Monday, October 17, 2011

Final Day

No matter what I try, there are two kids in one of my classes that just are NOT getting anything done.  It is an obvious flirting reason.  She scoots the chair far too close and he chit chats and acts "stupid" to the 3 girls surrounding him.  They are so far behind everyone else on the Power Point.  What do you do?  I can't move their seats, they are assigned computers.  Threats do not work, and what do they care?  So they don't finish it.  They'll throw some lame excuse at their parents and the parents will blame the sub.  I have a middle schooler and my son, when he was in middle, was the king of excuses.

The other classes so far today are typing classes.  One lost free time completely.  There has always got to be a wise guy that feels there are no consequences to his actions.  I believe in mass punishment.  If one strays and the others follow along . . . you all suffer.  If there are kids standing up to the stray-er, they will escape.

Always stand up for yourself and what is right.  Be tough and don't be a follower (but don't be an outcast).  That has been my moto since I started high school.  Just because everyone else was doing something I knew was wrong, didn't mean I didn't join in.  I also didn't lose friends over it.  My friends respected it and it always got them a DD, ya know?  Why not be THAT person?

I look forward to my last class this afternoon.  More students turning in power points.
As I walked the halls a few minutes ago, I looked around and thought, "I can't wait to come back."

I have enjoyed each class I've had here along with the stress.  And yep, many kids are dumb as rocks, just as many can't take a joke.  Even more are sneaks and liars.  They all think I was born yesterday.  I Love This Age!  They are so brand new . . . its like having babies again.  That sounds like a joke, but seriously, someone has to love 'em.

Oh, interesting side note.  One class had several individual conversations about their parents and how drunk they get.  Interesting right?  I wonder how often that is the topic of conversation on a Monday morning?  One girl talked about having to help her parents with pots and cleaning up their puke.  Another discussed the over indulgence of her step-dad when they go out to eat.  Yet another talked about how drunk his dad was this weekend.  They're 12, so, don't think your children aren't paying attention.  And no matter how dumb they act, don't be dumber-er-er.  ;)

Friday, October 14, 2011

Day 3

Ahhh, early out and JibJab.  Doesn't get much easier than this.  On my 4th class of it and the pumpkin carving still makes me laugh.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Snotty 8th grade girls with balls . . .

This school is in a neighborhood - many homes with internet near by.  Many homes with internet near by that do not have passwords.

So, what does the 8th grade photography connect class do?  Go on FB using unauthorized Internet.

Oh for crying out loud.  So I try to get them off.  Nope, right back on.

Finally, I took their picture and messaged it to their teacher, the woman I'm subbing for, who happens to be a friend of mine through our sons.

SO - do they get off then?  Only one of them.  Snotty 8th grade girls with balls.

My frustration level is at a high after a calm and relaxing day of studying for my PraxisII while most of my classes were self sufficient. 

Tomorrow?  Day Three . . . does she survive?  YES!  Its Early Out!!!

Day Two At ***

in "my" chair
Not so bad so far.  The first group of kids were on task for the most part.  I think the big difference was these were obviously WAAAAAAY more mature.  Probably 8th graders.  I told them to bring their headphones tomorrow and we'd have free-day Friday. 

I've got a prep right now, so I am thinking of my family - enjoying a pumkin spice coffee with vanilla protein drink as creamer and a yogurt shake.  Oh, and a little Enrique Iglasias (not usually a fan).

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

When did these 5th graders get to the middle school?

Much more immature than the last group . . . these guys are spouting out lame "your momma" jokes, talking to themselves, and leaving the classroom together for who knows why.  I don't have this group tomorrow though.  Whew!

I just heard someone say, in a tiny mouse voice, "uh, if you guys want free time, you're going to have to be quiet."  I don't think anyone heard her but me.


Then the huskier girls are huddled in a corner looking up celebrity men on the Internet.  Right, I don't seem them.  Not at all.  Especially when they turn the screen toward the wall like they are hiding something. 

Oh, why aren't I correcting behavior?  They aren't hurting anyone.  But it is funny when they look over at me the same time I look at them.  Its called the power of peripheral vision.  I got it when I was issued my sub-cape.

So they turned the volume on the computers up really loud and said that that is how Mrs. ------- said to do it.  Bahahahaha!  Right, and the tattoo on my forehead says "idiot".

Is it free time yet?  Is it free time yet?  Is is free time yet?  Is it free time yet?  Is it free time yet? 

Thoroughly Entertained (and equally irritated).

How was your day?

Seriously?

"If you aren't going to do what I ask, at least don't be so loud and obvious about it!"

I've said that several times to the basic typing class.  When they are told they can go online to typing games and you soon seen a group of boys gathered around a computer and the only sound (and its a loud sound) is a football announcer yelling . . . you know they aren't listening.

For gosh sake, I know you aren't going to listen all of the time.  That's no big deal.  Just don't be so obvious!

I'm Back!

