There's something about having a sub in the room that makes your normal student a bit crazy. Add in a test, and it can be bedlam.
I knew the group was going to be difficult. So, I started off by warning them that there would be no talking. And if any of them did talk, I would take their test from them and give them a zero.
(I choose to believe that when the teacher returns, she gives them back their tests and lets them finish.)
They needed a couple warnings and several shushings, but eventually they settled into silence. And then one boy just had to ask a question. A question that had been answered already. And he asked it at maximum volume. For the whole class to hear.
(As opposed to raising his hand, waiting for me to approach, and then asking the question just to me in a soft voice.)
I try to be nice. I try to be accommodating. But there's a point when a student is just trying to stir things up.
And it was clear that this class needed an example...
"You're writing me up for asking a question?"
Again, at maximum volume, in a quiet classroom, while the rest of the class was attempting to take their test. But such subtleties were lost on him.
I hoped the object lesson would be enough. But no. Then two boys just had to whisper something to one another...
In the end, I took away four tests, wrote up the one student, and wrote down several other names.
Some classes should not take tests when they have a sub. Grrr.
Today's A to Z Challenge post brought to you by the letter...
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I can't imagine trying to keep order with a bunch of teens! Cheers to you for being a sub. I seem to recall watching movies when we had subs usually. It was always fun for us!
ReplyDeleteAt least, not when you sub. ;) Want to come whip my 7 year old into shape for me?
ReplyDeleteTakes a lot of patience to be a teacher, especially when it comes to teens. I volunteer at my son's elementary school, and feel overwhelmed even if I'm not in charge. I take my hat off to you.
ReplyDeleteSilvia @
SilviaWrites
Thanks. It gets easier the more you do it.
DeleteI don't recall ever taking a test with a sub, but when I was teaching, and I knew someone was going to have to cover for me, I always planned to have some sort of quiz or other in-class assignment scheduled. But this was college. Sounds as if I's taught high school, this would have been a very bad plan.
ReplyDeleteVR Barkowski
Bless you for having the perseverance to be a sub. My friend once subbed at the school at which I taught. She didn't make it to lunch.
ReplyDeleteWhen we had subs (back in the day) it was like having a free period. They never made us do much and we never took tests. But I think we may have taken advantage of the subs, too, so that much hasn't changed.
ReplyDeleteOh...my, the battles they insist on, but they met their match with you, Liz!
ReplyDeleteShells–Tales–Sails
I'm not so sure about that. I rather think they won.
DeleteShow 'em who's boss, sub! Otherwise they'll walk all over you.
ReplyDeleteUnless the sub is taking over for an extended length of time, administering a test is a terrible task to stick them with!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit to Poetry of the Netherworld.
Thanks. I thought so. At least with that group.
DeleteYour 'T' word is set for A to Z. 'Testing the sub'.
ReplyDeleteIts such a challenging job! Tiring!!!
ReplyDeleteIt can be. That day especially.
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