SICK DAYS

I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH TWILIGHT.

I walk slowly toward the ominous door and pull the strap of my tote bag further up my shoulder as I balance my folder, keys, and coffee in hand. Today is my first day of substitute teaching. I recently graduated college this past May and with the number of people graduating with a degree in teaching, there was no job opportunities to be found. I have applied and applied but no luck so far.

So here I am walking toward my first class, a third grade class, and I could feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I am not really sure exactly why I am nervous, I did teach a group of 4th graders before I graduated for my student teaching, but I am walking into unknown territory here. I reach my door and quickly move the folder and coffee to my left hand and keep the key in my right hand and unlock it. I flick on the lights and stare at the classroom that will be my home base for the next 6 hours.

Colorful posters and large white boards cover the walls and nametag laden desks are scattered around the room in groups of 3-4. I walk toward the teacher's desk and search for the plans they have left for me. I drop my bag on the chair and scour the desk filled with graded papers, student drawings, and pens galore. From what I have observed so far, this teacher loves their students and could use a dose of organization. Finally, my eyes land on a white piece of paper addressed to me:

Welcome to my classroom! I hope you will have a wonderful day! They are a pretty good group when they aren't out stealing cars and swiping extra pizza slices from the cafeteria. Just kidding!

I laugh to myself and continue scanning the plans.

8:05-8:20=Morning work—place a worksheet on each desk to be completed. They can read when they are done

8:20-9:10=Math—go over subtraction and addition facts with flashcards by playing around the world (kids can tell you how to play-no they are not leaving the classroom or the country). After 20 minutes allow them to work in partners and complete workbook pages 23-28.

9:10-9:20= Brain Break—play a game or just turn on the stereo and let them dance around. If you don't do this, you might have a riot on your hands. Haha!

9:20-10= Spelling—Write spelling words three times in their notebooks and then write sentences with their spelling word in it (they will hate this) You can let them listen to music while they work or promise them a quick brain break after they work for so long.

10-10:40= Independent reading—One of my favorite times of day! Kids sit at designated spots and read. Absolutely no talking! They like to turn on the lamps around the room and turn off the fluorescents.

10:40-10:50= bathroom break (4 boys and 4 girls at a time)

10:50-11:30= writing—I want them to free write about a time that they faced a fear or a time when they were brave. Why were they in that situation? What was going on in their head? I want to feel like I was experiencing it with them! I am sure they will look at you like you are crazy and tell you they have no idea what to write about. I have a few boys that hate writing and will try anything to get out of it. Remind them that it is a free write and they can try out different ideas.

11:35-12:20= Recess and lunch-okay take a breath. You are almost done! Enjoy your lunch and leave me any notes on your day so far

12:20-25= I know you aren't ready but it is time to get the kids. Pick them up outside of the cafeteria.

12:25-1:15= Science—read as a class pages 143-154 and ask questions as you read (use the teacher's manual) and then complete the worksheet I have left for you (independently)

1:15-2:15=Specials—They go to P.E. today so they should be tired out when you pick them up..Relax while you can..You are almost done!

2:15-3= handwriting= Students will be working in their packets to do letters J and H. They will probably need a demonstration first, unless your handwriting is horrible (then just have them do it in the air with their finger)

3-3:15= PACK UP AND STACK UP! The mad chaos part of the day. Send students 5 at a time to pack up and stack their chairs and have a seat on the carpet.

3:15-3:20= Read aloud and then dismissal

3:20= You are done! Walk the kids out to the busses and hightail it to your car.

Thank you so much for subbing for me and if you have any questions at all, you can text me at my number below or ask any other 3rd grade teacher. Good Luck! Please let me know how I did so I can beat those that need it. Just kidding!

Sincerely,

Edward Cullen 432-555-4323

I set down the plans and pass out all of the papers for the morning as the kids begin to filter in. I smooth down my already smooth royal blue blouse and my black trousers before plastering a smile on my face and starting my first day as a substitute teacher.

I AM A SUBSTITUTE AND WISH I GOT SUB PLANS LIKE THIS, ESPECIALLY FOR EDWARD. PLEASE REVIEW AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF MY IDEA…