Lighter Load

My cold, that started on December 22, lasted the whole Christmas break. I even had to miss the first two days of school! Very disappointing. To add to the stress, we haven't received our BC Medical Cards yet, so I had to pay for the visit to the walk-in clinic where I got a doctor's note saying that I should not be at work for the first week of January. To make matters even more complicated, when I was feeling better, I had to get a second doctor's note saying that I could go back to work earlier than the first note had stated!

I have really been enjoying my little French Kindergarten class of 11 kids in the mornings and my English and French Reading Groups in the afternoons. To call it a lighter load than last term is an understatement! Little people - little problems! I had an appreciation for Kindergarten teachers before this experience and now, it has grown! I don't know if I could do it for a whole day though. My patience is growing, but it really is a different world!

Speaking of patience, a whole lot of that is required for my two English Grade 1 Reading Groups. I've taught this age before, but never to read! Sound it out... break it up... look at the pictures... does that make sense? My favourite part is when they guess the word based on the first letter, say it like a question and then look at me for confirmation! My one French Grade 2 Reading Group has me back where I'm used to! Even my encouraging statements come out in French first! The Grade 1 groups are learning to read as well as some fun French expression!

Only two more weeks with this assignment, as the gal whose medical leave I'm covering is coming back to work. Hopefully she'll call me in as a substitute for this group if she ever needs it! I am lucky that my Principal found a way to keep me on and we'll see what School District 23 holds for me next!

My fingers are starting to cramp up from being crossed so long... stay tuned!