I can't believe that it has been so long since I have posted! There have been a lot of life changes for me, but I think I am back and organized. I am completely retired now. I no longer substitute or teach adults. My life is now more about taking care of my disabled husband, but I still hang out with my grandsons and am returning to writing.
The amusing thing for me is that now I can pretty much say what I want to say without repercussions. I have tossed all of my p's and q's out the window.
My first topic is how very very hard it is to substitute teach. It is much easier to have a regular job where you know the routines and the kids. There were numerous times when I felt like Lowly Worm. Sitting in the teachers' workroom for lunch was usually a time of isolation. Teachers come in and sit with their friends. Sure, a nod or smile occasionally came my way, but for the most part, I felt like I was excluded from the group.
Now I can just hear some subs going, "Oh, that never happens to me. It was all her fault for not taking the initiative." Wrong! I am a very social being. I talk to strangers in Walmart for Pete's sake.
Also, walking into a classroom full of kids and trying to figure out lesson plans is not easy. Computers all work differently, and sometimes the plans just aren't there.
A sub folder full of easy, practice work is the best way to go. Include creative ways to keep the kids busy and on task. Yes, I said it outloud. I am not talking about a long term sub. I'm referring to the sub who comes in for one or two days. Kids don't get enough practice, so why not make an absent day practice day? Give the sub grading keys, and you will return to graded papers and good behavior notes.