Help! Am making a real mess of it

[threelittlebabies]

Am in a break from teaching an A2 class law. I have prepared loads, having been off for a year on maternity, but when it comes to going through my notes with them, it just doesn't seem much. And I am unable to answer some of their questions when put on the spot it seems my memory isn't what it used to be!
Feeling a bit panicky and useless. Wish I hadn't come back.
Just wanted to talk to someone!

relax, I was like this for a long time after I came back from 13 mths maternity leave & then it all came back. You r probably doing much better then u think .......just keep going. U r doing so well already by just going back ( its so hard!!). I am sure u will posting in a couple of weeks that u r enjoying work again!!

Could you have an answer prepared for questions something along the lines of "We don't have time to go into that now, but we will be covering that soon...", "I need to check the specific answer to that, I will get back to you" etc, just to take the heat off yourself?

I bet after a few sessions you will be back in the swing again.

If they ask you a tricky question say 'thats a really interesting point - why don't you research it and let us know next lesson...'
I'm sure you'll feel more in the swing of it soon - don't let them see your fear!!

Thanks everyone, my day didn't get much better but I am fired up for tomorrow and feel more sure of myself.
Have tried the "why dont you look it up" tack but they are a bright and bolshy group, and sometimes I think they are trying to test me- I swear one of them purposely asked me about a case that she could tell I didn't know straight off- I just said well there are 1000s and I am v old with crappy memory!

Thanks for replying in my hour of need

Kids are horrible little bastards aren't they...I remember (with shame) my class doing the same to a teacher when I was in sixth form. Poor woman no doubt dreaded having to teach us. They're like a pride of lions - once they sense a weakness they move in for the kill. Good luck with them and don't let them get to you.