It's been a mixed week, I certainly have a challenge ahead of me. Student behavior is atrocious, I've never really had massive problems when it comes to classroom management but this is something else 555. It was Sports Day today, I broke up 3 fights, tried to explain to the local teachers that some discipline is a good thing- alas they are scared of the parents. The level of English is really mixed and the books are probably on the level for 15% of the class; there is no way the vast majority should be using books for native speaks when they can't write their own name or spell simple CVC words in the second grade, the third grade teachers report the same issue. I'm a bit concerned about next week, there could be an observation. My topic is "realism vs. fantasy", I'm ready to go with a differentiated lesson that I hope is inclusive of all learners and abilities. Yet I can't help but think an ESL lesson on basic vocabulary and phonics would be way more appropriate.

Local teachers are a nice bunch and share the same issues, most parents are supportive but pretty open to the fact their kid is spoiled. Going to be a tough year for sure, but challenges are fun and the school isn't trying to stiff me. A good nights sleep will sort things out.