Simplicity

I recently taught in a 3rd grade classroom.  Since I usually prefer the middle levels, this was a change up - welcome, I might add - and let me use some of those versatility skills I mentioned last week.

The classroom teacher left 1 page of notes - back and front - with times and materials.  They were simple and easy to manage.  I could carry around the one sheet and follow along.  (Not that I don't love the details, which she left in her VERY organized substitute teacher binder...)  She is also a sticky note person, and a paper clip person (right up my alley!), so I was able to make notes to give back to her.  She had the materials all lined up along the back counter, or in the spots I would need them...

Then, she had her classroom routines set up so the students knew their expectations, and completed them without any fuss.  I was so impressed with the day to day preparation of this educator because it makes my job so much easier.  When teachers set up good patterns, the students are more likely to behave appropriately (there are always exceptions...  I know).

With only a half hour to prepare for teaching assignments, I love when I can pick up a piece of paper, scan the room and everything is ready to go.  It gives me breathing room, and I like that!

I must give a shout out to the support received at this school!  The para-educators were fantastic, and the administration stopped in regularly to check on things!  Fantastic!

What's on the board?

Today's post is pretty basic.

It describes the importance of posting expectations where students can see, and positively respond, to them.

The teacher for whom I filled in wrote the assignments, objectives, agenda, everything on the board.  When the students asked for what was next, all I had to do was point.  GREAT THINGS!

Even when I changed the schedule, it was still visible, and the students adjusted smoothly.

One of my favorite activities as a sub is "work time".  Basically, I write all of their assignments up on the board, and then work with individuals or small groups while the other students go through the list.  In my experience, this has been a very positive way to get things turned in, and to teach students about "real-world life."  It isn't often that we are given just one task to complete.  Often, we are taught that we must do several things.  Prioritizing, and then following the list is a key procedure many don't know.  I love teaching this simple skill, or reinforcing this simple skill, when I guest teach!

Two Stars and a Wish

Latest and greatest of best practices -

A computer class has each student write a blog.  They reinforce computer use, typing and learn appropriate etiquette and behavior online.  They can also learn safety.  I was very impressed with this idea.

With regard to the comments on the posts, the students were asked to use a "Two Stars and a Wish" mentality - 2 things they really liked about the post they read, and one thing they wish the writer had done.  AMAZING!!!

Administration Support

Substitute teaching is fraught with peril.  Every so often, you will get a school/students that would test the patience of even Mother Theresa.

That is why I devote this post to the administrators who support substitute teachers.

A recent teaching assignment brought me to a school reputed as difficult for substitute teachers.  While I had negative experiences in the past, this most recent was AMAZING!  The principal and vice-principal took turns stopping in to each of my class periods.  They would check in with me through eye-contact or a brief conversation, then walk around to see what the students were up to.

Now..  I know what you are going to say...  "I don't want them in MY class..." you say.

I do...

If they want to come - let 'em.  First of all...  It isn't YOUR class.  It is THEIR SCHOOL.  They know the students better than the substitute teacher, and they are there to make sure that you CAN do your job!  They will provide support and help, and they will back you up when you need it.  Furthermore, because the students are familiar with them, they can remind the students about appropriate behavior and expectations.

Even better than that..  they can observe your teaching and offer you helpful hints, comments, and maybe even a bit of praise!  For a substitute teacher, evaluations don't happen often, so take the opportunity to perfect your craft!

An added bonus that day - an instructional coach stopped by to check on one of the class periods.  She observed the beginning of my lesson, and the students interactions with me.  While her presence was brought about because the students had given the substitute teacher the day before a rough time, she did not stay more than 10 minutes, telling me on her way out that I had "good energy, a positive attitude and great interaction with the students."  It made my whole day!
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Appreciate the administrators!  They are there to help you, just as you are there to help them!

Video lesson plans

The increase in classroom technology expands not only the minds of the students, but also the teaching capabilities of the teacher.

I recently guest taught for a middle level art teacher who prepared a video for each of her classes.  She talked to them about their day, what the expectations were, and the work they would be doing during class time.  She gave instruction and demonstrated how to do the art projects.

While a competent teacher, art it not my strong suit, so I was thrilled with this teaching best practice.  Not only did the video present the days tasks (and show me what to do...), it gave me a couple of minutes at the beginning of each class to take attendance, and get familiar with the students.  BRILLIANT!!!  During one of the class periods, the students and I even made a video for her and emailed it.

While I completely agree that students should learn to read and write using paper and pencils, I can definitely see the benefits to using multi-media for teaching!

Props to the unnamed teacher described above!!!

