The First Day

I guess I should write about my first day of teaching, but really, I don't think there was anything super significant to report, other than it was my first official day in my first official job. Things went smoothly, I introduced myself, had everyone in the class do the same and tell me why they decided to take Latin. Then we went over class procedures and then onto pronunciation. They were shy, reticent at first, though I tried my best to get them talking, asking questions. I daresay my enthusiasm did nothing but freak them out (thought bubble: "Holy SHIT, this woman is CRAZY!"), but by the end of class a few braver boys were speaking up. I was extremely nervous (I kept my notes on the desk instead of holding them, so they couldn't see how badly my hands were shaking), but got more confident and comfortable as the class went on. I guess I switched my energy input from being nervous to trying to get the kids to talk. I know they were all just as nervous as I was, probably more so, being only 14 and 15, so I'm hopefully about our next class meeting on Thursday. So, all in all, a successful day. Let's just hope Latin II goes just as well tomorrow.