Well schooled
I don't know how much my son is learning in is first year at school but I'm certainly learning fast after my first morning as a classroom volunteer.
Today was my first day helping out with a year two class (my son is in reception so I can't help with his year). I was amazed by how quickly the time passed. It was great to see both how much difference that two years(compared to my son) makes to children's ability and to be forewarned about what sort of work he will be doing at that age, when SATs loom large. (I've already been told we face a big jump in terms of work etc when he moves into year one, compared to the relative, open-plan, freedom of reception.)
Anyway, in less than an hour I will be back to the school to find out what the Parents Association's extra-ordinary meeting is about, so it's been rather a busy day.
Of course, what I had planned (before finding out about this meeting on Tuesday) was to do a bit more research and writing for my loverick entries. (I am all ti tum and titty tum ed out after looking at stress in the initial foot of lines from various limericks!) And I am supposed to be learning about setting up a business on e-bay. (My husband's latest business idea and plan of how I can bring in some money if his current vision problems worsen.)
So I guess all in all, one way or another, it's back to school for me. I hope it's more fun this time around then it was first time!
Comments, Pingbacks:
Comment from: marilyn [Member] 
· http://www.writelink.co.uk/blogs/marilyn
· http://www.writelink.co.uk/blogs/marilyn
It is a big jump for them and they get never-ending homework once they move up from reception. When I was helping out in my grandson’s school, I found that in order to come down to their level to talk, or assist them in any way, I was constantly bending down. Everything is so small, even the chairs and to say it’s back-breaking work is an understatement. One doesn’t like to sit on their little tables in case it gives them ideas.
My daughter is a brilliant at selling everything and anything on e-bay. Just yesterday she sold her Dad’s old mobile phone. He only expected to get about £20 for it, but towards the close of sale it sold for £41. Think I’ll have to investigate this money-spinning idea and have already thought of a few things to sell.
I’ve got a few hours assisting via ALS and there are some more hours coming my way after Easter. The pay is £13.50 an hour. I used to get paid £17.98 an hour, but didn’t go on to do the 7407, so although the money is less, so is the responsibility and stress.
Sarah, couldn’t you earn some money through editing people’s work, or receive payment for helping people with their poetry etc online? You more than qualify.
Let me know if you do, I might be your first customer.
My daughter is a brilliant at selling everything and anything on e-bay. Just yesterday she sold her Dad’s old mobile phone. He only expected to get about £20 for it, but towards the close of sale it sold for £41. Think I’ll have to investigate this money-spinning idea and have already thought of a few things to sell.
I’ve got a few hours assisting via ALS and there are some more hours coming my way after Easter. The pay is £13.50 an hour. I used to get paid £17.98 an hour, but didn’t go on to do the 7407, so although the money is less, so is the responsibility and stress.
Sarah, couldn’t you earn some money through editing people’s work, or receive payment for helping people with their poetry etc online? You more than qualify.
Let me know if you do, I might be your first customer.
Permalink
07/02/08 @ 18:33
Comment from: marilyn [Member] · http://www.writelink.co.uk/blogs/marilyn
· http://www.writelink.co.uk/blogs/marilyn
BTW, I got notification of your poem entitled Salt of the Earth, yet it's not displayed here. Anyway I remembered it and it's a great poem, I especially love the subtle rhyming scheme. I'm surprised you're not the town's poet laureate.
Permalink
07/02/08 @ 18:39
Comment from: mater [Member] · http://www.freewebs.com/theapprenticewriter/
· http://www.freewebs.com/theapprenticewriter/
The more you do, the more you seem to be able to fit in - and as the boys grow, so will the commitments. Just don't forget to have some you-time, too!
Permalink
07/02/08 @ 18:53
Comment from: sarah_james [Member] · http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
· http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
Thanks Marilyn,
You are a great confidence-booster.
Funnily enough I did notice that about bending over - it's not just talking to them though, it's the fact that everything like chairs and cupboards etc is designed for their height so leaning over to cut up mosaic pieces on their tables was agony! I also have a giant blister on my hand from the scissors. I never expected to get that many war wounds!
