Had a workshop this morning with a Math Wizard. The concepts she had these grade one students work through is amazing. If you ever have a chance to see Carole Fullerton speak, give yourself the opportunity. She is genius and entertaining to boot.
One child has been missed a total of 46 days of school since the beginning of the year. Not because of illness. More because mom is dependent on the company of her offspring. Shame on you. What a disservice to your child.
15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy
I shared some of this with my students. I particularly like where it says, “Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?”
I haven’t written in here as of late. I have been teaching the most lovely Kindergarten class! They are bright, well mannered and a complete joy. I don’t miss being a substitute, that is for sure.
I will know by noon today if I am staying the rest of the week or not. I will be so utterly disappointed if I don’t. Not only will I have lost out on work, I’ve gone and gotten myself attached to these little people. This experience, however, has confirmed how much I really need and want my own classroom again. Here’s to looking on the bright side of things.
I am so disheartened right now. The teacher that I was in for all last week sent a request to sub service last Thursday to have me back all this week. She requested me because “she knows I can handle anything”, her words not mine. So, I take the week and sub service reassigns my jobs that I had booked for this week. Turns out the teacher is returning Wednesday. The work that I had for Thursday and Friday have been given to someone else and I am left screwed. She wanted to secure someone in her room she trusted and had faith in, and now she doesn’t need me so good-bye. All my efforts put into planning the week for nothing. I know I should be “flexible” but she just screwed me out of almost $500, all for her own worries. Selfish, selfish people people.
Today I am in a classroom where the students are allowed to wear hats, chew gum and eat candy. The theory behind this teachers particular tactics is to help “ease anxiety”. How on Earth is letting them eat candy at 8am helping them ease anxiety? I have discussed the theories behind wearing hats and I understand that some children feel “safer” hiding behind the brim of a hat, much like a female student may hide behind the length of her hair. Would we as teachers ask her to cut her hair? Not likely. However, I think there is something to be said for respect. Growing up, my brother was never allowed to wear a hat in the house, why should he be allowed to wear one in class? There are many work places that would not allow its workers to wear hats. Would the teacher teach the class with a hat on? No. It would limit eye contact and approachability. Much like trying to have a discussion with someone wearing sunglasses. I have heard out both sides of the spectrum and I stand firmly rooted in the, albeit old fashioned, rules of “no hats” and “no gum in school”.
I have certainly earned my money this week. It always amazes me how immature and impulsive Grade 7 students can be. No wonder the looming threat of being stuffed in a garbage can in highschool is so relevant.
It’s so unfortunate that there are a number of bright and lovely children in the room that get overlooked because of a few clowns. While I make every effort to not forget about them, my focus can’t help but be drawn to the boy who says he is going to punch someone in the face. This… leaves me drained.
I work at my children’s school all next week. The first day I’m doing Learning Assistance and P.E., in which I actually get to teach my own kids! That is SO exciting in itself! The rest of the week I will be teaching grade 7.
I emailed all the teachers today to let them know I’d be in and they all responded quickly, each saying they were excited it was me covering them. That always makes me feel good! Especially after this morning when a teacher I know said, “Oh! You’re STILL subbing?”. I might *only* be a TOC… but I’m a damn good one.
I think I’ll make J and B run extra laps. *grins*
