Tag Archives: teaching

Making children cry

Standard
Making children cry

Hubby warned me. But I didn’t listen.

I wanted to do a review game with the second graders to prepare them for their test. I wrote “Side A” and “Side B” on the board to tally their scores. The kids in the first desk on each side were up against each other to see who could answer the question first. Then the second desk, etc. It seemed harmless enough.

But these were seven-year-olds.

Two girls started crying when they didn’t win. Fortunately, I knew one had a freakish knowledge of Jupiter. I said, “Bonus question: what is that big circle on Jupiter called?” She smiled, raised her hand, nailed it. At least, I assume she did. I couldn’t remember what it’s called. Great red spot or whatever? Doesn’t matter. I gave her team a bonus point, and she sat up tall and smiling. Whew.

The other girl teared up at the end, thankfully, so I said, “Could you please help me pass out these worksheets?” You’d think I’d handed her a miniature live unicorn that occasionally, though cutely and discreetly, burps out bubbles and sparkles. Another crisis averted.

Read the rest of this entry →

Maybe I’m not okay after all…

Standard
Maybe I’m not okay after all…

I showed up to school Monday morning like this:

I didn’t notice I was wearing two different shoes until I stepped out of my car in the school parking lot. In the kitchen, I pointed out my flub to a couple of female teachers who laughed with me. Then I went to Hubby’s office and said, “Look at my feet.” His eyes bugged out. “Oh no!” he said. He did not see the humor in this situation.

Thankfully, I had a daughter at home with a license and a car. In the midst of first period, Hubby stepped into my classroom with a bag. I discreetly made the shoe transfer under the teacher’s desk. However, I had already greeted all the sixth graders as they walked in. Wouldn’t you know it, one was observant.

“Why are you wearing two different shoes?” she asked, the plucky little…

“Because it’s Wacky Wednesday… on Monday.” That actually seemed to satisfy her.

The sixth graders weren’t easy for me Monday, particularly the one kid the homeroom teacher had wisely placed front and center. So Tuesday morning, I got smart. (Slow learning curve for me.) At the start of class, I set a detention slip on his desk and said, “Why don’t you go ahead and fill your name in now to save me time later.”

Read the rest of this entry →

Ilsa Rey is not okay

Standard
Ilsa Rey is not okay

I am, actually. I just miss you guys. I haven’t read blogs in weeks. So, if anyone is feeling hurt, it’s not just you. I’ve abandoned everyone, but here are some brief notes to let you know I’m still alive.

First, I had a sneaking suspicion that if I bragged about my second grade conquest, I would wind up losing that control. (Pride goeth before the fall and all.) The kids are having fun in my class, but that fun translates into volume. We did a review game where, whenever their team won a point, they cheered, loudly. So, so loudly. Hubby, the master of all things classroom, taught me some silent cheers I can show them instead. We’ll see if that’s fun for them too. But fun means my authoritative position has slipped. I will endeavor to get it back.

I’ve been subbing like mad still and enjoying it. However, last period Friday, near the end of class on a stupidly hot day, a seventh grader in the front row burped loudly and obnoxiously. I was done and not having it. “Out,” I said. “Just leave.” A minute later, he opened the door and asked, “Can I come back in now?” “Nope,” I said. No regrets.

Happy subbing highlights:

Read the rest of this entry →

Ilsa the Sub

Standard
Ilsa the Sub

My kids’ school was desperate, so I was asked to substitute teach high school.

Teacher Ilsa. I think the fuzzy sweater really sells it.

But under the long skirt…

I literally dusted off my combat boots for this because that seemed appropriate.

The first class was physics. My mom, not a science/math person, suggested I text her if I had questions. She’s hilarious.

Read the rest of this entry →