I was called in to cover an English class. I had 1st period prep (no students). As I slowly set up (I had an extra hour, after all), the phone rang. I groaned. I knew just what it would be...
"Could you cover an extra period...?"
I whined and complained in my head, but I said yes. It's not like I really had anything to do, and they do pay me for it. Turned out the class I was to cover was right across from the room I was in. So, I didn't even have to walk very far.
We waited outside for security to let us in. Once inside, I looked around for what to give the kiddos to do. I found the roll sheet, so I took roll immediately.
Now I had to figure out how to keep the kiddos busy. It was the wood shop class.
Over the phone I had been informed that the teacher was running late. So, he hadn't left lesson plans. He was going to be there. But what do you give a wood shop class to do to keep them busy? Working on wood shop was out--safety concerns.
I hemmed and hawed. And then I heard a key in the back door... The teacher had arrived.
Whew. Saved.
(The teacher got stuck in traffic. It happens. Not frequently, but it happens.)
Their teacher there, I could leave. I was probably there for about five minutes.
Knowing how bad Southern California traffic can be, it is surprising it doesn't happen more than it does with a teacher (or anyone) being late for work. I guess if in that situation, I would have tried to start a lively discussion about wood; best wood to use for carving, etc., see if they knew any of that.
ReplyDeletebetty
Oh man! That would have been perfect. In these situations, I'm generally flummoxed for things to talk about.
DeleteI would've been a bit lost trying to teach that class.
ReplyDeleteThey always manage to catch you and get you into another class, don't they? :) And wood shop too. Good thing the teacher was only running late.
ReplyDeleteYikes. I would have been lost and doomed. But now you know, if it ever happens again, as Betty seemed to have some good ideas. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI knew I wasn't going to be there long. If I thought I was actually going to be there for the full period, there were things I could have pulled out.
DeleteGood thing the teacher arrived quickly. I wouldn't have known what to do to keep wood shop class students entertained.
ReplyDeleteMe neither.
DeleteI would have asked them to tell me what they were making. I always wanted to take wood shop. Wasn't allowed for girls back in my day!!
ReplyDeleteThat was the first thing I asked. They told me. But I didn't retain the information.
DeleteI got asked to do a last minute extra today - Practical P.E on a 40+ degree day! Got to love an Australian heatwave.
ReplyDeleteYuck. I hate PE generally. (Oh, next time you comment, would you put the link to your site? I'd love to visit you back.)
DeleteI hated covering classed back when I worked as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how long five minutes feels when you're not comfortable in the setting.
ReplyDeleteIt didn't really feel that long. I guess I was just really sure he'd be there soon.
DeleteI suppose next time you could always get them to discuss why it wouldn't be a good idea for a sub to take woodshop class. ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh, that's an idea...
Delete