The verdict on the Science teacher : looks perfectly clean and presentable (quite attractive, actually) but yes, could probably do with a better deodorant.

Emily's teachers were all almost embarrassingly effusive about her, so no problems there. And I have to say, after having worked in a school these past three weeks, yes, Em is a dream pupil.

Had two rather unlikely experiences today.

Firstly, I taught some kids to knit. Not something I (or my mother, who suffered through the dreaded Knit A Soft Toy experience with me when I was nine) would ever have predicted. Fortunately all that was needed from me today was a knowledge of how to cast on and knit plain stitch. (Which, incidentally, is about as much as I know). I ended up doing this because I was helping out at one of the lunch-time clubs. The younger kids love these; after lunch they can come up to our room and play cards or board games or, as it turns out, learn to knit. It's something of a refuge for them; the school is awfully big and loud, so the quieter, newer ones really enjoy the lunchtime clubs. The knitting is particularly popular at the moment; I think they find it soothing.

And then, later on, I found myself explaining the day's algebra lesson to some Year Eights. The only advantage I have over them in terms of mathematical knowledge is that - unlike them - I had actually listened to what the teacher said. It's a pity that they don't realise that if only they paid attention they too would understand.

Nicest moment of the day so far - walking out of the doctor's office, where I'd dropped off a repeat prescription request for Stephen, and seeing snowflakes falling against the night sky. Just like stepping into a Christmas card.