Last Monday was the first day of school, and I caught an assignment for the whole week. (More about that in tomorrow's post.) However, I did not have a first period. This was a good thing, as first day of school, no teacher assigned to the class, so I was in scramble mode.
Just before first period was to begin, I got a call. Could I cover a first period?
The teacher, Mr. B, had been on campus. He had set up for the day. But, he suddenly got ill and had to go home.
On the first day!?!
I don't doubt his illness. What concerned me was that there weren't any lesson plans. Uh, what do I do?
I got to the class at just about the bell. The class filed in.
There were intro first day things written on the board. It was some sort of icebreaker activity. They were to get into groups or something, and I was unclear on what it was.
The class was credit recovery. Generally, they'll work on whatever class they need to make up credits for. But that can't happen until they've been signed into the program. Which I could not do, not that I would on the first day.
After I took roll, I flailed about for a bit, letting the class know that Mr. B was out ill, and then I noticed on a side table some worksheets. Score!
They were simple things, like "about me" and "the importance of education". First day stuff. Okay, then, that works.
It didn't quite take the whole period. But it was something.
I had a whole first day thing ready for the class I had been booked for. If I had been thinking I would have brought it with me to that class. But no.
You'd think by now I would know what to do in any situation. Nope. But at least the class had supervision.
Mr. B was out all that first week. As I was on campus, I was able to find out. I hope he feels better soon. What a terrible time to suddenly take ill.
And before anyone says it...
...yes, I know. (Via Jamie at Whatever I Think Of!)
Jamie: Thanks for the shout out.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw your meme, I knew I had to have it. Because I hear this incessantly.
DeleteDeus caritas est!
ReplyDeleteThis feels like a typical first day, I hope the teacher is better soon.
ReplyDeleteI did not look to see if he was still out. I think he's back.
DeleteA lot of people have been getting sick lately, which is weird for August. I hope the teacher gets well soon. Sounds like you handled the change of plans like a pro!
ReplyDeleteFirst days for anything can be difficult. I agree with Paula on how you handled the change of plans, Liz!
ReplyDeleteThanks, but I don't think I handled it well at all.
DeleteYou just never know when you'll catch something and get sick.
ReplyDeleteWow! That sounds stressful. Happy you made it through.
ReplyDeleteAs to your last...well, it DID.
Despite years of substitute teaching experience, unexpected situations can still leave you flustered, but you handled it all so well.
ReplyDeleteI didn't really handle it all that well, but yeah, these things do come up.
DeleteWow! Hard to keep your cool when things are thrown at you last minute. Glad it's you and not me!
ReplyDeleteIt's something I'm working on. Because that's the gig, really.
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ReplyDeleteYou are a teacher... an interesting profession and I wish you all the best in this school year!
DeleteLots of good and hardworking students...
Greetings from my country Slovenia, Andreja!
Thanks.
DeleteIt can be quite unsettling if there aren't clear plans for the class.
ReplyDeleteFirst day curveballs are the worst! Glad you spotted those worksheets--sometimes even the simplest backup saves the day. Hope Mr. B is feeling better now, what a tough time to fall ill.
ReplyDeleteMaybe she has the before Labor Day School Blues
ReplyDeleteI don't know. He's been teaching there for years, though.
DeleteWell, not an easy first day at school, but you did great!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how early kids go back to school these days. The first day, even when you are fully prepared, must be very hard on teachers with all the summer energy still keeping kids bouncing off the walls.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how prepared anyone is, really. They have a week of "prep" time, but it's all in meetings and trainings. I don't know how much time they really get to prep.
DeleteFirst day of school can be hard on everyone involved, including school bus drivers. No, I wasn't ever one but I can remember transportation snafus, among other things, as a parent. You, no doubt, handled that curveball better than you think.
ReplyDeleteIt kind of sneaks up on everyone. And not everything is perfectly planned, no matter how much people try to anticipate everything.
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