On a Pendolino train. Going up the West Coast so Best Beloved can see a football game and I can meet friend in Carlisle for catch up and cake. Well, a catch up. Might have to forswear cake.
We made a similar trip last year so BB could watch his team play another NW team. Storms meant friend couldn’t get to Carlisle so I walked the length of the Lytham sea front in – by then – glorious sunshine.
What a way to spend an afternoon flying solo in unfamiliar surroundings . And what good it did me, mired as I was in despair as I contemplated whether I could ever face going back to the classroom again.
A sea view, fresh air and a long walk blows through the confused and anguished mind with quite some efficiency. Months later I am back in the classroom both face to face and online , teaching adults who have either struggled with maths or who have learning difficulties.
And what a joy that is. I shall miss teenagers I suspect, but it is so good to stand in front of people who have so bravely decided to come back into a Maths classroom and have another go.
They are there out of choice and fully equipped (well most of them) and the online students are deeply patient as I get accustomed to Google Classroom. And the best bit is that if I were to unmute them they are unlikely to be having a full on online party with their mates instead of paying attention to my words of wisdom.
Of course this is sessional work, the pay is rubbish and I don’t have a staff room to to park myself in for 10 minutes of wolfing lunch and chatting to friend from other side of the school. But it is nice, and on Thursday we all get a cup of tea halfway through the session.
Minnie’s Musings 
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