Re-starting work

I started back at work this week after some time off for holiday.  It's a little bit odd and it has been rather annoying.  The first day I went back I discovered that my projector was missing, this meant that I could not use my computer with the kids, because I would have no way of sharing the information.  Basically it just makes my life that bit harder.  But to add to that the room next to mine was locked.  This is an issue because the printer I use is in that room.  I need visuals because I am teaching alone and most of the kids have little to no English.  So, locked, okay, get the key.  Well no, the room is locked and the key is missing and the only person I can ask about it speaks no English...great!

Well I was able to solve the locked room problem by finding a room next to that, which via conveluted means I can access and through that room I can get to the printer...great...  Anyway, the main reason that it's so weird at school at the moment is that the kids and the staff are still on holiday.  So basically I am teaching classes on my own and generally there is not even anyone I can go to if I have issues, thankfully the kids have been good up to now.

I did get my projector back though today, at the end of the day.  The teacher I suspected had taken it, had indeed done so.  I had sent him a text to no avail, but I got an English speaking teacher to help me out.  Ach well, at least I have it back now.

Since I had some issues with making my classes productive, I have at least dealt with the 6th grade for a little while.  I have decided that I will teach them how to make cookies.  It had been a plan of mine previously, but I had not decided when to do it.  So I have begun the lessons needed prior to the baking the cookies.  It could be messy, but it hopefully will be fun and it is pretty useful since I have them 4 times a week.  Also they seem to be pretty excited about the concept of baking in class.  I am planning to do a demo this Friday and then let them have a go on Tuesday, next week.  I am not sure whether I will bring my oven into school or whether I will just take the mix home and then return the cookies the next day.  I will have to see.

Hmm, well that's it really, I can get back to methods I am more familiar with and those that I am certain work at my school.  Not to say that other methods of teaching aren't good, but there are certain things that I have tried and they just don't work with the kids I have.  Mainly due to ability and interest.