taking off the training wheels

toddler riding bicycle on road
Photo by Vladislav Vasnetsov on Pexels.com

The shock of turning just to see

There’s no one there, no one to catch

When lessons spooled so neatly go awry,

It’s only me who has the right

To tidy up, to take control again.

And is this new sensation good?

Or does it overwhelm the senses to

The point where nausea overtakes?

Let’s hope not, let’s hope

That reel will stay wound up.

I’m drawing ever closer to the first time that I’ll actually be left alone to teach a class all on my own. During the training year you always have a qualified teacher in the room with you so I have always been supervised up until now.

I still have support from teachers in neighbouring classrooms, but come Friday I will be flying solo and it feels both scary and exhilarating. On the one hand, if the wheels come off it’s all my problem. On the other hand, it’s so exciting to finally have control and autonomy.

I liken it to driving my car for the first time after I passed my test. You always have an instructor in the car while you are learning, and suddenly you get signed off and you can go wherever you want with nobody sitting next to you. It’s terrifying.

This is exactly the same feeling. I know that the next few days and weeks will be frightening at times, but one day soon I will realise that I’m flying down the motorway, singing to the radio, and instead of feeling stressed, I’ll be enjoying myself.

I’m looking forward to that day.

Much Love

Rachel xx

7 thoughts on “taking off the training wheels

  1. clcouch123

    Wow, Friday. Good luck! My learning how to ride a bike was ramshackle. I walked part-way up a hill, turned, took hold of my bike (a hand-me-down), got on the seat, then pushed off the hillside. There was much wobbling, but I kept riding, and that was that. Talk about autonomy. Probably set the course (so to say) for how I’d do most everything, including teaching.

    From all your preparation and the way you feel, I have little doubt you will be great.

  2. Margot Kinberg

    It’s both scary and exhilarating to be on your own like that, isn’t it, Rachel? It’s only natural to be a little nervous taking your first steps, but you’ll do beautifully. I hope you’ll keep us updated!

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