The World of Substitution

It's hard to find time to post when I'm substituting at Brian & Kelly's school almost everyday. (The rest of my time is spent at piano lessons, soccer practice, and Young Women--but that's another story!) I worked at the school 16 of 23 days in August, and I covered all 7 grades. I was scheduled to work 2 other days, but I had to stay home due to "teacher's throat" (total loss of voice). It has been hard work--my hat is off to teachers everywhere--but if I hadn't worked, I wouldn't have these great stories to share!

• Names I have been called: Mrs. Stencil, Mrs. Stemple, Mrs. Stample, Mrs. Stamper, Mrs. Stampo, Mrs. Stanno, Mrs. Stancels, Mrs. S, Mom, Teacher, and Hey You!
• Conversation with a kindergartner: Me: "Oh, no, John! You did this paper all wrong! Why didn't you ask for help?" John: "It's okay Mrs. S. I'm just screwing with you!"
• Conversation with a 4th grader: Me: "Darn it, all these balls are flat." Dylan: "Don't call my balls flat! (innuendo intended by him)"
• Confrontation with a kindergartner: Me (as I notice a big bulge under his shirt): "J.J., why do you have that book stuffed in your shirt? Are you trying to steal it from the classroom?" J.J.: "I didn't notice that was there." Me: "You'll need to move your clip down to yellow." J.J.: "But I don't know how it got there! I think a mouse must have put it there."

Just a little sampling from the month! I think teachers have an incredibly difficult job, but at least they have the means of managing their own classrooms. Unfortunately, when I walk into the room, many of the kids immediately start testing their boundaries to see what they can get away with when there is a substitute. It's difficult to try to remember what is allowed some classrooms is not allowed in others and that each class has its own discipline policy. I must say that at least I am learning a lot!