Well, I spent Halloween at my high school alma mater. I don't remember seeing my high school teachers dress up, but this year was no joke. I think there were more teachers dressed up than there were students. I remember my senior English teacher was totally into the Renaissance and after seeing his costume this year, he is still quite interested in that era. Other exciting costumes from the staff included: a jar of pringles, Super Subfinder Girl, Flo from Progressive, a witch, and many many more!
Students also dressed up. There was a student who showed up in a full on Belle Princess costume. I know it is kind of mean of me, but I totally started cracking up when I saw the costume. Really? You're in 11th grade and you look like a cheese ball. More power to her for dressing up.
I wish I would have known that the staff dresses up. I have been trying to dress up as Big Bird for years now but haven't really had a chance to wear a costume. This year could have been my chance! Arghhh.
Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Observations
As a sub, I always have to stay on my toes. You never know who is going to walk in the room and observe you.
I knew that a sixth grade teacher I had was now a principal, but last I heard he was at another school. I was wrong. In the middle of me teaching a math lesson to third graders, he walked in and both of us were surprised to see each other. He said hello and gave me a smile and I reciprocated the gesture then got back to teaching assuming he was going to leave. I was wrong again. He took an empty desk and observed me for the remainder of the lesson.
My reading teacher in the credential program always told us that during our first few years as a teacher, we are going to sweat whenever we were observed. During my student teaching I didn't really get nervous while being observed because Judy and Carol were so awesome, but today was an entirely different story. I could feel his eyes watching me and students as I taught the lesson on rounding. Thank goodness I turned the air conditioning on (even though it was like 62 degrees outside) because I started to sweat like a sicko! So disgusting, I know. My reading teacher sure knew what she was talking about.
I knew that a sixth grade teacher I had was now a principal, but last I heard he was at another school. I was wrong. In the middle of me teaching a math lesson to third graders, he walked in and both of us were surprised to see each other. He said hello and gave me a smile and I reciprocated the gesture then got back to teaching assuming he was going to leave. I was wrong again. He took an empty desk and observed me for the remainder of the lesson.
My reading teacher in the credential program always told us that during our first few years as a teacher, we are going to sweat whenever we were observed. During my student teaching I didn't really get nervous while being observed because Judy and Carol were so awesome, but today was an entirely different story. I could feel his eyes watching me and students as I taught the lesson on rounding. Thank goodness I turned the air conditioning on (even though it was like 62 degrees outside) because I started to sweat like a sicko! So disgusting, I know. My reading teacher sure knew what she was talking about.
Monday, October 29, 2012
The List
Bullying. Everyone has heard of the word, and everyone knows that it is becoming a popular topic in schools. The question is: WHY is bullying becoming more common now than ever? Or was it just swept under the rug before?
Today at school a boy wrote a list with another kid's name on it. He is a sweet kid, and I have worked with him several times this year, but apparently another kid keeps threatening to throw dodge-balls at his head. My student took out his anger by writing the other student's name over and over again on a piece of paper. What would have happened next if the paper hadn't been found and the problem hadn't been addressed right away?
It saddens me to think that bullying is becoming so popular.
I wish I could make his pain go away.
Today at school a boy wrote a list with another kid's name on it. He is a sweet kid, and I have worked with him several times this year, but apparently another kid keeps threatening to throw dodge-balls at his head. My student took out his anger by writing the other student's name over and over again on a piece of paper. What would have happened next if the paper hadn't been found and the problem hadn't been addressed right away?
It saddens me to think that bullying is becoming so popular.
I wish I could make his pain go away.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Tips of the Trade
I met with the principal from the school I had my interview with today. She is one of the nicest administrators I have ever met. I think that given different circumstances, we would become close friends. She told me that she has no doubt in my ability to be able to teach students, be likeable, and to connect with students, but she gave me additional tips to help me in an interview in the future. The things she had to say to me were so kind that I wanted to crawl on the floor and cry because I haven't heard such kind words in a really long time. I decided against the crying because that would be weird... and I don't want to be weird in front of a stranger. She could tell that I was a new teacher and gave me a lot of advice to help me in future interviews. She also told me that I was chosen out of 169 people for an interview, which is a feat within itself. Although I wasn't a good fit for the position I applied for, she said that she would keep her ears open and would recommend me for positions that she came across in the future. It was really reassuring to receive such positive feedback from a person I have only met twice. I sent her an email thanking her for offering me her time and for helping me in more ways than one but I don't think words could describe the gratitude I feel towards her. People like that don't come around often. She deserves a prize.
After my meeting I went to work for a half day. I subbed for a class that was quite rambunctious. There is a student who is super allergic to certain things, and if it touches him, he will die within minutes if he isn't treated properly. I was kind of worried about it when I got there but everything ended up working out just fine. No deaths occurred on my watch today, which makes for a successful day in my book.
It was also Red Ribbon Week this week. Today was the last day and the school dressed up in orange and black. Katie found some pretty amazing bows to put in our hair. I felt like Minnie Mouse with curly hair and a cute bow. I just love being twinisies with her.
After my meeting I went to work for a half day. I subbed for a class that was quite rambunctious. There is a student who is super allergic to certain things, and if it touches him, he will die within minutes if he isn't treated properly. I was kind of worried about it when I got there but everything ended up working out just fine. No deaths occurred on my watch today, which makes for a successful day in my book.
