Got a call at 7:10 a.m. to substitute for 7th grade math - had to be there for 7:30 a.m. Added to the pressure of only having 20 minutes to get to class, I was also reflecting on my lack of math skills! If I had struggled with 5th grade math earlier this week, how would I possibly cover 7th grade math??
One benefit to subbing for a math teacher with OCD is that everything is clearly marked, seating charts are organized and labeled - I can tell who everyone is and where they sit.
I get my first dreaded question of the day "Ms. Pleasant, could I have some help?:" "Certainly," I reply, "but it may not come from me...I'll see what I can do." Another blessing is that the desk has a teacher's manual. If I'm able to see the correct answer I can work backwards and decipher how it came to be. Phew!
As I'm explaining simple fractions and ways to break down fractions for their next section, I notice that "Will" in the front row (who has the loudest mouth in class and who is continually interrupting) is wearing a rubber bracelet which reads "I like boobies." I remember this is the same boy I had in chorus about a month ago. I wish I knew the rules regarding appropriate class dress. This rule would also apply to the young girl who was wearing a green St. Patrick's Day tshirt with the collar and sleeves ripped off - she pulled the neckline off her shoulders and her bra straps were showing. Is this allowed? Are they taking advantage of a substitute? I decide that I have to choose my battles and decide to not draw attention to either student.
Unfortunately, Will did not make it through the entire 50 minutes of class. He left for Room 314, I don't believe he'll be returning to class. Speaking out, making noises, slapping down on the desk with his hands and with his book, he really doesn't want to be here and he's so disruptive that those who DO want to work can't.
On the other hand, here is "Lydia," who quietly goes about her work, finishes her entire classwork in 25 minutes and has 30 minutes of free time until the end of class. She is intellectual, she is quiet, and she doesn't mind taking the rest of the class time to reorganize her work binder so that it becomes neater, and she also offers to help other students who may need assistance. Nice girl, I hope she can continue to focus as she does as she moves up in the grades.
Once again I say, "God Bless These Teachers!" Raging hormones, various work ability, different ethnic, socioeconimic backgrounds, and the teachers manage to maintain consistency in class. What other profession requires this continuous adaptation to their routine while achieving and maintaining national standards?
And to top it all off, I have a set of identical twins in class. I didn't quite notice at first, they were both wearing green shirts and not sitting next to each other. As I tried to get through role call and check the seating charts, I finally recognized that they looked very much like each other! Good thing they're well behaved and interested in working on math. Another day survived...
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