You probably did better than you think! By Robert J Gomes

Like yourself, I have set the age limit where I will substitute for as being Grade 6. The older students are in an awkward age whereby their quest in life is to be cool, feel accepted by their peers and define their individuality.

Anyhow, Grade 6 classes can be just as difficult as some of those upper grades.

With regard to your Grade 6 experience, you probably did better than you think. I used to supply heavily in a Grade 6 class and the kids were definitely a handfull. The regular classroom teacher always called me back -- probably because I was male and she knew that I had a no-nonsense type of attitude. Regardless, whenever I spoke to her she told me that she ALSO had a really tough time with her class. It really clicked into me after awhile that I was doing a good job. I mean -- think about it: the regular classroom teacher has had this class since September and she is still having problems with them. She was an experienced teacher by the way. If she has had them for close to 8 months and still has problems with them, what chance do we as supplies have?

I have been a permanent teacher before. I know that classrooms in September are always hard to handle because the kids are getting to know you, etc. By early October, I always had them eating out of my hand. And I didn't have to be mean. The kids loved me -- hugged me all the time, wanting to hold my hand during recess, etc.

Anyways, don't feel too bad. You probably did alot better than you think. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Hope this helps!