Open Mic

Well...not only is today Easter Sunday (Happy Easter to those who celebrate), but it is also the last day of Spring Break. I have been moping around all day thinking of the many things that were on my "to do" list this week that did not get scratched off. I did, however, get the baby's room cleaned out, which was a major task marked off of my list. I am stressing about this upcoming week because I have three field trips. I am going to Jackson State Prison with a group of students on Tuesday and Thursday. Then on Friday, I will be at the Airport for the SkillsUSA State Conference. Whenever I am going to be out of the classroom that much, I always worry about the sub...Did I leave enough plans? Are my kids behaving? You know, that kind of stuff. Then, there is the fact that I have not started working on sub plans for my maternity leave. I am not sure why, but I have found this very difficult because I feel uneasy not knowing exactly when it will happen. I know the logical thing to do would be to make more than enough just in case. I think the reason I am finding it so difficult is because I do so many hands on activities in my room when I am there to monitor, but when I have a sub, I feel that their behavior will be altered due to them feeling as though they are getting "busy work."
I think I need to have a talk with them before I leave. But, then again, I also think at the high school age, it is very important for the substitute to establish his or her expectations with the class from the get go otherwise they will fully take advantage of any situation, (no matter how good they are when you are there) especially since it is the end of the year. I am sure it will all work out. It always does.

Man...I really needed to vent. Thanks for listening! Have a wonderful week.