The Little Ones
I have spent the past 6 or so months as a substitute teacher here in Vigo county. There have been good days and bad days, and I've learned a lot about the different ages of students. For starters, I thought high school would be the most enjoyable. This isn't the case. Usually there are enough low achievers to make my life interesting, enough phones out to make me the bad guy, and a few students sent to the Dean's office for really bad behavior. Alright, not all in one day but easily in each week. Most of the time it's so stressful I wonder if it's even worth it at all. And then the next day I'm with an AP class watching movies and amnesia kicks in. Middle school is pretty much the same as high school, just less attitude and more constant questions. Upper elementary school has been the worst so far for me. Constant chatter, us getting nothing done, and no one doing anything quite bad enough to get sent to the principal's office. So I avoid 4th and 5th grades now. However, I think I have found my love. I love love LOVE kindergarten and preschool. The children are adorable and love to learn. Time-out is still a big enough consequence, play-dough is the best free play option, and stickers are the ultimate in rewards. Coloring is a skill, reading is enjoyable but hard, and they all are learning their numbers. They tell you the sweetest things (no lies, just more information than their families realize :), and they see the best in everybody. I don't know exactly where we will be next year, but I'm going to trade in substitute teaching for something else for sure- perhaps a bank teller, secretary, or preschool teacher :)
Isn't it funny how they can tell you every little thing? Oh and they believe you too! Hook, line an sinker. I agree that upper elementary is a challenge. It's a balance of firm, and fun and I pray every day that God would give me the wisdom to teach my little charges.
ReplyDeleteOne word of warning though. If you have the little ones, then you have the little one problems. To date, no one in 5th grade has peed on the floor. Only occasionally throws a fit (well, usually), and can help cut out, sort, stack, clean, and file things. These processes don't work as smoothly at the lower grades. A lot of those teachers stay really late to cut out things, simply because they don't have the time to do it during class. You might enjoy 1st grade better. I like them, less accidents, they can cut/glue/sort more, and time outs are still a big deal.
Just remember you are a novelty as a sub. They either adore you (lower grades) or want to see how far they can push you (upper grades). Clear expectations in both areas will help you get through the day, especially with those High School kiddos.
Can I make a suggestion or two with the high school kids? First of all, don't roll call attendance. It takes to much time, and kids will start talking to their neighbors, lie to you about names, and start their own ideas of what their 50 minutes with you will be like, etc. This was my usual line as soon as the bell rang. Walk in and firmly say: "Good morning. Here is the thing, we've got to get some work done. So this is the plan. We are going to have twenty minutes of silent work time, and then you can work with a partner and together finish x,y,z. If you finish early, I'll let you talk and hang out." Don't answer questions why. They are trying to derail you. If you have a student who is not cooperating and talking, send him a) to the office, or b) to the teacher next door. Let them know s/he can come back when the work is done. I've only had it fail me once or twice, and those 2 kids ended up in the office. You'll become the cool sub because you let them talk, and the teachers will like you because you made them get their work done.
Hope it helps! :)
Oh, and have a kid help you take attendance after they've begun working. You'll find the one to ask because they will volunteer to help pass out the papers and get right to work after doing so. Hello new best friend!
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