3rd, 9/19

I got a very important call! It was to sub for the teacher who has half of my class from last year! My babies! (ok, not babies, really, as they are now 3rd graders)

So I got to spend time with some awesome 3rd graders! They are really sweet kids, and have grown up a lot over the summer. I was extremely impressed with how they handled themselves in the absence of their teacher. It makes me very happy - and to think I helped with that a little! This class was completely different than the class I took over in May - polar opposites, in fact. So stinking' proud of them.

And they were happy to see me, too! I am definitely close to my quota of hugs for the week! I could hear my students telling their classmates (the ones who were not in my class last year) "she was OUR teacher last year!" awwww!

Of course, subbing for former students is a funny thing, and very unique. I didn't have to spend time establishing ground rules, or explaining my expectations- they already knew them. And at one point, I looked at a kid who was being disruptive, and just asked, "Do I need to email your mom?"

Ha! What other sub can do that????

-Ms. J

4/5

Yesterday I volunteered at the school I worked at last year. When subbing is slow, it's good to get out and volunteer to get your face out there. It's a great way to market yourself, and also a really fun way to spend the day! (Plus, I see my students from last year in the halls and get plenty of hugs and "I miss you" and "Where have you been???")

I was in a 4/5 blend classroom for the day. It was a ton of fun! I know I will enjoy subbing for this class - the kids are full of personality!

At some point during the day, the teacher mentioned that she is 51. This was quite the news announcement to those kids - there were many kids amazed she was that old (she looks much younger).

One kid just kept talking about how she didn't look older than 40. Finally, he said, "well, you might look 43 but no more than that!" Then he said (much to my amusement):

"You're like a 51 year old woman with a 43 year old body!"

Hahaha what a compliment! Ya gotta love 4th graders trying to flatter their teachers!

-Ms. J

What's in the bag?

A sub bag is an essential part of being a successful sub. While most of the stuff may not be used all the time, it's helpful to have these things on hand, just in case.

Here is a pictorial guide to what I deem important enough to put in the bag. Usually the bag stays in the car and I simply take the bare necessities, but the bag is there in case I need it!
The bag lives in the car, by the way. It's important for those last minute calls.

What's in the bag!

A fun logical thinking test. I like to pull it out for classes that I really enjoy, when we have a few spare minutes. I usually tell them that they cannot go on to the next grade if they don't get 100% - you'd be amazed at how many kids believe me!

Colored dot stickers. I am thinking they will be fun for creating groups or teams.

Granola bars. Necessary for those mornings when I get a call and run out of the house without time to eat breakfast or pack a lunch (the doctor says I need to stop skipping meals!)

Angry Birds coloring pages. I don't foresee any opportunities to use these, but ya never know!

The absolute most important thing in the bag - this goes everywhere with me! Miss Nelson is Missing is the book I read to every class K-5 the first time I have them. It is a great way to establish myself as an authority figure. I read it, then tell the kids "I can be a teacher like Miss Nelson (nice), or a teacher like Ms. Swamp (mean). It's up to you."

Stickers are another must-have, when subbing K-3. Such a good incentive!

Thumb drives with lesson plans and activities, just in case there are no lesson plans.

Sticki-notes. Useful for exit slips, notes, etc.

My special/favorite pens - PaperMate Flairs - and my "cool" pen - very popular with the littles.

My middle school/half day behavior plan - if I catch someone with good behavior, I give them a ticket. At the end of the period (or our time together), we have a drawing for a piece of candy.

Of course, there are a couple things not shown, such as candy, my iPad, and a camera! And I always have business cards ready to hand out and leave with teachers!

And there I am - ready for a new school year!