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!

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.

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.