First Time Substitute Teaching Tips?

[zoebartlett]

Ellen, I thought this was interesting...life lessons are definitely worth it, even if it takes time away from the academic area we''re teaching at the moment. I can''t tell you how many times I''ve had to throw what I had planned to do out the window when I saw that other (social/friendship) issues came up. We''ve had several class meetings about this, and although I wasn''t teaching math or whatever subject I "should have" been teaching, it didn''t matter to me so much at the time.

When you look at it from a kid''s point of view (particularly a young one), friendship is HUGELY important

 

[Ellen]

Date: 2/28/2007 12:25:29 PM
Author: zoebartlett
Ellen, I thought this was interesting...life lessons are definitely worth it, even if it takes time away from the academic area we''re teaching at the moment. I can''t tell you how many times I''ve had to throw what I had planned to do out the window when I saw that other (social/friendship) issues came up. We''ve had several class meetings about this, and although I wasn''t teaching math or whatever subject I ''should have'' been teaching, it didn''t matter to me so much at the time.

When you look at it from a kid''s point of view (particularly a young one), friendship is HUGELY important

Good for you.

And I guess I''m thinking, if every teacher just told the class one thing a day or even a week, that they''ve learned in life, how MUCH that would help. And most times it probably wouldn''t take more than a minute or two to convey.

 

[KimberlyH]

I love the idea of teaching life lessons! It''s amazing how many kids graduate from HS not knowing how to balance a checkbook...vital for real world survival!!

Today was even better than yesterday. I had 17 kindergartners and my name was said a lot less often!

Altthough some of the students changed my last name to something that sounds sort of like my real name, which was very cute and funny.

I think with some time I''ll get the hang of this. Thanks to all of you who have been so encouraging. I''m sure i''ll have more questions as I move forward!

 

[phoenixgirl]

Sounds like you a born teacher! Congratulations -- the first test is over!

Kids in high school shout your name out too. It''s a tough call because if you are totally stern and ignore them, some of them pull the "Woe is me, the horrid teacher is ignoring my perfectly reasonable request to go to the bathroom -- I am a poor victim who must fight this injustice!" I''ve found that you just can''t take our computer addicted, short attention span kids with parents whose manners reflect their own and expect them to sit there silently and responding with "Yes, mam" when you speak to them. So I let some things slide that I wish I didn''t. I''ve taken to pretending I have a remote control in my hand, saying, "Now where is that mute button?" and then "muting" them with it. They chuckle but they get the point. I''ve also found that when I am sweet to them 99% of the time, they take me seriously when I finally have had enough. "Look, you wouldn''t like it if I shouted at you. I have to worry about everyone in the class and can''t drop what I''m doing just because you suddenly decided you wanted to go to the bathroom. You need to stop shouting at me. I''m a person too, and I don''t like it." Then I might soften it a little with something like, "If a meteor falls on your desk or your arm falls off, then you are free to shout to get my attention. Otherwise, raise your hand and wait for your turn."

I seriously don''t get paid enough . . .

 

[Ellen]

Date: 2/28/2007 5:09:18 PM
Author: KimberlyH
I love the idea of teaching life lessons! It''s amazing how many kids graduate from HS not knowing how to balance a checkbook...vital for real world survival!!

Today was even better than yesterday. I had 17 kindergartners and my name was said a lot less often!

Altthough some of the students changed my last name to something that sounds sort of like my real name, which was very cute and funny.

I think with some time I''ll get the hang of this. Thanks to all of you who have been so encouraging. I''m sure i''ll have more questions as I move forward!

Exactly!

I have a suggestion. Start a memory book for funny quotes, events, etc. It will make for great reading in the years to come.

And I''m glad you had a good day!

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 2/28/2007 5:46:00 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 2/28/2007 5:09:18 PM
Author: KimberlyH
I love the idea of teaching life lessons! It''s amazing how many kids graduate from HS not knowing how to balance a checkbook...vital for real world survival!!

Today was even better than yesterday. I had 17 kindergartners and my name was said a lot less often!

Altthough some of the students changed my last name to something that sounds sort of like my real name, which was very cute and funny.

I think with some time I''ll get the hang of this. Thanks to all of you who have been so encouraging. I''m sure i''ll have more questions as I move forward!

Exactly!

I have a suggestion. Start a memory book for funny quotes, events, etc. It will make for great reading in the years to come.

And I''m glad you had a good day!

I LOVE this idea!!!

 

[Haven]

Hi, Kimberly,

I''m a bit late coming to this topic, but I wanted to say congratulations and good luck! I''m a high school English teacher, and a Reading Specialist. Becoming a teacher is the greatest thing I have ever done. I used to teach college reading courses, I just moved down to teach high school this year, I''ve taught various ages at a gifted center for several years, and they are ALL rewarding.

Like you, I earned my BA in English, and then went on to earn MA and MEd degrees so I could start teaching. I live in the Chicago area, and let me say that it is a wonderful place to teach. So good luck, once again, and welcome to the wonderful world of education!

Haven

 

[KimberlyH]

Haven,

Did you recognize the picture in my avatar? It''s from a recent vacation DH and I took. I/We actually live in San Diego (but are contemplating a move to Chicago).

Thanks so much for the kind words! It''s been quite an adventure and such a change from Human Resources. But there are comparisons between the childlike behavior of some of the employees at the last company where I worked and the students I''ve encountered so far!

Subbing is a different world as you never know where you''re going to end up and who your students will be (and if they''ll listen to you!!). I was told by a teacher recently that if I can sub I can do anything, he thinks subs should get combat pay.