School started back up yesterday, so it's time to revisit my subbing stories from before winter break.
Sunday afternoon. I did not have an assignment for the following day, so when my phone alerted, I was quite happy. It was for Mr. L who I have subbed for in the past, but I don't sub for him often. (He's not out a lot.)
In the subbing app, the teachers can upload messages and files. Most do not. But, last minute call out, so Mr. L had uploaded his lesson plans. I read through them. And then I picked my jaw up off the floor.
It was finals week. Their finals were to start on Tuesday. For Monday? His classes had a "free day".
Giving the kiddos time to go over work for other classes or just chill for a period is a lesson plan I get from time to time. Just not from Mr. L. He is rather famous for his busy work on days he's out. He once had them each pick a book from an old set of encyclopedias and list ten facts from it. I mean, it was probably more than ten, but my memory on this is murky.
So, for each class, I did the same intro: "And now I'm going to say something that I never thought I'd say in Mr. L's class. You have a free day."
(I had two students who needed to take their final early. That was the extent of actual work accomplished that day.)
It made it an easy day for me. And it was easy on them. I think some of them actually got work for other classes done, but most found games to play on the computers. And they remained mellow. So, a nice, easy day.
Remaining mellow is a very nice thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious what the kids thought of the encyclopedia assignment—and the encyclopedias themselves. :)
I'd like a free day once in a while. Maybe I should sign up for Mr. L's class. Will you sub on that day?
ReplyDeletehttps://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/p/short-story-wednesdayagain
Sometimes you need a free day
ReplyDeleteSometimes you do.
DeleteI think our kids do finals before the Christmas break. I know my boys, studying during time off would never happen.
ReplyDeleteWe did. The timing is weird since I saved subbing stories for this week when I'm back at work.
DeleteAt least some of them took advantage. I would've made them study for the final. I'm mean that way.
ReplyDeleteI might have if it wasn't Mr. L's class. But they were good kiddos. And a free day? I wanted them to enjoy the rare thing I've never known him to do before.
DeleteWe had study hall (this was back in the Stone Age) if we wanted to study. A free day? I don't remember those and I would have been busy studying and not chilling if there was such a thing. But, for most people, it beats digging through old encyclopedias for facts, although I might have enjoyed doing that.
ReplyDeleteIt was the timing, I think. It would have been stupid for him to give himself more grading to do.
DeleteA free day is always nice.
ReplyDeleteIs your school effected by the fire closings?
ReplyDeleteNo. We're far enough away that we just have to be careful of air quality. (It's terrible. They had to do PE in the gym.)
DeleteFree day that is peaceful is good for you, but we never got free days when I was in school. EVER.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how use the free day, constructively.
ReplyDeleteWhat a luxury!
ReplyDeleteEasy days are great days, both for the students and for subs, it sounds like.
ReplyDelete