It was also Red Ribbon Week this week. Today was the last day and the school dressed up in orange and black. Katie found some pretty amazing bows to put in our hair. I felt like Minnie Mouse with curly hair and a cute bow. I just love being twinisies with her.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Like a Punch to the Stomach
Well, I officially received word that I didn't get the position in Monclair. I didn't think I'd feel so depressed because I pretty much already knew that I didn't receive the position. The principal said I was a strong candidate and will keep my name out there. I am meeting with her tomorrow to discuss my interview. I feel so down in the dumps.
I subbed half day for the same 2nd grade class I subbed for a couple weeks ago. They exhaust me. I feel like I cannot breathe because they are so needy. Don't get me wrong, they are a cute bunch, but they follow me around everywhere asking the most ridiculous questions. If one more student asked me if they could sniff the smelly markers, my head was going to explode. At the end of the day we finished 30 minutes early so I put on a movie that the teacher left. Those 30 minutes were like pieces of heaven. Only a few kids asked me off the wall questions so I was able to enter my zen and relax.
Quote of the Day:
Student 1: Oh my gosh Ms. Hobbs, what the heck happened to your glasses?
Student 2: Yeah, I thought you wore them every day.
Me: No silly, I wear contacts sometimes too.
Student 2: Ohhhh ok. You look younger without them.
Student 1: Yeah and way prettier. You know what they say about young teachers!
Me: No, what do they say?
Student 1: Well, the younger the teacher, the longer they teach.
I subbed half day for the same 2nd grade class I subbed for a couple weeks ago. They exhaust me. I feel like I cannot breathe because they are so needy. Don't get me wrong, they are a cute bunch, but they follow me around everywhere asking the most ridiculous questions. If one more student asked me if they could sniff the smelly markers, my head was going to explode. At the end of the day we finished 30 minutes early so I put on a movie that the teacher left. Those 30 minutes were like pieces of heaven. Only a few kids asked me off the wall questions so I was able to enter my zen and relax.
Quote of the Day:
Student 1: Oh my gosh Ms. Hobbs, what the heck happened to your glasses?
Student 2: Yeah, I thought you wore them every day.
Me: No silly, I wear contacts sometimes too.
Student 2: Ohhhh ok. You look younger without them.
Student 1: Yeah and way prettier. You know what they say about young teachers!
Me: No, what do they say?
Student 1: Well, the younger the teacher, the longer they teach.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Cake Decorating
I remember when I was in first grade and my mom gave me an angel food cake to decorate at Stork Elementary School for the cake decorating contest and school fundraiser. I was (and still am) a total girly girl and I decorated the cake in all blue and set a mermaid barbie on top. I didn't win the contest, but I will never forget feeling like a rock star decorating that cake. I'm pretty sure that no one placed a bid on the god awful looking cake and I didn't win any awards, so my parents had to buy it to take home. Thanks mom and dad!
Today I subbed at my old elementary school and they had their cake decorating contest. I didn't participate in the cake decorating at the school when I went because I had just transferred and was pretty shy. The cakes all turned out super cute!!! I also got to help judge the contest and choose the best ones. They were all so stinkin clever, it was hard to decide!
The class I subbed for was the 5/6 combo class that I have been in several times this year. They are such an amazing group of kids. They are one of the only classes that I love teaching math to because they ask important questions and are interested in the information that is taught. Each student brings so much excitement to the class that I forget I am actually there to teach. Things just run so smoothly; it is like teaching them comes more naturally than usual. We can be goofy but still get work done and students know when it is time to gear up and get serious. I just love working with them.
Here is a picture of some of the cakes:
Today I subbed at my old elementary school and they had their cake decorating contest. I didn't participate in the cake decorating at the school when I went because I had just transferred and was pretty shy. The cakes all turned out super cute!!! I also got to help judge the contest and choose the best ones. They were all so stinkin clever, it was hard to decide!
The class I subbed for was the 5/6 combo class that I have been in several times this year. They are such an amazing group of kids. They are one of the only classes that I love teaching math to because they ask important questions and are interested in the information that is taught. Each student brings so much excitement to the class that I forget I am actually there to teach. Things just run so smoothly; it is like teaching them comes more naturally than usual. We can be goofy but still get work done and students know when it is time to gear up and get serious. I just love working with them.
Here is a picture of some of the cakes:
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
4th Grade
Subbing for little angels is always a blessing! I subbed 4th grade today and the kids were amazing! They got to work quickly and quietly and if they finished early they didn't ask what they were supposed to do. It was awesome.
The school I was at has a PE teacher for each class. I think that is pretty amazing. The kids love having a PE teacher a few times a week that teaches them all sorts of new games while still working them out. I wish all districts could afford that for each of their schools.
Im not sure if I have a cold or if my sinuses are playing games with me, but I have been feeling really cruddy since last Thursday. Yesterday I was finally feeling better but this morning at about 8:00 I keep sneezing and have a sinus headache. If the class wasn't better today, I think I would have cried my way through the day.
I am in bed now, so hopefully a little R&R will spunk me up and get me ready for tomorrow!
The school I was at has a PE teacher for each class. I think that is pretty amazing. The kids love having a PE teacher a few times a week that teaches them all sorts of new games while still working them out. I wish all districts could afford that for each of their schools.
Im not sure if I have a cold or if my sinuses are playing games with me, but I have been feeling really cruddy since last Thursday. Yesterday I was finally feeling better but this morning at about 8:00 I keep sneezing and have a sinus headache. If the class wasn't better today, I think I would have cried my way through the day.
I am in bed now, so hopefully a little R&R will spunk me up and get me ready for tomorrow!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)