When I called ahead for subbing assignments, I was offered this middle school special ed math class for two days. After the time I had with sixth period, you'd probably think I'd turn it down. (There were other teachers out, so I did have options.)
But the instructional aide, Ms. S, said the rest of the day wasn't so bad, and I knew Ms. S was there the whole day. How bad could it be?
Ms. S and I arrived at the same time on Thursday morning. She clued me in to how things needed to proceed. She'd run things. She knew the kiddos. She knew the routine. I'd just have to follow her lead.
But... Oh, by the way... Ms. S had to leave early that day. You know, right before sixth period.
First through fourth periods went pretty well. They were working on solving inequalities and then graphing those answers. We had to take it slow as they were having difficulty. But that was to be expected. That's how things go in a special ed class.
I got to watch what Ms. S did all day. My job was to replicate that for sixth period. I've done that sort of thing before.
Sixth period arrived. And they were pretty much as I remembered them. (Samuel still won't sit. Ashley still won't focus. Edward had been moved, so he and Ashley didn't have issues.)
I attempted to get through the lesson. And I kind of did. It took longer than the other periods. There were all sorts of distractions (*ahem* Samuel. Ashley. *ahem*). But for the most part they let me teach. (Classes don't always. I appreciate it when I am allowed to get them through the lesson.)
So, a win. Sort of.
I was told they were the brightest group of the day. The were also the largest. Put them in sixth period, and that's why they were the most difficult.
Do you remember what classes you had at the end of the day? Were you burned out by then, or did you have a class in play mode?
Today's A to Z Challenge post brought to you by the letter...
Hi Liz - well done on getting through ...and Ms S sounds organised and efficient and knowledgeable about her students ... so I'm sure you pick up tips from her. For some reason I think we had sport in the afternoon - so our work was done in the morning and then we had homework time after supper - I was boarding ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI don't remember our schedule, except in college. Friday from 4-6 pm was (voluntary) Spanish. I usually left early for the weekend...
ReplyDeleteFriday from 4-6? Yikes. My college was a ghost town after noon on Fridays.
DeleteOh wow....I seriously don't remember (40 yrs since 12th grade)...haha....I pretty much remember liking most of my classes. I took to periods of Graphic Arts and a class of Art. But other than that, I don't have a clue. That is really bad...haha
ReplyDeleteNah. With time, our memories fade.
Delete(I'm actually covering a graphic arts class today :)
Last thing on a Friday - Double French - complete waste of time, no one cared by that point in the week! :-)
ReplyDeleteI can see why. Fridays are the hardest.
DeleteI remember very little from high school save for having had home ec right after lunch. Many of us were stoned when we baked bisuits, let me tell you.
ReplyDeleteThat may have been a good thing ;)
DeleteIt varied for me we had an A day B day type schedule so alternated classes each day. I want to say the one I remember being the latest in the afternoon was English though :)
ReplyDeleteAt least you got to change things up a bit :)
DeleteYou know, I don't remember what classes I had at the end of the day. But I do remember watching the clock the last half hour or so, so I'm guessing it wasn't English or art since those were my faves.
ReplyDeleteI try to reserve the end of the day for relaxed subjects. Maths is taught first up... for my brain's sake as much as theirs.
ReplyDeleteI read someplace that math is best done first thing in the morning.
DeleteI would be in the special, special, special ed class:) going way back, I think I had an English class near the end and I was ok because I liked English but usually the end of the day was catching up to me.
ReplyDeleteThose are the classes where the students may not be verbal. I've been in those classes. You aren't that.
DeleteSounds like you and all teachers deserve a medal what ever period of the day you are teaching. I'm definitely a morning person but I wonder if those kids who turn out to afternoon people do better at learning later in the day? or has everyone had enough by period 6, period! You've made me think - sign of a good teacher :)
ReplyDeleteWren x
I have no idea. That would make a good study for someone.
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
Ugh... I just wanted out of that school regardless of time of day and worked hard to accumulate enough credit to do so ahead of my class. Parental approval was required, though, and for some reason my father wouldn't let me graduate early. Now I think he didn't want his little girl to grow up, in a way. And yes, I'm still a little bitter. ~shakes head~ Went to my tenth year reunion for a friend's sake and found the cliques acting exactly the same. What a bunch of hateful, entitled brats. I left that town behind for greener pastures. ~grin~ You can keep your Beemers and your country clubs and your incestuous little circles, bit@&es. I retired early. Wow! Sorry. That was cathartic though.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I haven't been back to a reunion, and I won't ever.
Delete