subbing time

Well, I officially subbed for the first time today and it went pretty well.  I didn't know what to expect so I was a bit nervous this morning but the kids were really great.  I am subbing for the music teacher and have to do it again all day tomorrow and half a day on Friday.  Today was half a day also and I was so glad because it was a bit crazy.  I didn't realize there are no breaks whatsoever between my classes and when one class is leaving, another one is rushing into my room.  So towards the end I really had to go to the bathroom but I was stuck there and couldn't leave the kids alone.  I asked the music teacher at the end what she does about that and she said I have to just catch one of the teachers when they're dropping the class off and tell them to watch the kids for a bit.  And that is not always easy because those teachers are gone just like that. :)  So now I'll be better prepared for tomorrow.  Other than that though, the kids were great.  I had 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders today, each for 50 minutes.  I tried playing some games with them which was a bit challenging especially with the boys because they are boys and want to run around and have a turn every time. :) But really, they did great overall and listened well.  I had to start counting loud a few times (1,2,3) and I couldn't believe how quickly that worked.  They got quiet right away and I didn't even get to 3.  Towards the end of the class, when they were getting a bit restless and bored with the games I let them watch a video and color and they all seemed to like that.  I also didn't avoid kids getting hurt and 2 girls ended up crying because one boy threw a ball in one's head and one got bumped or something.  I'm guessing that's ok and it just happens when you have 25 kids in a small space playing physical games.

Tomorrow I get to have Anika's and Kason's class and they are so excited for that.  It is great to see the different kids in each class, different dynamics and get to know them a bit.   So, it was a good start and I'm so glad my friend asked for me to sub because it lets me see how that part of Elementary school is done.