I have thought about freelance writing but it's the speculative, unpredictable nature of it that puts me off. Also when I worked full-time as a reporter I managed very little creative writing, it took too much creative energy in its own right. I wouldn't mind maybe running a fairly informal creative writing workshop/course type thing but have no idea how to get into that kind of area. I did a course in teaching adult literacy a few years ago but never really got a chance to use it practically.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Something will come up. My husband has spoken to his boss today who has been supportive. In a way, sight makes little difference to a lot of the expertise of his job. He would still have his business/IT?directors knowledge and expertise. If the worst comes to the worst (which hopefully it won't) maybe I'll just have to be his eyes/PA/dogsbody for the more mundane things!
You are a great confidence-booster.
Funnily enough I did notice that about bending over - it's not just talking to them though, it's the fact that everything like chairs and cupboards etc is designed for their height so leaning over to cut up mosaic pieces on their tables was agony! I also have a giant blister on my hand from the scissors. I never expected to get that many war wounds!
I have thought about freelance writing but it's the speculative, unpredictable nature of it that puts me off. Also when I worked full-time as a reporter I managed very little creative writing, it took too much creative energy in its own right. I wouldn't mind maybe running a fairly informal creative writing workshop/course type thing but have no idea how to get into that kind of area. I did a course in teaching adult literacy a few years ago but never really got a chance to use it practically.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Something will come up. My husband has spoken to his boss today who has been supportive. In a way, sight makes little difference to a lot of the expertise of his job. He would still have his business/IT?directors knowledge and expertise. If the worst comes to the worst (which hopefully it won't) maybe I'll just have to be his eyes/PA/dogsbody for the more mundane things!
Permalink
07/02/08 @ 20:00
Comment from: sarah_james [Member] · http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
· http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
Marit,
Don't worry me-time is top of the list - in fact I'm sipping a cocktail as I type! It is true that I never seem tohave time but always seem to re-prioritise to find it. Actually I'm wondering if I can manage to be on the school PTA...but perhaps I'd better wait till I'm sober before I decide on that!
Don't worry me-time is top of the list - in fact I'm sipping a cocktail as I type! It is true that I never seem tohave time but always seem to re-prioritise to find it. Actually I'm wondering if I can manage to be on the school PTA...but perhaps I'd better wait till I'm sober before I decide on that!
Permalink
07/02/08 @ 20:04
Comment from: Magdalena Ball [Visitor] · http://www.compulsivereader.com/html
· http://www.compulsivereader.com/html
Hi Sarah, my youngest just started school too, and I'm amazed at how much time I spend them now that I have three children at one school (being president of the parents association doesn't help lol). But like everything else in a parent's life, it doesn't last long and before you know it they're on some other phase. Good luck with it all! Maggie
Permalink
07/02/08 @ 21:19
Comment from: sarah_james [Member] · http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
· http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
Thanks Maggie and a definite hats off to you for being president of yours. I hope your PA is a good, supportive one.
Our PA (now a PTA) has done masses of stuff but is now pretty tired and fed up - they feel the same people are doing all the work organising. There is probably some truth in this but I can't help feeling they frighten other people off though by such moaning.
For example, I'm quite happy to help but not to oragnise - that's not me being unwilling to (I'm in awe of those who can). It's just me being realistic about my own sbilities, current responsibilities and time limitations. I think they'd find organising less stressful if they had more help, and they'd probably get more help if people didn't think they'd automatically be expected to oragnise whole events. But, like so many things, it's a continuous circle...
Our PA (now a PTA) has done masses of stuff but is now pretty tired and fed up - they feel the same people are doing all the work organising. There is probably some truth in this but I can't help feeling they frighten other people off though by such moaning.
For example, I'm quite happy to help but not to oragnise - that's not me being unwilling to (I'm in awe of those who can). It's just me being realistic about my own sbilities, current responsibilities and time limitations. I think they'd find organising less stressful if they had more help, and they'd probably get more help if people didn't think they'd automatically be expected to oragnise whole events. But, like so many things, it's a continuous circle...
