It's time!

Summer is winding down and it is time to get back into the swing of things.  Time to hear those early morning phone calls and rush off to a new school and a new class each day. 

The worst part of subbing, for me, is the unknown.  Will the class be friendly?  Will the teacher be prepared for me?

I always try to go prepared for the worse case scenario, and usually have lots of activities in my toolkit, just in case.

My newest is "This Is My Favorite Part".  It's an easy time filler. 
You could easily make one of these yourself, or I have made it for you and listed it on TPT for only $1.25.

All you do is read any book, or chapter from the class read aloud.  Give the students the worksheet and have them draw and write about it.  If you need to fill more time, have them share with the class.  You could easily fill 60 minutes with reading, writing and sharing time.  Or just fill an extra 10 minutes after reading a story.  The beauty is, you aren't just filling time, the kids are actually making connections to literature and writing.  The teacher is sure to appreciate that when she sees the pile of these cute drawings and descriptions.

Don't forget my other sub plans as well.

• Scattergories - Game Sheets, Rules & Ideas FOR Themes Sub Plans Afterschool FUN
• The Incredible Gummi Worm Science Project Good Emergency Sub Plan
• Make a Monster or Make an Alien Art Game Activity 4 Class, Parties, After School                                   







Orchestra in Middle School

Today I was an Orchestra teacher.  You have heard plenty about my previous forrays into Middle School and their less than stellar results.  Today was different.  These kids really enjoyed playing in the orchestra and were excited about the songs they have been learning. When a song didn't go well they insisted on doing it again so I wouldn't think that's how they really sounded.  It was actually pretty cute.  

I was a little nervous about this for a few reasons. For one, Middle School!  Secondly, I am not musical and don't know anything about tuning or notes or anything.  Mostly, I was afraid of listening to poorly played orchestra music that I don't much enjoy when it is professional.

I was surprised to hear how well they played their pieces and how much I really enjoyed hearing it.  They mostly sounded fantastic, and insisted on stopping and restarting when they didn't.

Too Popular?

For years, before teaching, I worked in after school programs and kindergarten enrichment.  I did this for 15 years and had the same
kids from K-6 along with their older or younger siblings.  You really get to know kids and their families this way. Now, when subbing, I go into a school and kids know me well.  By my first name.  Not only that, but they want hugs, high fives, special dances, sharing of inside jokes, etc.  If they see me, they run out of lines or jump out of their desks and come running into the hallway.  Or, come running down the hall yelling my name and JUMP into my arms.  While I love that they miss me and are so excited to see me.  I have noticed that some teachers aren't so happy about their little guys yelling my name as I walk by the classroom during their spelling test.

I always tell the kids to wait and come see me at lunch or recess, but it doesn't seem to work.

I have also noticed that some administrators, who weren't around during my many years, are giving somewhat concerned looks as well.

I don't want to get a negative reputation because of this.  I know that in the after school program world, if a leader is very popular, it is often because they let the kids do whatever they wanted and were often VERY unprofessional.  More like a kid than an adult.  I am NOT that way.  I always ran my program like a classroom with strict discipline expectations with a fair mix of organized fun and education.  I feel I connect with kids on a special level and that is what makes me popular, but that doesn't come across in this situation. 

Hmm, what to do?  I hope that my skills speak to my strength as a teacher because I really do try to treat each job like a day long job interview.

Showing Movies.......

Usually when I sub for High School it is pretty boring.  Mostly because the students are testing or silent reading or watching a movie.  I have to sit there for period after period watching the kids read, or take a test.  It's not why I got into teaching, but it pays the bills.  Today the classes are watching part of a movie, which drives me kind of nuts to see the same 45 minutes of a movie over and over, but it was my favorite movie, so I thought, "No Problem". 

The Shawshank Redemption is NOT APPROPRIATE for school!!!  I  didn't even think about it as I was reading the sub notes, but guess what, there is sex, swearing, F Bombs, talk of sex, more talk of sex, rape, beatings, and yeah MORE.  I always watched it more for the story, but all of the details STAND OUT when watching it with a room of teenagers.   The kids seemed to know they were going to watch it, so they must have discussed it ahead of time, maybe got permission slips? Although some of the kids seemed really uncomfortable.
 It's not like they were reading the book.  I haven't seen Stephen King on the approved high school reading list yet.  It seems like a different movie could have been picked. 

Fun in First Grade.....

I subbed for a class today that I was in early in the school year.  They all remembered me and were happy to see me.  I have known the teacher for years and so she just left when I got there.  It was a half day job and they were headed to lunch.   They came back, I read them a story, and they went to music.  They did a little writing and then it was free time and time to go home.  It's not often that I get lobbed these softball days lately. It was super nice.  The kids were a little chatty, but great for a sunny Friday afternoon. 

Sign In - Sign Out

I've made my own sign in and out sheet.  I know that kids, older ones especially, want to try to take advantage of a sub teacher.  I look nice, and that can definetly be to  my personal disadvantage in subbing.  I made a sign in and out sheet that I use in every classroom and only allow one student to be gone at a time.  I also leave it for the teacher.  It's a good indicator of how long students are goine, etc.

It looks something like this.....

Ms D's Sign-Out Sheet

Name              Time Out      Time In        Reason For Leaving

______________      _____         _____          ___________________


It sits at the desk in front of me, so that they have to come up and ask before just walking out of the room.

Kids really want you to be one of those "nice" subs that just let them screw around and go anywhere and do anything.  There are plenty of those around.  But I may want a job in this district and I know that those subs get a reputation that is less than favorable.  Their behavior also makes it MUCH more difficult for subs who are actually trying to maintain a little continuity and do the job that we have been asked to do.



I'm Watching!

 

Middle School

You haven't heard much from me lately.  I have been subbing in Middle School quite a bit.  My mom taught me that if I don't have anything nice to say, I shouldn't say anything at all!  So I have been quiet!

I don't know what happens when kids hit middle school that makes them.....not so nice, but I haven't been having a lot of luck lately.  I think I am going to take a little Middle School break.

Mysterious Middle School Mind

I have learned a few things though.  When a teacher's subject is listed on the registration software, you should double check it on the school website.  There are certain jobs I don't feel comfortable subbing for, and apparently I am not the only one, because a district I work for hides those class titles.  Instead of "Shop" or "Industrial Arts"  they just say "Art".  And then you walk into a room where 13 year olds are using band saws and drill presses.  I know how to use power tools, but I am NOT comfortable allowing kids to use them in my presence.  I will not be responsible for the loss of limbs.

I have also realized that certain MS teachers have jobs listed quite often and even though subbing is SUPER competitive around here, these jobs stay up for hours, sometimes even days, when most jobs are gone the minute they are posted.  I have snagged a few and am learning which ones to avoid!  I guess that is why this district, which I just got on with, added a bunch of new subs.