Well things haven't really changed drastically for me since I still float around the school as a stellar sub. However, I've noticed that in each classroom I teach, I take notes on teachers with great classroom set ups, management styles and techniques. For example, one veteran teacher that has freshman classes has a detention roster which students must sign if they forget their textbook or come to class unprepared. Wow, I think this would assure that students come to class prepared everyday.
While I teach in a school that has various teaching levels ranging from new teachers to veterans, I can see a distinct difference in many of the classrooms. For example, I was in a Spanish class the other day and the teacher had been teaching for over 15 years. Her desk area was organized and all lesson plans and the sub folder info was in place. Her bulletin boards were colorful and informative. It was a joy to work in her classroom. Her students appeared more focused and serious about completing their work.
On another note, I have worked in classrooms without any lesson plans, just brief notes written on the board and not enough work left for the entire period. The students were not focused and misbehaved. The desk was full of papers and very unorganized. In some cases you can't even find a paper clip amidst the rubbish. In this case, I go into NTI mode quickly. I usually will implement a "Get to Know You" game with the students and have them interact with each other for 3 minutes after which they must introduce their partners. This is a great way to kill time while having the students use their social skills. It allows them to interact with each other and they really enjoy it. Other times, I may do a formal intro about myself as if it were the first day of school which oftentimes will lead to some questions from the students. When I share with them that I am back in school, they look amazed.
Some of the things that I've implemented more this semester is to utilize students for class helpers by handing out worksheets or books. I will also for help from a student that knows the work. As in the past, I will continue to teach all students the basic social skills. Students will always here me say, "Good Morning" when they enter my classroom and upon their exit, "have a great afternoon". After all we may be the only person that ever says these kind words to them.
Victoria,
ReplyDeleteYou are using your time as a stellar sub wisely. It is interesting what you are saying about the teacher's management affecting the class and the learning. You are providing evidence of what we talk about in NTI. You are getting a great opportunity to see this phenomenon first hand by being in all these different classrooms. Thank you for sharing these valuable insights with our group! Dr. J
Victoria, I agree with Dr Burns. Thank you for sharing what you have observed in other classrooms. Many of us have not had many opportunities to observe other classrooms. Even though you are not observing the teacher teach you are observing how the classroom is set up, the tone the teacher has set for the class, the management style, etc.
ReplyDeleteI think you are definitely using your sub time wisely. You are observing first hand what works and what doesn't. And you are accumulating lots of ideas about what you will or will not do in your own classroom.
I have had to sub a few times during my planning period for other teachers. I have seen both ends of that spectrum that you talked about. The desk with papers scattered everywhere in no particular order, a hastily written assignment on the board, and sometimes not even a class roster anywhere to be found to take role. And then the other end of the spectrum where there was a nice notebook with rosters, lesson plans, and other helpful information.
My hat is off to you! Everytime I have had to sub, I felt like a fish out of water. And look at you! You have turned what might have been a negative experience into a very postitive one. You definitely win the prize for taking lemons and making them into the best lemonade ever!