Monday I stride happily into school, leaving the high drama, tantrums and tiaras of the weekend at the electronic security door. Whoever said teaching is stressful does not share my Judy Garland-type rollercoaster private life. Memories of another man that got away, and the ones that refuse to get the hint, vanish completely as I get stuck into a brilliant Dylan Thomas poetry lesson with my creative Year 6 class. Some very touching and heartfelt responses to “The Hunchback in the Park”.
Tuesday At breaktime my son rings: the cooker has sprung a leak and been condemned by the gasman. A cross-curricular project idea forms: “Suggest a balanced diet using only takeaway food, spending no more than pound;6.50 each night. Predict the effects of such a diet on a teacher.” Spend lunchtime with class display committee to plan new display for work done on yesterday’s poem.
Wednesday Lunchtime call to inform me the boiler has come out in sympathy with the cooker, so no hot water at home. Still, at least the gas fires are working. History is about youth cults in the swinging Sixties. The children watch, with amusement and mild disbelief, scenes I can remember from my youth. We have a lively discussion on mods, rockers and skinheads, before listening to my Bob Dylan CD. Maybe I’ll bring the Sixties to life and become an unwashed hippie until I organise a replacement boiler.
Thursday Morning call. Gas switched off altogether after underfloor leak.
No heating. I soon forget my troubles when all groups in science work on our dissolving investigation, without so much as a “Miss, tell Demilee to stop copying”. Maybe class genius Darren could make me a solar heating system out of tinfoil and cardboard tubes.
Friday Art lesson an oasis of tranquillity. Even the “lively” class members join in with (quiet) enthusiasm as we finish our fabulous “The Hunchback in the Park” display. I stay as late as possible, not relishing a weekend shopping for heating appliances. As I go home, gas plumber texts me asking for a date. Roll on, Monday.
Rita Pike is a Year 6 teacher in Liverpool. If you have a diary to share (no more than 450 words), write to TES Friday, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX or email friday@ tes.co.uk. We pay for every article we publish