Permalink
07/02/08 @ 21:43
Comment from: sue kendrick [Member] · http://www.suekendrick.co.uk
· http://www.suekendrick.co.uk
Sarah this takes me back to when my kids were at primary school, all four of them! It seemed as if my life revolved around school, parents meetings and events. Apart from a daily reading book my lot didn't have homework which was probably as well as I used to have big problems keeping them in when the nights were light.
I used to hear readers twice a week while the infant teacher took dancing. The low furniture was a problem, but I usually sat on the carpet which was only marginally more comfortable!
Unless you've got a really good idea for Ebay, I think you'd do better freelancing especially if you can get some regular clients in the business sector.
These on the whole are much better to work for than mags etc as they never expect you to work for nothing!
You might want to try web design companies and ask if they have a call for a copy writer.
A lot of web work is for small businesses who only want a brocher site and they have big problems getting good copy from their clients. Often they have very little idea or interest in the web and expect the design company to do everything for them.
You would only need two or three companies on your books to keep you busy. Mind you, the creative side does suffer! I've only written two short stories in the past two years!
I used to hear readers twice a week while the infant teacher took dancing. The low furniture was a problem, but I usually sat on the carpet which was only marginally more comfortable!
Unless you've got a really good idea for Ebay, I think you'd do better freelancing especially if you can get some regular clients in the business sector.
These on the whole are much better to work for than mags etc as they never expect you to work for nothing!
You might want to try web design companies and ask if they have a call for a copy writer.
A lot of web work is for small businesses who only want a brocher site and they have big problems getting good copy from their clients. Often they have very little idea or interest in the web and expect the design company to do everything for them.
You would only need two or three companies on your books to keep you busy. Mind you, the creative side does suffer! I've only written two short stories in the past two years!
Permalink
07/02/08 @ 22:37
Comment from: jon [Member] · http://www.insanefreelancewriting.com
· http://www.insanefreelancewriting.com
Don't they grow up quickly. I cant believe my daughter starts nursery school in September. It only seems like yesterday that I was sat in the Special Baby Unit wondering if she would be coming home at all.
She was rushed to the ITU about an hour after she was born, with fluid in her lungs. My partner hadn't even held her.
Now she's running round the house like a lunatic. Her mum - my partner - says she takes that after me. But I don't think so, mind you.......
She was rushed to the ITU about an hour after she was born, with fluid in her lungs. My partner hadn't even held her.
Now she's running round the house like a lunatic. Her mum - my partner - says she takes that after me. But I don't think so, mind you.......
Permalink
08/02/08 @ 21:42
Comment from: sarah_james [Member] · http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
· http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
Hi Sue,
Thanks for the suggestions. I think you're right I probably am better freelancing. I'll look into the web design copy writing. I have done a bit of that kind of thing for free in the past for friends/family.
:-)
Thanks for the suggestions. I think you're right I probably am better freelancing. I'll look into the web design copy writing. I have done a bit of that kind of thing for free in the past for friends/family.
:-)
Permalink
09/02/08 @ 19:34
Comment from: sarah_james [Member] · http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
· http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
Hi Jon,
I'm glad your daughter's doing so well now. It is miraculous how quickly they grow and get over things. My elder son was prem and it's hard to believe now that the tiny baby in our Bliss photo or the pix we have of him in the neonatal unit hooked up to a drip and with a food tube through his nose is the same child that spends most of his time out of school running round and doing acrobatics! (Headstands on the sofa are his favourite at the moment!)
I'm glad your daughter's doing so well now. It is miraculous how quickly they grow and get over things. My elder son was prem and it's hard to believe now that the tiny baby in our Bliss photo or the pix we have of him in the neonatal unit hooked up to a drip and with a food tube through his nose is the same child that spends most of his time out of school running round and doing acrobatics! (Headstands on the sofa are his favourite at the moment!)
Permalink
09/02/08 @ 19:41 This post has 1 feedback awaiting moderation...