My Classroom updated!!

As promised, my next blog post- albeit way later than I expected- is about my classroom! I think it looks much more inviting than it did when I first took over the class. It's obviously a constant work in progress, but I'm really starting to feel like I've put my own touch on it. 

For comparison's sake, you can click here to see what my class looked like when I first started!! 

24th Birthday in the UK

My little munchkins made my birthday so so so special on Wednesday! They all rushed in the classroom and gave me big hugs and shouted "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS FRENCH!" with huge grins on their face. One little boy must have heard me say it was my birthday coming up because he came in with a wrapped present for me! Look at the cute little tag with his writing! Turns out it was a set of lip gloss and red nail polish. He said he picked it out and had his mum wrap it for him. ADORABLE!!

I got the day started, and was oblivious when my LSA (like an EA) asked for 3 students to come with her for a minute. One came in carrying a bunch of flowers, one came in carrying a gigantic homemade card, and one came in carrying a box of chocolates! They all sang Happy Birthday to me and I almost started crying with the cuteness of it all.

Needless to say, I had a wonderful day, and my British teaching twinnie Ruth got me a birthday cake to share with our gang at lunch time. When I got home, Dana and Jess and Sam all gave me cards, and I got some giftcards to my favourite places! They also invited 2 of our other friends over for a delicious chocolate birthday cake. So thoughtful, I totally wasn't expecting it! Love them! I had a really good birthday made special by some of my old friends (thanks Molly and my PIC for cards in the mail!) and my new friends (Ruth and Diane!). It made being away from home and getting one year older a lot more bearable. And now I'm 24 and so far it's been wonderful! My next post is going to be about my classroom and what I've done with it in the almost 2 months since I started- it's looking a bit better for sure! Until next time xx

When life gets chaotic..

Heya everyone!

Well, somehow a month has flown by since my last post. I promise I thought about updating a million times but I literally don't have time for regular life chores let alone extra things like updating a blog. Teaching is consuming my life. I use some of my free time on the weekends to try and have a life, but about 90% of my time is dedicated to my little ones, and trying to appease my new school. The standards here are almost unattainable. It's really discouraging sometimes! Too many things to do, not enough hours in the day. Needless to say, I'm excited for half term break. Only 3 more weeks to go! Then, my dear friend MOLLY LAWRENCE is coming to visit me, and we're gonna travel to Dublin and Edinburgh with my other lovely friend Teri! It's gonna be amazing for sure!

Another thing that's keeping me going is the thought of going home for my 2 week break during Easter. I haven't bought my ticket home yet but I'm super excited to be going home to see my family. I'm missing them a lot, but keeping really busy is helping keep my mind off of it. I really do love it here, and I don't think I would want it any other way. Aylmer isn't the same and I'm really glad I got out of there. It would be nice if my family were closer though :)

Anyways, I promise to do a proper update, but I know some of you were wondering if I was still alive/okay, so I thought I would write a quick blurb to assure you that I am healthy and happy! xx

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