Have you got skills???

I grew up in a musical family.  Taking piano lessons from the age of 5 and adding the violin in 4th grade, I can read music, and fumble through almost anything.  (I did use the word fumble... and I meant it.  My efforts will be there, but the product might not be great!)

I also speak french, am pretty good at math with great problem solving skills, and, although all evidence is to the contrary (notice the run-on sentence...), I can write very well.

My actual degree is a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education, but teaching K-6 general ed is not all I can do.

Picture borrowed from here.

I am so grateful to work in a school district where skill sets acquired from experience counts when substitute teaching.  There are not nearly enough music substitute teachers, math teachers, french teachers, etc.  Thus, when I can demonstrate a reasonable proficiency in these arenas, more job opportunities open up!

Teaching band and orchestra, for example, is a true joy for me.  It doesn't happen often, but enough that I can enjoy dusting off my violin, practicing my fingerings, and really getting back into the music.

Even more than that, my perspective as a fresh set of ears listening to a student prepare for an audition gives them a fresh perspective from an objective, but caring, critic.  It also gives them a chance to feel the pressure of a new audience, and learn to breathe through that.

On the flip-side...  being the conductor is a different perspective than that to which I am accustomed and I love that experience!  It constantly inspires me to practice something that I truly love to do!

As a substitute teacher, versatility is a valuable component.  As a teacher, the student comes first.  Find ways to lift them up, and, trust me, they will thank you for it!

My Life's Blueprint

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave an incredible speech to a group of middle schoolers before he passed away.  He talked about how each of us needs a blueprint for our life.  Here are some of the highlights from that speech.  (The full speech and photo are here.)

I want to suggest some of the things that should begin your life's blueprint. Number one in your life's blueprint, should be a deep belief in your own dignity, your worth and your own somebodiness. Don't allow anybody to make you fell that you're nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance.

Secondly, in your life's blueprint you must have as the basic principle the determination to achieve excellence in your various fields of endeavor. You're going to be deciding as the days, as the years unfold what you will do in life — what your life's work will be. Set out to do it well...

I would urge you to study hard, to burn the midnight oil; I would say to you, don't drop out of school...

And when you discover what you will be in your life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at this particular moment in history to do it. don't just set out to do a good job. Set out to do such a good job that the living, the dead or the unborn couldn't do it any better.

For it isn't by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.

I heard this speech Tuesday morning, and was in awe of the lessons learned.  I see faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works and integrity.  These underlying principles span race, religion, geography...  everything.  They are fundamentally expedient in every course of life.

The teacher presenting this lesson then asked each student to develop an affirmation statement.  A process was given.

1. Write down your name.
2. Write down something at which you are good.
3. Write down a personal goal that you have.
4. Write down a goal you have for your family.
5. Write down a goal you have for your education.
6. Combine all of these ideas into one master affirmation statement.

Each student was invited to be creative, and to build these concepts into a graphic organizer.  I was floored by the amazing images presented.  What a beautiful lesson of empowerment and potential!

So...  I made one for me.  (I can't get the PDF to load, so you won't see the pretty pictures...)

My name is Shannon and I am a good mom and a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father.  I will be participating in a triathlon when I turn 40 and would like to get my Master's Degree in the next 5 years.  I would like for my family to be more healthy, so we have many more years together!

What a wonderful lesson learned as a substitute teacher!

Moving, Shaking and Educating it Up!

The life of a substitute teacher is always a treacherous one.  Most of the time (to borrow from Forrest Gump), substitute teaching "is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you are going to get."  The students, teachers and administrations worked with are unfamiliar, and there is always something to learn, and to teach.  Additionally, the benefits of substitute teaching are double-edged swords.  They are powerful positives, with an opposing side just waiting in the wings.

For example:

• Positive:  The substitute teacher can choose what days they would like to work.  
• Fact:  Substitute teachers only get paid for days they do work, and work is not available every day.
• Potential Negative:  If the substitute teacher chooses not to work on a particular day, who is to say that a job will be available when the sub chooses to work.

Another example:

• Positive:  The substitute teacher goes to work in the morning, and goes home at night, and does not have the office politics to worry about.
• Fact:  The substitute teacher is only with students and fellow teachers a day at a time.
• Potential Negative:  The substitute teacher has to work especially hard to develop relationships with the students, teachers and faculty.

Now for the personal side...

I love substitute teaching.  I learn so much.  The flexibility is a benefit, and my personality jives with the occupation.  I have never been happier in a paying job than I am right now..  as a a substitute teacher.

Please join me on my travels, learning as I teach, and teaching as I learn!