Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Heads down, thumbs up!

It didn't kill me, so I guess I'm stronger :) Actually, my first foray into subbing was remarkably uneventful. The kids were (for the most part) pleasant and amusing. Most of them accepted me without reservation, though one little boy marched straight up to me as soon as he put his things down, stared me down with a steely gaze, and demanded that I tell him "the day of our country's independence." When I got over being startled, I said, "Ahh, July 4, 1776." I thought maybe he needed to know for homework. But as soon as I answered, he nodded approval and walked off. "Hey! Was that a test to see if I'm smart enough to be your teacher?" I asked. He nodded. Love it! Later I saw their teacher and she said that one sub didn't know the year, just the date--he was horrible to her all day. Glad I passed!

The school where I subbed is one of the newer ones in the district, and Abby attends one of the older schools. The difference in architecture is astounding. Abby's halls are smaller, the rooms are smaller and have less windows (some don't have any at all!) and the furniture is much older. Somehow, though, hers just feels more like school to me, probably because it's more like where I went to school. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it's lovely to have custom mosaic floors and skylights and cherry furniture, but linoleum and flourescent lighting are true hallmarks of a learning institution, right?

I will definitely sub again*, and I would even go back to that class. At the end of the day they told me I was the best sub ever. Probably because I let them play Heads Up Seven Up** when they were done with their work, but whatever. Best Sub Ever is a title I will proudly hold.

* Cori, if you ever need a sub, you know who to call!
**If you don't know what Heads Up Seven Up is, you need to head back to elementary school. Pronto.

6 comments:

Matt said...

Congrats on surviving! Next time will be even easier!

Anonymous said...

I knew you could do it. Which reminds me, don't you have degrees in several areas like business and whatever else? Are you not qualified to teach college students and guide them in their choices for their careers that they will use for the rest of their lives? And you were nervous about a class of 4th graders? Woman, have you lost your mind??? Lest you forget, it was you who at the ripe old age of 7 pratically ran Baker Elementary School and did so during all your elementary school years, which led to bigger and better places and things, ie: Jr. High and High School! You should feel right at home leading 4th graders this time around in your life- and this time, when you send someone to the corner, they have to mind! You will be great at being a sub- that is unless you have to sub in Abby's class- then we will really know who is the teacher and who is the student!? Love, LKM

Anonymous said...

I always loved to sub!! I think 4th grade was one of my favorites...they still were kids& wanted hugs, but could be given directions & work alone!! Oh, happy day, I'm glad you survived & WANT to go again!!

Kori "o)

Gloria Brown said...

Congratulations! I knew you could do it. I've seen you handle the athletic advisors!

Cori said...

OH MY GOODNESS!! I will definitely call you! I am so proud of you!!!

Melanie said...

Yay! I'm so glad your subbing went well! Good idea playing Heads Up Seven Up...I LOVED that game in school! :) Remember Telephone or Gossip? where you whisper a phrase around the room to see what it ends up at the end...that was a fun one too. A mental stash of those type games will be handy, and maybe some special things for them to color too.