed. I texted my consultant about this, slightly freaking out, and after some jesting  he said it was alright and he got it sorted out.

Wednesday I went to a brand new school for Engage. As in, I was the first person from Engage Education to ever go there. A new consultant called me, and then told me she was too busy with other assignments, so I would have to figure out how to get there myself. I used the TFL website, and found it was quite straightforward. While on the tube, I got a pep talk from Sean to sell Engage- meaning I had to go around the staff, introduce myself, meet the Headteacher, etc. etc. I did well, I think. This school has THE friendliest staff I've worked with. People would smile and say hello when I was walking down the corridor, and they would engage in conversation as if they knew me. I loved it!

Thursday I was at St. Matthew's doing my PPA coverage that I have for the rest of the term. I was in Year 4 all day and I LOVE this class soo much. They are smart little cookies, and have the nicest attitudes. I got requested to go back to St. Matthew's on Friday and I was in both Year 1 classes. It was a nice, easy day, minus the fact that my lunch hour was spent marking. They are SO strict in England about supplies marking the work they've assigned during a lesson. Sometimes it takes forever!

Friday night, I hung out with my new friend Diane. She's a TA from my favourite school, Colham Manor. She and I have become quite close friends, and I am so glad to have met her. We went out for dinner/drink/magic show in Covent Garden with a bunch of her beautiful friends. I was so glad to get out of the house!!

My beautiful friend Diane! 

Friday night was also a special night because I finally received my care package from my parents!!!!

Canada pencils, peanut butter, oats, and tea <3

Needless to say, I have been mowing down on peanut butter ever since Friday night haha! On Saturday, the girls and I planned our trip for Christmas, and then we went out for dinner with our friend Kayla. On Sunday, Dana and I travelled into central London to meet up with Teri, a friend from Uni, who is here for a week doing job interviews. We had a spectacular day shopping and site seeing. It was also so nice to see another familiar face from home!! The world is such a small place when you really think about it. So, I had a really great weekend that took my mind off of things for a bit!  

And now, the biggest news I have to share... consider this your reward for reading all the way to the bottom.... I have been offered a full time job. Well, more like recommended for a full time job. The very first school I went to here- Cowley St. Laurence, is looking for a Year 1 teacher beginning in January. My consultant called me and said that the Headteacher from St. Matthew's had emailed the Headteacher at Cowley to recommend me for the opening. I am beyond flattered. However, I am not sure if I am ready for such a big commitment. There are so many pros and cons to measure. I have been at Colham Manor the past two days, and I just love this school so much, that I really really really wish there was a full time position opening there, but there isn't. I'm going to Cowley tomorrow for a day of supply teaching, thanks to my consultant Craig arranging it for me. I'm using it to get a feel for them (since I didn't really enjoy my first day there- but I'm chalking that up to first day jitters), and they want to get a feel for my teaching style. I'm not going to say no to the full time position just yet without at least giving the school a chance, but at this point, I'm not 100% into it either. Stay tuned for details!

I guess that's all that I have to share with you at the moment. My life isn't really too exciting. I'm settling into a routine here, and it gets dark so early that I just go home and snuggle in my bed. I'm always SO sleepy! I will definitely keep you posted on my life though, promise! xo 

C'est le weekend!

This series of photos is brought to you by "THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY"- Teacher edition.

On my way to get dinner and drinks with fellow teachers and teaching assistants from Colham Manor- Lord knows we deserve it! Happy weekend all! xo

Week Recap

Hiya! So, what have I been up to this week? It's not all that interesting really. The weeks prior to and after breaks, we are not guaranteed 4 days of work like usual. I started Monday off by getting ready, but I quickly knew that I would have the day off. My consultant Sean called me around 11am though, just to say hi, ask how my half term was, and just have a good chat. He's so lovely! Monday night, my other consultant Craig let me know that I have a PPA coverage every Thursday at St. Matthew's Church of England school for the rest of the term. It's nice to have some stability! At least my Thursdays are set now!

