Reality Hits...

Hmmm. Yes, they're still sweet. The staff is wonderful, building great, still glad that I'm here, and I must admit that my head is spinning, a bit. Remember what I wrote about that Twilight Zone effect? Well, it's in full gear. So many things are becoming more familiar. I can drive to TESCO and back with out getting lost at all. My driving mantra is feeling neglected because I have not been using it at all. I drove home from school today without following Bev and made it in one piece, no delays due to ridiculous turns leading to industrial zones, etc. I'm remembering to use the correct terms - some of the time! - rubber instead of eraser; football, not soccer; toilet, not bathroom; etc.
Realized I pulled a fast one in class the other day. A boy asked me how to spell favorite. It was on the whiteboard from our class brainstorming list, so I told him to look at the board. Of course, I realized at about 3 am that I'd spelled it the American way, instead of favourite, correct for the kids. No wonder he was confused! I must be getting more comfortable. I've called a few kids turkeys and said, "Yo!" today in class, much to their surprise (and delight...).
Ah, but the curriculum, the organization, the approach, the terminology, the ... everything. I was sure that math would be the easiest subject for me - they don't even call them subjects, they're topics here, and math is "maths" - you can see where I'm going with this. After all, numbers are numbers. And then I was given my copy of the Lines of Development, Wales' version of LAUSD's math standards. Talk about confused... They (the Fulbright people) said that we should treat it as if it was our first year teaching. "Bah!" I thought. Well... no, not quite, but I am feeling the same level of stupidity and incompetence that some of my fellow exchangees seem to be experiencing, despite all of the lovely words of praise from my administration and fellow teachers. My new mantra: I can do this, I can do this.
On the bright side, I am getting more used to things. Amanda, Bev, Pam, everyone who can, have been incredibly supportive and helpful and it seems that everyone here is in a bit of a fog since the curriculum completely changed last year. Amanda, Bev, and Pam are all in new year levels, s are feeling my pain to a minuscule degree.
Okay, sorry, but I'm off to cut up tray labels, read over my Games directions for Netball tomorrow (don't ask!), and figure out what I'm doing for the day.
And, to have a glass of wine. Cheers...