Subbing is nice because there is no real preparation and no follow up. The tough part is stepping into someone else's routine and someone else's expectations. But I'm home now, in one piece, and I left no damage behind. Hopefully I even helped a little.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
It's a wonder
It is a wonder that intermediate/middle school students ever learn anything at all. They are so energetic; so interested in what their classmates are doing or thinking; trying so hard to fit in yet be just a little unique; and feeling so unsure of themselves. They want to entertain each other--usually with small insults or exaggerations--so everyone knows they are there, but they shy away from too much attention. It's a very complex time of life and it doesn't leave much room for actual learning work. I guess we just have to hope that something sneaks in and attaches.
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11 comments:
to have survived is a wonder. I subbed for a year in elementary and it was a challenge to say the least. congrats...
I know they are glad to be able to call on you to sub! You know how badly good subs are needed from your own days of teaching.
None of the paperwork...and no homework. Middle school kids are in a class all by themselves! Kudos tto you!
It sounds as if you understand middle-schoolers extremely well. They need understanding adults like you.
You're brave to sub, though. That's something I simply lack the courage to do.
I subbed for a year while waiting for my certification to switch over to Washington. I was quite nervous to sub in middle school and high school, but ended up loving it even more than elementary. I enjoyed interacting with the students without dealing with the paperwork. It was gratifying to know that when I was there I was able to contribute to their learning process rather than the kids having a "wasted sub day."
Your description of middle school students was right on - you'd think you had spent some time with pre-teens over your lifetime!
It's nice to check in with you; it sounds like things are going well for you.
Glad you survived the day in one piece. Subbing is (uhhh...was) fun. I liked being able to choose if I wanted to work on a particular day or not, wanted a certain teacher's class, this school or that one, and so on.
Great post, Jo.
Good for you, Jo. I've considered subbing too, but can't seem to get myself to do it.
What an experience you must've had! I give you credit. That is a difficult age group. My daughter is in 10th grade now and is so very happy to be out of middle school. It was a very difficult time, yet a time of such growth.
A job well done!
My word verification for this comment is "subbed". How ironic!!
This has nothing to do with your post, but I can't seem to find your email address. Have you read THE HELP? I know you read a lot and this is my next book on my "want" list. Just curious if you read/liked. Thanks Heidi
I'm glad you are getting in the classroom a bit. You're very brave to go to middle school!
Your description of jr high is right on. I've got one there right now and it's a hard time. Fortunately he seems to be coming into his own (thanks to orchestra).
I have subbed plenty in elementary schools, but there isn't enough money, diet pepsi, chocolate or anything else to convince me to set foot in a jr. high.
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