Tuesday I got a call to cover a nursery class at a school near us (about a 20 minute walk) called Derwentwater. The children are babies, basically (3 years old). I just played with them, and did some painting, song singing, and reading. I was covered in sand, snot, glitter, and paint by the end of the day. Not my cup of tea, but at least I was working!

On Wednesday, I didn't think I was going to get work again. I had just changed out of my work clothes around 9:10am, when the phone rang, and a consultant named Barry called me to go to Hathaway Primary School in Ealing. My housemate Jess works there often, so I was excited to go. I arrived around 10am, covering a Year 3 class. They were really quite nice, and the TA said she was so impressed with how calm I am, and how I handled the "behavioural" students. She said she would put in a good word for me, so hopefully I get to return there again soon.

Thursday was my PPA coverage day at St. Matthew's in West Drayton. I get to go with my other housemate Dana, because she works there 3 days a week. This school is absolutely lovely- there were no "behavioural" students in my Year 4 class in the morning. I think this class may be my favourite of any I've had so far. They are intelligent, and well mannered. We got so much learning done! In the afternoon, I covered a Year 1 class. I kind of winged it, since the teacher was like "Do PE, and then do science" and I wasn't given much more instruction than that. We literally did 10 minutes of PE, because the little lovelies take so long to change from their uniform into their PE kits, and then back into their uniforms. We talked about seasons in science, and I had them draw a picture to represent each season. Their classroom teacher came back then, and we had to take them to worship at church. I really enjoyed the religious aspect of their education. I'm glad I get to return to this school!

I didn't get any work on Friday, so I just did laundry and caught up on some of my favourite shows. The girls and I, with our other friend Kayla (Vibe for those of you from Nip!) went to Shepherd's Bush to go to the outstanding mall called Westfields last night. It shames any other mall I have ever been to. They will have a skating rink INSIDE the mall within the next couple of weeks. They always have special guests too- earlier this week Taylor Swift was there performing a free concert, and today, the Kardashians will be there talking about their new fashion line they've launched at Dorothy Perkins. COOL! I got some new boots and a new shirt at New Look. We also ate dinner in their amazing food court. It was enjoyable to go out and do something after being inside all afternoon.

I'm going to be hanging out with Rob later today, and I think we're going to see the new James Bond film. Tomorrow, I'm going to go back to Shepherd's Bush with Kayla to go to church. I really miss  the fellowship of going to church, so it will be nice to reintroduce that aspect in my life!

Craig texted me to tell me that I will be at Colham Manor on Monday, so I'm very very excited to go back there! Other than that, there really isn't much new in my life. I can't believe I'm approaching the 2 month mark of being here... time sure does fly! I hope everyone is doing well at home- feel free to write me, because I love to know what you are all up to! xo

A Hoot of a Half Term

This past week I've been on half term break. That means, that I had a whole week to RELAX and enjoy myself, after a somewhat hectic and stressful teaching placement the previous two weeks. Somehow, I've managed to keep myself busy and have really enjoyed my half term break.

On Saturday and Sunday, I did some shopping and chores which had piled up while I was busy teaching. Monday, I went into central London with a teacher named Rob I met at Harefield. We had a lot of fun- and I went to my first cinema (not movie theatre haha) in London! On Tuesday, I went to Ealing Broadway to meet up at Starbucks with my new friend Diane. She's a TA (teaching assistant) at my favourite school, Colham Manor. She lives in Chiswick, which is near Acton. We caught up, and did some shopping. Wednesday was Halloween, and I didn't do much. I ate some sweets and watched a lot of online tv. Thursday and Friday were dedicated to my journey to Manchester to meet up with Melissa, my friend from high school. I left from Euston station in central London, and the journey takes about 2 hours. SO easy, and I got the tickets fairly cheap too (£32 each way). Melissa and I had a wonderful time catching up, and we went to the bar on Thursday night. We attracted some interesting characters. Needless to say, she and I will have to go out again!!

The most delicious latte ever. 

