To think that teaching a class is like riding a bike

[colourdilemma]

And that I might be still able to do it after only having taught small groups since dd1 born ten years ago?
Have an all morning teaching session so that I can be observed teaching a class I might have a day with a week next year. I am very, very nervous. I haven't done the nitty gritty of managing a class for years. I know that I will have masses of catching up with new policies and curriculum planning but am kind of hoping that I will remember what to do in front of a class of thirty Has anyone else gone back after ages and been okay? I expect my brain to ache!

Aww, I can feel your nervousness in your post! You WILL remember the important stuff, of course you will. Just remember to breathe and consciously slow down as we all have a tendency to go too fast when nervous. Plenty of praise and smiles. Good luck to you.

yep, smile and praise, smile and praise!

Would agency work be an option before committing fully

I agree. You'll soon get into it. It's scarey at first but you'll soon get back into the swing of it. I haven't ever had a long break like that but if you've been working with kids in small groups anyway then that's not that dissimilar. Good luck.

Mildly o/t but when I was at school we had a teacher who rode his bicycle through the corridors and into his classroom. Always the same room because he taught music. Bloody good teacher too, even if he was bonkers as conkers.

I could do supply, but this is a school I already take small groups at, and it's the same class one day a week. So much more consistent and better all round. I hadn't considered how nervous I was about class teaching-so when I found out about this I surprised myself by having a bit of a panic. I know I'm fine with the children I teach but I'm nervous about the differentiation and keeping all the plates spinning!

I am considering a bicycle ride up the corridor next week. It is a nice long one Andrew

Put it on YouTube colourdilemma - let's all enjoy it!

Yep-just like riding a bike! You'll get the 'first day of September fear' but by 10am, it will feel like you never left!

Good luck, you sound as if you will be fine. Just remember mini plenaries to show progress. If they already employ you to teach small groups they must have confidence in you. Just remember jargon changes quicker than children!

Mini plenaries. Bike riding in corridors. Sorted.

Taught my first adult class today after years being out of education. Nervous as hell but as soon as the first sentence was out of my mouth, I was back in my comfort zone and loved it!

Not quite - I ride a bike every day, but would never in a million years have the confidence to stand up in front of a class of kids.

I expect if you have the confidence/skills needed for teaching, you'll be fine. Probably quite a bit to catch up on, and it will be hard work at first, but worth it - good luck!

I've just gone back part time (2 days a week) after a four year gap. I was really nervous and it's taken me a while but I'm totally back in the swing of it now. I went back after the Easter holidays.

Good luck op! Make sure you have all your resources to hand (if you need any) and a copy of your lesson plan to give to the observer.

I'm sure this hasn't been preying on anyone's minds but just a quick update. I prepped, I taught, I got the job! Hooray. And had fun too! I love all classes, even the ones that leave me feeling (mentally!) as if I've done five rounds with Tyson, but these guys were receptive, interested, interesting and generally on my side. Roll on September (after a very lovely August!).