Something new...

Thanks for all your jokes a few posts back. I have been sharing some of them with the 5th grade class I've been subbing for, and they have all been received with appreciation and giggles. I wanted to share some of our favorites with you.

What did the zero say to the eight?

Nice Belt!

Why shouldn't you do math in the jungle?

Because if you add four and four you'll get ATE!


I just want to take a minute to write my feelings about these 5th graders. I have the responsibility to take these kids from a teacher they adore to a permanant sub for the rest of the year. My time is the in between time. I was there when they only knew that she was sick, and obviously assumed she was coming back. I was also there when a letter was read stating that she has leukemia, and will not be returning this year. I was there to see the sobs...mostly sobs of grief that their teacher has to battle this, and also a few tears of guilt, knowing that a few of them had not treated her with the respect she deserves. I cannot imagine the emotions they must be dealing with. It was at the end of the day of bad news that I went from "the nicest sub ever" to an imposter. I think when they thought their teacher was coming back I was good enough to fill the space, but once they learned that I was it for the next few weeks, it changed. I think a few of them decided that it was going to be a structure-free few weeks. I had to draw my line in the sand, and let them know that we still have to move forward with their education. I am so grateful for this long weekend to evaluate how to make my last week and a half with them productive and positive. I need to make sure they are staying caught up with their school work, and at the same time figure out how to help them deal with their emotions before I pass the baton. At first I was feeling so overwhelmed and that "she has big shoes to fill". Then I realized that I cannot fill her shoes. (One example of this is the read aloud book. I obviously do NOT measure up as far as reading aloud goes. The kids laughed out loud when I tried to do an accent.) They are hers to fill. All I can do is fill my own shoes in her classroom. I have begun a classroom building exercise at the beginning of the day, and also for a few minutes at the end of class where we pass a little stuffed pig around the circle and the children each have a turn finishing a sentence. (My sister, who also teaches fifth grade, gave me this suggestion.) The goal is to get the kids talking in a productive way, and to build trust within the class. I'm feeling the weight of my responsibility, as I only have 6 more days with this class. I know that if I want to pull it off I need to have a plan in place. I am thinking about setting a goal as a class, and having the reward be a class party at the end of my time with them. I want each of the children to make a personal goal and figure out how they as individuals can make changes that will help the class to become united. If any of you have suggestions to add; either details about how to implement my plan, or other suggestions, they would be appreciated! Also, since you all seem to be so great in the prayer department, please direct your prayers to this amazing teacher that her treatments will be successful, and to her cute students who miss her terribly! (I seem to be asking for a lot lately! Thanks for being patient.)