On Friday morning, we weren't feeling 100% but we had to go on the hunt for caffeine and food. We ended up at the most adorable place called "teacup on Thomas St." I had a huge latte and the MOST wonderful bowl of porridge I have ever ever had. We walked around Manchester, and Mel showed me where she used to live. I really like Manchester, it's got a good vibe.  We had to pick up Melissa's flatmate's brother and his mate from the train station. They are Irish, and incredibly nice. We went to a pub so that they could eat, and then I had to go back to the train station so I could catch my train. On the train ride back, I sat beside a guy from South Africa who moved to Edinburgh about 7 months ago. We had a nice chat, so it made time move much faster!

Today, I'm just going to relax, get some chores done, and maybe call home. Tomorrow, Rob and I are going to hang out in central London again, so that will be a nice way to end half term break. Our work is not guaranteed the week after half term, so I'm hoping they find me some work next week, because otherwise I will be extremely bored! I hope this recap wasn't too boring to read haha. Hope you are all doing well! xx

Update

Hi! It's been awhile, but I thought you'd all like to know what has been happening in my life this past week. I got a text from Sean last Sunday telling me that I was going back to Harefield Infants School all week... so that's what I've been doing! I'm in a Year 2 class, and it is quite a challenge, as they always keep me on my toes. Monday after my first day in this class, I came home and drank a bottle of wine. I'm not ashamed to say that I was in bed before 9pm. What I can tell you though, is that if I'm not a better teacher after this experience, I'm doing it wrong! I have my ups and downs, but the staff at this school are quite amazing. I've met some amazing people there! :)

I am going back to the same class this week, since the head teacher told my consultant I was doing a quite good job at building a rapport with the students, and not only managing them (HA HA) but they were also learning. Although I know that it's going to be a challenge, sometimes you just have to look for the tiny positives of the day and focus on those, rather than the million negative things that happened. It should be a fun week too, since there will be Halloween and Harvest celebrations on Thursday and Friday, and then we're on half term break for a week! Dare I say it, I can't wait for half term- I want to have a break and do some fun things!

Day Trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath

I finished the week off by teaching at Roxbourne Infant's School in a Year 2 classroom. Not only is this school closer to me than other schools I've been at, the students were so well behaved and courteous... I would definitely go back there again! 

Early Saturday morning (5:15am!) I woke up to get ready for our excursion. We were out the door by 6:10am, and caught the tube to King's Cross/St. Pancras station to meet up with Kaitlin. While Jess got in touch with the travel company to arrange our pick up, I got myself a Chai Latte from Cafe Nero for some much needed caffeine. Then, we had to catch the tube to Victoria Station. We waited in line forever to get on the coach bus, but we talked with some Americans, so time seemed to fly by. Finally, we were able to load the bus, and we took off! Our tour guide Geoffrey was an especially insightful and funny bloke... I found myself constantly laughing at things he said! He pointed out some interesting things along the way. 

Dana and I sitting on the coach bus.

We finally arrived at Windsor Castle. It was quite something to behold! It was contradictory: you will never be at a busier tourist location that is more silent. There is a quiet reverence associated here... being surrounded by the history, the royalty, the wealth, the tradition... it was overwhelming. I will admit to being brought to tears as I walked around. I don't care if it makes me a nerd. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but we took as many as we could outside!

The flag means that the Queen is at home!

Spectacular landscaping

After we toured the castle, we met back at the bus for noon. We travelled to Stonehenge from Windsor Castle. There were some nasty rainstorms that we drove through on the way... and I had a nap! The landscape on the drive there was quite breathtaking. The rolling hills, the farmland, the vastness... it was a picturesque scene of English countryside. I loved it! We finally arrived at Stonehenge, and got to spend a little under an hour walking around and taking pictures. It was an awesome site to behold!

Jess, Kaitlin, Dana, and I

 From Stonehenge, we journeyed to Bath... where Jane Austen resided, and the epitome of historical greatness! I loved the Georgian style of architecture, and the story behind the Roman baths. With so much history, you could almost feel the people of the past. It was definitely spooky. One room in particular gave me goosebumps! 

