Busy two weeks coming up

Seems I have only one day in the next two weeks not booked! This week is my birthday so am happy I am apparently popular! Go Jen :)

Friday calls

Feeling very popular..four schools called this morning so off to first call! Also furthest away but happy to go. Packed an interesting lunch called grab from the cupboard, fridge & fruit bowl :)

New school

Off to a new school today. First day nerves? Nah!!!

Working all week

This week was a busy one...I worked all week!!! Four days at one school and one day at another. You actually pick up some great ideas casual teaching and will take note of ideas that work really well. This is a set of laminated images of Australian flora and fauna, great for any age group to inspire fabulous drawing. I picked up a great book with images at a garage sale for $2.00 !!

Days here and there

Work is picking up. Two days this week and so far three next week. Happy about that!! Enjoying meeting new people and even got to spend the day at a swimming carnival!

A new day is dawning!!!! (well actually this is sunset at Trial Bay....but am sure sunrise is just as beautiful)

My current research

Three more applications submitted this week so fingers crossed! There are a number of growing schools about 1/2 hour west from where I live in suburban/semi-rural areas. Today I thought I might go for a drive out there to get a feel for the area and whether I would like to teach in that location. Public transport is definitely not an option! One AP position in particular I am interested in as the principal seems to be very innovative.
I will also continue with my current research project which will help me in my successful job hunt. I am looking at very practical applications for primary teachers to promote the development of 21st Century learning skills in their programs. Specifically developing tools for collaborative learning (classroom blogs, social network, wikis), ideas to promote technical information and media fluencies and a focus on using problem solving as a teaching tool of choice. I am also researching the best practices for an interdisciplinary and project based approach to learning and how to focus on the thinking skills of understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating and creating. To teach using 21st Century learning skills, teachers must be student centric, continue to differentiate the curriculum and make use of higher order thinking skills. The term "innovation" is all the buzz, but I have been innovative my entire teaching career!

The phone rings

Sending my CV far and wide seems to be working! My phone has starting ringing and schools are booking me for a day here and there. So far I have taught a day at a school 3 minutes away, which was unbelievably convenient. Have another day at a school 10 minutes away and a large school closer to the city called me for a number of days also. I had a great day teaching Year 6 and the spelling and maths came flooding back! Haven't taught Year 6 mainstream in a while. Sent in 3 more applications last week, one for education officer at a large library. See how we go. But in the meantime, when not working...there is always a walk and swim at the beach! Always on the lookout for art in the environment. This knitted pillar was at Dee Why.