You Only Have One First Day...

And today was that day! And hip hip hooray I survived! My role today was a coverage teacher at Mulberry Primary School in the Tottenham area of London. Basically, I shuffled from class to class through Reception (Kindergarten) - Year 2 for 30-60 minute periods so that the classroom teacher could have a meeting with the Head Teacher (principal). I didn't know this was going to by my role, but as my fellow teachers you must be prepared for the unexpected!
There were a few pros to this role on my first day though.
1. It gave me another chance to see different classrooms to get a sense of the structure, organization, and curriculum at different Year levels.
2. If my management of a Year class was going horribly, or the time was unproductive, it was a short period of time lost in the child's day of education.
3. I was able to interact with a lot of children, and although I don't remember many names, I do remember a few! So, if I go back to that school and just have one class all day I might be somewhat familiar with them.
There were also a few cons.
1. I never really felt settled all day, as I was just in and out of classrooms. I wasn't there long enough to really try to learn children's names or set my own behaviour management techniques.
2. I had to run in and out of buildings, as the school has 3 different buildings, and it was pouring rain. I had no time to grab my coat or anything, which definitely didn't help the cold that I am trying to get over!
All in all, I enjoyed myself but I am glad for the few hours of rest I can have tonight!
As far as funny things that happened....one girl in Reception told me she didn't like my voice. A girl in Year 2 told me I sounded like a voice cartoon character on a cartoon she watches (I forget the name of it). Students burst into a fit of giggles in a Year 1 class when we were talking about the 5 Senses and things we hear, and I said "I know something I shouldn't hear that I do...children talking". For some reason, that was hilarious! (They still continued to talk however).
When I get a camera, I will post a picture of my crazy schedule of the day just for everyone to see.
All in all, first day as a teacher completed? Check!