On the edge of the healing springs. I wonder how many people have sat in that exact spot?

We got to sample some (clean!) spring water from Bath! Its water is said to have restorative and healing properties because it contains over 40 different minerals. 

 After we left the Roman baths, we toured the city of Bath for a bit. There were gorgeous gardens, and some lovely buildings to see! 

Golden Jubilee landscaping!

We left Bath a little after 5pm, and arrived back in central London a bit after 7pm. Then we took the tube from Gloucester Station, and arrived home shortly after 8pm. It was certainly a long day, but it was a memorable trip that I am grateful to have taken! I'm taking today to rest and prepare myself for another week of teaching. Although there are times I miss home, I LOVE it here. There is always so much to entertain, and I am so grateful for this opportunity!

Colham Manor (that's my school)

I have spent the past 3 days at Colham Manor Primary School-- apparently this schools loves me! I've been all over that school this week! On Tuesday, my consultant Craig calls me to tell me to cancel my plans for the Year 3 at the other school, and head to Colham (pronounced Cullum) instead. I arrive to find out I'm covering Year 2F for the day while the teacher does in-service. At the end of the day, I try to get my timesheet signed, but the booking lady says she's booked me for Thursday, so just wait until then to get it signed. So, I knew I was going back on Thursday for sure.

Wednesday morning, Craig calls me and says "Colham again, mate!" I covered Year 2T in the morning (such a sweet class) and then 1SH in the afternoon. My time spent in Year 1 has confirmed that really young children are not for me. I can deal with Year 2, but Year 1 is just too young for me. Today, I was in Year 6, which was totally, totally my style. This class was the smallest one I've had so far- just 22 kids. They were so well behaved, and so funny! The only downside to teaching Year 6 is that they are preparing them for Key Stage 3, and they are doing tests to figure out their secondary school placement (kind of like SAT scores in the States) and there is a lot of work for them to do. I spent over an hour marking at the end of the day. A HUGE thank you to my roomie Dana for helping me mark their Literacy, where they were writing their own myths, while I marked their Maths and Handwriting.

I definitely like Colham, and I know they like me. If they were to keep offering me jobs, I wouldn't complain, but I do want to get some experience at other schools as well. I have only been to 2 other schools, for 1 day a piece since I've started here. The rest of my time has been spent at Colham!! I'm not sure where I am tomorrow- hopefully somewhere nice! And tomorrow is pay day! Woohoo!

We're going on a tour this Saturday to Bath, Stonehenge and Windsor Castle, and I am getting extremely excited about doing something other than teaching haha. I will definitely update you all on that experience, with pictures of course, when I get back. Lots of love xo

Just another day in the life of a supply teacher

It's Monday- and I survived it! I woke up slightly better this morning, but still quite tired. I shall be turning in early this evening!

Anyway, I got myself ready this morning (curse you 6am alarm clock-- every morning, I always think OMG it's only 1am at home, and here I am starting my day!), and then around 7:30 I travelled to the tube station to wait not-so-patiently for my consultants to call with work.

Around 8:15am, Sean (who, by the way is a doppleganger for Ryan Gosling) called me up and said a school just called and needed someone. I had to make my way to Uxbridge which is the last stop on the Picadilly Line. As he was explaining this, I was fumbling with my Oyster card, and lo and behold, there was a Picadilly train waiting at the platform! I jumped on as the doors were closing, only to find out that this was not the one that went to Uxbridge, but rather, the one that went to Heathrow. WRONG! So I got off at the next stop, and waited for the next tube to come and take me back to where I started. As I got off of that one and made my way westbound again, an Uxbridge train came right along. I got on and bided my time to Uxbridge (which takes a good 40 minutes).

