I got my schedule for the next year yesterday, my first day back to school after having a year at home with Freya. I had no idea what to expect, though I had asked teach the older children as a preference. It turns out that I am one of three English teachers, and I’ve been “relegated” to teaching 6-10 year olds.

At first I felt a little disappointed, since I enjoy the more active English lessons where the children are trying to use their knowledge in ways I have not taught. With the younger ones I feel that my role is more an instructer rather than an informer, and my choice of words when trying to say things is naturally far more limited. Also, I’ll be unable to show Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings type films under the guise of classic British culture.

However, there is a bright side to all this, in that I shall have far less homework to deal with. Obligatory homework has always been something I have had an opinion about, knowing that the more talented/interested children are the ones that will do it anyway, whilst the less talanted/uninterested ones don’t. This leads to unnecessry stress on my part, since I really cannot be bothered to chase up the many who never hand in theirs. Now, though, I only have three classes to prepare for, allowing me a better opportunity to oversee the general situation.

I also feel a bit better prepared for teaching six year-olds, with a decent library of children’s songs, thanks to Freya. I have also ordered a fox hand-puppet, along with workbooks and a CD, which will undoubtedly make life a lot easier, and quite possibly more enjoyable for me.

Expect a picture of Freddy (I believe that is his name) and me soon.