What makes this job ugly?
It is not the bad students. It is not the long days. No, substitute teaching becomes ugly–almost horrific–when there are no coherent lesson plans. Walking into a class without a lesson plan is like walking into a jungle without bug spray: all you get is a thick swarm buzzing around aimlessly in hissing cloud.
Today, I was given a lesson plan that included the following: “Continue working on writing packet for all classes.” For my first two periods of 7th grade language arts, I was able to find the writing packets they had worked on last week and teach the lesson. Even though I had to spend 20 minutes of class time looking for the packets, passing them out, and convincing the students to continue working even though they had turned them in last week, I still managed to get the students on task.
My problem arose during 3rd period. These students had not been assigned the writing packet last week. Further, there were no extra copies to pass out in order to get them started. Suddenly, I faced a dire situation; I had 27 students with no work to keep them busy.
The class erupted. With no work to pass out, the students assumed it was a free day and became buzzing about the classroom. The noise level was reaching fever pitch, my head started to spin. I could feel the headache develop as my temples began to throb. I had to do something before these children ruined the rest of my day. With no other options available, I started shoving blank pieces of paper into their hands.
“Attention class! I need everyone to take their seats and begin drawing. This is not a free period. I will be collecting these drawings at the end of class. I do not mind if you talk, but keep it low.”
No one heard a word. I had already lost most of them to foolishness and ipods.
“Hey! I mean it everyone! You can either draw in here or take it to the office. Your choice!”
Some started to take their seats. Others continued to test my patience. I had already faced “The Bad” last week so I was in no mood to humor these children. Within the next two minutes, I had four names on the detention list. Normally, it would have calm just a handful of students down. The class was aware, however, that detention meant they could not go on the Wednesday field trip. Thus, everyone took notice when I started putting names on the board.
The class quieted down and began to draw. Although it was never perfectly silent, it did not need to be. It only had to be quiet enough for me to keep my sanity. Although I wish I could have actually taught something, there were no plans and no materials for me. Instead, I gave the students something to do that was more engaging than busy work. I even allowed those students on the detention list to work there way out by cleaning up the room.
By the end of the day, I had a clean classroom, 27 drawings, and my sanity. When there is no lesson plan, it is best to make up a fun activity. Otherwise, you risk more than have a few students getting off task. You risk your mental health.
4 comments ↓
Out of curiosity, what did you specify the class to draw? Was there any untapped talent from these drawings?
I just had them draw anything because I just needed them to do something (anything) other than cause a ruckus. I did have one student draw me a picture of his skateboard. That was pretty sweet.
In retrospect, do you think their creative juices would have started to overflow if you perhaps gave the one word and asked them to draw what it means to them? For example… inspiration [what inspires you?].
The problem with a word such as “inspiration,” is that the children have no idea what the word means. Literally. I used the word “inspire” in a sentence that day and was later asked to define it by one of the students. (These children are 12 by the way)
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