Sean then called me and gave me some directions from the tube station. I had to get off the tube and exit to the bus stops. He said I had to get on the U331 for about a 20 minute bus ride. As I rode along the bus, I kept wondering where in the heck they were sending me! I saw horse pastures and then major highways, and I felt like I was lightyears away from the tube station. It turns out that I was going to Harefield Infant School, and was covering them as teachers got pulled out for hour long sessions with the principal. I got there around 9:30am, which my other consultant Craig told me was really "well done" since I travelled so far. Here is a map for you at home to see how far these boys actually send us for a day of work (but I still love them):

I went to Harefield today. Last week, I went to West Drayton (Yiewsley more specifically) every day. See if you can find it!

I started my day in a Year 1 class for Maths, and then I took them to assembly. After that, they had wet play (indoor recess), and I had to move to a Reception class (Kindergarten, at home). I worked with them in small groups about what nurses do. After that, I was supposed to cover a teacher who I guess could be described as an LST, but they were in an important meeting that arose from nowhere, and I couldn't attend, so guess who got paid to sit in the staff room for an hour and a half? Yup, this girl! I also met another Canadian teacher, who used to work for Engage but is now on contract with the school. He's from Paris ON, and actually knew where Aylmer was! I was shocked lol! 

After lunch, I covered another Year 1 class, and did P.E. with them. This was by far my favourite class and lesson! They were adorable, and I actually like teaching them gym. After they were done, I spent the rest of my day in a Year 2 classroom, teaching them literacy. This class was quite behavioural, so it was quite interesting, to say the least, but I had 2 TAs for support, which was helpful. I ended my day marking their work, and chatting with their homeroom teacher who was shocked to find out that I was only a first year teacher who has only been teaching here for about 3 weeks. She said she hoped to see me again- which tells me I did a job well done!

Today I felt like a puppet on a string, and never really knew what I was supposed to be doing, but everyone was happy at the end of the day, so I guess I did okay!  Oh well, it was interesting, and it's money in the bank! And it's sure as heck more teaching than I would be getting in Ontario!!! I already know where I am going to teach Year 3 tomorrow at a school that's not as far away as the one today. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone at home!! xo

First Foray to the British Museum

It's finally the weekend, even though this week went by quite quickly. I received so many hugs and so many "awww do you have to leave" on Friday from my Year 3s. One girl even made me a card on Thursday night and gave it to me Friday morning. They asked me when I was coming back too. I felt so loved! I'm glad I was able to have such an impact on them, even for a short amount of time.

So, despite being quite ill (thanks to my darling kiddies), I dragged my butt to the British Museum with Dana and Jess yesterday.

The British Museum!

Me outside the British Museum 

One of my favourite parts of the day: Ancient Egypt

Rameses The Great

THE ROSETTA STONE

Mummy

Another Mummy

Names of Egyptian Pharoahs in hieroglyphs and cartouches. That's my shoulder on the left!!

So we first completed an audio tour about Ancient Egypt, and then we moved onto Ancient Greece/Rome and that whole lot.

This is a tomb of a rather wealthy aristocratic woman. I think I remember the audio tour  said she was around 50 when she died.

Head of Augustus.

From the Parthenon Galleries.

Dana and I.

A Gladiator helmet. 

Lely's Venus (Aphrodite)

These were really cool letters that are written on thin pieces of wood. It is surprising that they are still in such good condition. The picture below is the translation of what they say.

This is a mosaic from Hinton St. Mary's, which is thought to be the earliest image of Christ.

Relics from the Sutton Hoo ship burial. SO cool!

From Sutton Hoo- some weapons and chain mail.

I absolutely loved that tiara!

Gorgeous pearl and garnet (my birthstone!) necklace from the opulent Victorian era.

The building itself is quite breathtaking.

 Roomie pic!

Being inside the building itself was history enough, but the massive collection they have of relics from the past is just so overwhelming. Since I'm a history and English nerd, this experience was quite wonderful, even though I couldn't breathe, my throat was scratchy, and I have a mouse voice. I'm definitely going to head back another day because I barely touched to surface of what there is to see. Hopefully next time though, I'm feeling a little more energetic!