I remember the good ol' days of Gushes. My baby, my claim to fame as an English teacher. Well, I've resurrected the Gushes in my drama class. Today we are writing our first.
I have given my pupils 12 props. Random props like a Russian Hat and a tambourine, and they have to create a story about the props. It's been five minutes and they are dead silent....scribbling away. The Gushes have magic powers, they really encapsulate people.
One kid suggested "What does air taste like?" I like that one....
Power to the GUSH!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Having the Flu in the UK
When you've got the flu, you've got the flu. There isn't much to be done. You have contracted the germs, so now you deal with them. So what happens when you contract this dreaded disease when living in a place that ISN'T home? You have to play the game like a local.
I've caught my fair share of germs while working in a secondary school. I often feel as though I was given the short end of the deal when I was allotted my immune system, because I always seem to have some sort of cold, cough, headache, stomach ache, etc. You name it, I've contacted it. And today, for the first time in a long while, I had to call in sick to work.
Now, I'm not all about calling in sick. I remember there was a huge uproar surrounding Benylin's advert suggesting people take a day off to recover. But if we're going to make an arguemnt, you don't want to pass your germs along to anyone else. And really - how am I meant to combat a rowdy group of 30+ kids in a chaotic, movement based classroom? I'm not stupid. I know when I'm outnumbered.
So I made the call and then what? Mommy wasn't here to bring me cough syrup or make me soup. I had to fend for myself. Lucky for me I had a nice collection of Olbas Power Flu and Covonia Cold and Flu syrup. I've been around the block a few times with the cold medicines, and I found that these work the best.
After three days of feeling like proper waste, I was able to get up and shower. And I think I actually look like a human. Well done. Although it is a bit disturbing that these poor people in the advert are dragging themselves into work - SPREADING THEIR GERMS - but being supported by Power Flu. Are we really that much of a work enforced society?
http://www.powerflu.co.uk/tvadvert.html
I've caught my fair share of germs while working in a secondary school. I often feel as though I was given the short end of the deal when I was allotted my immune system, because I always seem to have some sort of cold, cough, headache, stomach ache, etc. You name it, I've contacted it. And today, for the first time in a long while, I had to call in sick to work.
Now, I'm not all about calling in sick. I remember there was a huge uproar surrounding Benylin's advert suggesting people take a day off to recover. But if we're going to make an arguemnt, you don't want to pass your germs along to anyone else. And really - how am I meant to combat a rowdy group of 30+ kids in a chaotic, movement based classroom? I'm not stupid. I know when I'm outnumbered.
So I made the call and then what? Mommy wasn't here to bring me cough syrup or make me soup. I had to fend for myself. Lucky for me I had a nice collection of Olbas Power Flu and Covonia Cold and Flu syrup. I've been around the block a few times with the cold medicines, and I found that these work the best.
After three days of feeling like proper waste, I was able to get up and shower. And I think I actually look like a human. Well done. Although it is a bit disturbing that these poor people in the advert are dragging themselves into work - SPREADING THEIR GERMS - but being supported by Power Flu. Are we really that much of a work enforced society?
http://www.powerflu.co.uk/tvadvert.html
Sunday, March 1, 2009
And today is Sunday
Today Ronan and I went on a little road trip to Burnham Market. We weren't happy that almost everything was closed, but we did have a laugh anyways.
Burnham Market is one of the best things I've seen in Norfolk in ages! At The Hoste Arms we had a cup of tea and it was one of the ideal little country pub settings. Fire, people drinking pints at 11:00 in the morning, misty day..... it was fabulous!
We also got to check out the Hat Shop - tons and tons of hats. Something I've never seen in mass quantity. Impressive collection.
After, we headed to Wells next the Sea -- killer sweet shop. The rest wasn't that impressive. It wasn't the best of days, to be fair. But it was not too bad. And to get out of the Lynn for a day - Fabulous!
Now, I'm resting up -- plenty of recovery this weekend from the dreaded QTS....but now it's OVER.
I'm going to conclude the day by watching The Wizard of Oz on Five and signing randomly to Flashdance.....
Burnham Market is one of the best things I've seen in Norfolk in ages! At The Hoste Arms we had a cup of tea and it was one of the ideal little country pub settings. Fire, people drinking pints at 11:00 in the morning, misty day..... it was fabulous!
We also got to check out the Hat Shop - tons and tons of hats. Something I've never seen in mass quantity. Impressive collection.
After, we headed to Wells next the Sea -- killer sweet shop. The rest wasn't that impressive. It wasn't the best of days, to be fair. But it was not too bad. And to get out of the Lynn for a day - Fabulous!
Now, I'm resting up -- plenty of recovery this weekend from the dreaded QTS....but now it's OVER.
I'm going to conclude the day by watching The Wizard of Oz on Five and signing randomly to Flashdance.....
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thank you, thank you.
