Wee, Wee, Wee

Hey guys,

It's now almost been a week since i've been here! I can't believe it's only been that long, because it definitely feels like it's been longer. While I do not claim to be an expert on Glasgow in any sense, I can now find my way to classes alone, and even to the subway!

Classes started yesterday...and real life has begun. So far I've had Biology, General Science and Understanding Learning & Teaching (ULT). Mostly we just had introductions in each class, while today we did a few simple labs in Bio. It'll be interesting to do all of these things on the other side, as a teacher. We're getting a lot of tips on classroom management and things we can do to keep the interest of the children. Also, we have spent hours on learning the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence (CforE), which dictates the topics and learning objectives/experiences that we must provide to our students. Their whole system seems really confusing, with multiple changes in the past 20 years. Hopefully I figure it out and don't screw up on my placements!

I'm getting pretty nervous that I wont be able to understand the children I will be teaching. I finally met some Scottish folk that I literally had no idea what they were saying!! A new friend has been teaching me some slang that the children will most definitely be using, and I think i'm going to have to write it all down and study it!! One thing i've noticed, is that each Scot uses the word "wee" about 10 times in a conversation. It's actually amusing, and I think i'm going to tally how much my profs use it in a lesson. (Just to clarify: wee = little)

One of our lecture halls is a converted church, which is definitely the prettiest place i've ever taken notes at! The whole campus is gorgeous, and I will put up some pictures as soon as I find someone with a memory card slot in their laptop!

The weather has gotten a little colder and it's been raining pretty heavily the past few days. My umbrella will go with me wherever I go! Today I asked one of my roommates what she was making for dinner...and she responded "Chinese food." At least we're getting somewhere in terms of conversation haha.

I'm looking forward to the weekend, when I make my first visit of the year to England to see my family! It sounds like i'll have a busy weekend, and I can't wait to see everyone.

Until next time....stay classy Canada!

-Anusha