Subbing sure makes me love my sarcastic and funny children that I gave birth to! 
I'm a computer teacher this week and Monday.  We are working on power points in three classes and typing in two.

My first class of the day was great and efficient.  The kids were whipping through their assignment - which isn't exactly an easy thing. 

Wait.  Strike that. It isn't an easy thing for a thirty-something who doesn't do power points but a couple times a year.  Luckily, I'm not an idiot and can follow instructions.  (I actually learned how to hyperlink today.)  Way more than I can say for the class I have right now.

Seriously?  The it took 6 times of me reading the first paragraph of the first page of the packet before they knew what I asked them to do and then, you know what the response was? 

"We don't bring pencils to this class."

Oh No Way!  You mean to tell me you can't do work because you don't have a pencil.  Uh, ask for one!!!  Yes, I had to say that.  Out loud.  Several times.  It isn't like I'm going to stand at the door of an 7th/8th grade class and hand out pencils - but if ya need one . . . just ask. 

"Stay on Task."  "I ammmmmmm!"  "I diiiiiiiiid!"

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Middle School 6th Grade Social Studies

The teacher came down sick suddenly last night so I prepped myself and my kids for the morning to come.

I've got to make sure that the kids understand they have to be up early and on task in the morning or they won't make the bus and I won't be home to help out.

I usually have to rise at 5:30 on days that I work just so that I can have time to get me ready as well as lunches, laundry, dishes, get the kids up, and make sure they shower and eat. It is honestly exhausting, though I know I'm not the only person that has to accomplish these tasks in the morning.

Today I'm in a 6th grade Social Studies. No lesson plans - I'm cool with that. I was informed that a movie would be in store for each class period. That I'm not cool with. I get easily sleepy and bored. I asked the kids what they were working on and if they could handle getting on task and staying that way for the period. Luckily, it is a project in small groups. So easy for them to manage on their own with supervision.

They seem to love this project and were anxious to get started. We worked hard for 3/4 of the period then as a wind down, I put Anastasia on for the last 10-15 minutes, depending on their energy level. I hope that the regular teacher doesn't mind that I went ahead and worked on the project with the kids. It was a pretty self explanatory thing and all of the kids seemed to be really into it. I was able to offer advise and insisted that each group go over their part with me. I just hate the idea of wasting time and I felt that watching a movie for the entire period would do nothing for the kids. I was afraid they would get restless without noise and movement.

So far, I'd say the day is a success. I've got two more periods this afternoon though. We'll see.

High School English

Well,
The high school was great. We tackled Romeo and Juliet with Big Whiney Baby Leo DeCaprio, resumes, essay tests, journaling, and much more.

The classes were pretty great. I'd had them last week. I had one incident where a safety monitor had to be called. No big deal, I just didn't think I needed to take any more crap from one of the students. I figure if I don't take charge right away, the whole period would be a wash.

I had a super time with the 11th graders. One girl slept through the whole class. Love it. At this point, the teachers have just kind of given up. With 4 weeks left of school, if the student chooses to sleep and not turn in any work, what can I do? They don't want a lecture, they want life handed to them in an ice cream cone with toppings. I'm not the gal to do it. School is simple if you make the decision to participate and turn in work.

That isn't to say that academics is easy. I know they aren't from having a daughter that struggles. I also know that the academically challenged can succeed with determination.

The rest of the 11th grade class was great and on task for the most part. They managed to joke around, have fun, and get their resumes to look like they are done. SWEET! That is a successful day!

Monday, April 25, 2011

High School English

I'm off for another subbing adventure. I've been in this class before . . . just last week. I may have turned in a couple of girls names for being horribly snotty and completely not following the rules. I'm sure I'll have to pay for that today. I have no doubt they will give me a hard time today.

Last week I subbed in two libraries and the HS English I mentioned. I really love subbing at Woodriver, except that it is so far away from my house.

I'm off again . . . wish me luck.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

I've been filling up time with subbing around my district.

I learn what I like and don't like in different schools and different grades.

I've taken on classes in K, 2, 2-3 split, 4-5-6 split, 7, 8, and high school English.
With each job I'm learning that the middle school is where I want to be. I have a great time relating to them and find it easy to talk to most of them right on their level.
They want someone to be sarcastic and understand it. They want to be able to get off task a little and it be okay. They want someone to allow them to go one step to far and then explain why they can't go two. They want to be comfortable in their environment without pressure and stress.

It is hard enough to be 12-14 years old. There are so many things going on and the kids are on so many different levels mentality wise. Three 12 year olds will relate to one another three different ways on three different maturity levels. Its just the way it is. All of the boys will vie for the "top dog" spot and the girls will all vie for the princess of the moment. They worry and over think. They stress and try to act passive. They are a bundle of "who am I's" and I like to be there and witness their journey.

When and if I finally get accepted to the liscensure program at my university, I will really push to be highly qualified in something so I can secure a position with these confused little adult-wanna-be's.