I have FINALLY completed my QTS. It was a long, difficult process, but it's finally over.
I learned a few important things along the way. So some words of wisdom for those who are going to do QTS as an OTT:
1. ASK for what documents they require right at the start. ALL of the required documents. And get them right away.
2. Book in to take the QTS skills test as soon as possible. Don't wait until you are completing the portfolio and doing all of you portolfio r other work - get it done early early early.
3. Get yourself a mentor. An actual mentor that is well seasoned in the school. And make sure you are working on the portfolio each week WITH that mentor.
Can you tell I've had a bit of a difficult experience. But it's ok. Because it's over. And now - we wait for the official documents, just so I know it's not a mistake.
I learned a few important things along the way. So some words of wisdom for those who are going to do QTS as an OTT:
1. ASK for what documents they require right at the start. ALL of the required documents. And get them right away.
2. Book in to take the QTS skills test as soon as possible. Don't wait until you are completing the portfolio and doing all of you portolfio r other work - get it done early early early.
3. Get yourself a mentor. An actual mentor that is well seasoned in the school. And make sure you are working on the portfolio each week WITH that mentor.
Can you tell I've had a bit of a difficult experience. But it's ok. Because it's over. And now - we wait for the official documents, just so I know it's not a mistake.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Firsts!
I had my first Indian Takeaway last night. We had veggie Korma for Valentines day. Well, Anti-Valentines Day. I'm impressed by the amount of things I am clueless about. Just a note: Some common phrases in American are not so polite in British Engish. Be careful what you say.....
Back to the Korma....I really liked it. And I hate curry. But that was fantastic! And the confetti rice made me very happy!
I'm hoping all of the premonitions come true though. Our lives are way swish.
Back to the Korma....I really liked it. And I hate curry. But that was fantastic! And the confetti rice made me very happy!
I'm hoping all of the premonitions come true though. Our lives are way swish.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Two Words
I'm really in need of something mindless tonight.....
So here we go....
USING ONLY TWO WORDS! (it wasn't that hard)
1. Where is your cell phone? right here
2. Your significant other? HA HA
3. Your hair? really bad
4. Your mother? she's great
5. Your father? funny guy
6. Your favorite? Tesco Dancing
7. Your dream last night? Scary Man
8. Your favorite drink? Grape Juice
9. Your dream/goal? Doctorate Degree
10. What room you are in? Bed Room
11. Your hobby? musical theatre
12. Your fear? being alone!
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happily Married
14. Where were you last night? right here
15. Something that you aren't? Dirty Man?
16. Muffins? love it
17. Wish list item? designer shoes
18. Where you grew up? The ville
19. Last thing you did? Personal Statement
20. What are you wearing? Pajama pants
21. Your TV? quite little
22. Your pets? what pets?
23. Friends? "pretty girls"
24. Your life? can't complain
25. Your mood? fulfilled tonight
26. Missing someone? my family!
27. Car? no way
28. Something you're not wearing? baseball hat
29. Your favorite store? Office Max
30. Your favorite color? bright yellow
33. When is the last time you laughed? ten minutes
34. Last time you cried? last month
35. Who will resend this? no one
36. One place that I go to over and over? my work
37. One person who emails me regularly? Pam B
38. My favorite place to eat? ohhhhh chipotle!
So here we go....
USING ONLY TWO WORDS! (it wasn't that hard)
1. Where is your cell phone? right here
2. Your significant other? HA HA
3. Your hair? really bad
4. Your mother? she's great
5. Your father? funny guy
6. Your favorite? Tesco Dancing
7. Your dream last night? Scary Man
8. Your favorite drink? Grape Juice
9. Your dream/goal? Doctorate Degree
10. What room you are in? Bed Room
11. Your hobby? musical theatre
12. Your fear? being alone!
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happily Married
14. Where were you last night? right here
15. Something that you aren't? Dirty Man?
16. Muffins? love it
17. Wish list item? designer shoes
18. Where you grew up? The ville
19. Last thing you did? Personal Statement
20. What are you wearing? Pajama pants
21. Your TV? quite little
22. Your pets? what pets?
23. Friends? "pretty girls"
24. Your life? can't complain
25. Your mood? fulfilled tonight
26. Missing someone? my family!
27. Car? no way
28. Something you're not wearing? baseball hat
29. Your favorite store? Office Max
30. Your favorite color? bright yellow
33. When is the last time you laughed? ten minutes
34. Last time you cried? last month
35. Who will resend this? no one
36. One place that I go to over and over? my work
37. One person who emails me regularly? Pam B
38. My favorite place to eat? ohhhhh chipotle!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
It's been far too long since I've posted. But hey - I'm a good girl. I've taken to hand-writing in the diary Dave got me before I left for England! We had our first SNOW day on Thursday. It seems that everyone was getting them and I just happy we jumped on the Snow train as well - even if we had like two inches of snow.
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