K - 3 or 4

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Home : 2002 : March : 4

K - 3 or 4
By Ken M.

I just joined this wonderful resource.

I am in my mid 50's, I am sub'ing with Wisconsin sub. license for the schools that have trouble getting sub's with their full certification. My background is accounting/business; education
and work-wise. I decided to try the sub'ing route and may pick up the courses to be fully certified for teaching but am also looking for programs where I can take most of the courses on the Internet.
Anyhow, I have found I love sub'ing for the K - 4 or even 5th grade classes. I agree that doing the lower grades is a real work-out; the first couple of times I did these sub'ing

assignments I found that I must follow the class routine and, yes, those little ones are quick to tell you when you deviate, don't follow the daily jobs list, etc. But they are little sponges and can really give you lots of rewards, too.

I've discovered that the 4th - 6th grades, as far as "nice" and motivated kids is directly related to the quality of the prior teachers, discipline, enthusiasm, etc. I have a 3-day assignment next week for a 6th grade teacher who is absolutely wonderful and she asked for me as she said her kids loved me last year. She's one who misses very little school but has a conference coming up.

I find I always get to that classroom at least 1/2 hour early to walk the room, review teacher resources, etc. If possible I even try to visit the class and talk to the teacher ahead of the sub'ing day. It is always easier when you've sub'd for the teacher before; kids also remember you and you learn the kids who can help you and help get the others to cut you some slack if you deviate a bit.

Later this week I'll be put to a real test - several afternoons of pre-K - while I like full-day calls I also feel that doing 2 or 3 half-days will send a message to the school that I'm there to help out and not just earn the $. Hopefully it bumps you up a notch or two on the sub. call-in list and gets you known by other teachers.

We have a large Irish Wolfhound (2 grandchildren; empty nesters) and I have a book of pictures, etc. that I share with the kids. Also a small website on the dog which the kids love to look at on the computer. I generally clear this small activity with the teacher as I always make it priority to follow lesson plans and routines. Most teachers seem to like this small touch.

Yes, those teachers in the low elementary are hard-working and caring; I can cite many examples and know why they, too, are darned tired at the end of the day!

Best, Ken - Wisconsin