I got the call early this week, I was to fill in for Grade 6 today. While 6th grade is always invigorating, I know this teacher is well-organized and always leaves excellent notes and instructions for class work. Because it was SO HUMID when I woke up this morning, I dressed for comfort but still appropriate for the classroom. How lovely it was to arrive early and have an opportunity to go over lesson plans.
What????? Advisory and first two periods were covered. But, at 12:15 p.m. we were scheduled to take a WALKING field trip to the YMCA in downtown. Why didn't anyone tell me? It's raining out and I don't have a raincoat, I don't have my umbrella with me. I'm not wearing my sneakers, nor do I have clothing that is appropriate for a walking field trip. What hadn't anyone told me before I arrived - I've been scheduled to sub for the past four days, they knew I'd be here...
Before I can think of the field trip, however, I have classroom work to get through. In Social Studies we study Venezuela and the oil boom and the build up of the capital city of Caracas. Great discussions here, as the kids are beginning to connect the export of oil and the need for the USA to import oil. We talk about supply and demand and I can begin to see the lightbulbs turn on and begin to burn brightly. I feel it was a successful unit and I hope the teacher will be pleased with the work we got through.
In LA we divert from their regular schedule for a bit and go to their textbook to read a story together - focusing on identifying "foreshadowing" within the story and deciphering vocab. I'm pleased when most of the class volunteers to read out loud and participate. It ends up being a tragic story, however, one in which a very devoted German Shepherd dog passes away after protecting its owner (a young adolescent girl) after both were hit by a truck. Holy cow, a story with good literary deciphering but not a great example for 6th graders who are with a substitute teacher. One very sweet young student shared with us that she did not care for the ending, as she "gets very emotional" when reading these stories - she shared this with us as her eyes turned red and filled with tears. As the owner of a shepherd myself, it was all I could do to not break down in tears. We managed to discuss both the book and the intention behind the literary structure without any visible sobbing...ah, now recess and a break for lunch.
I take advantage of this break time to fit in the necessities before its time for the field trip. I rush out to pick up one dog and put him in my car, drive across town to the second house to pick up the second dog, and I take both dogs on misty, rainy walk during lunch break. I've been tied up in the classroom since early morning, but these poor dogs have been in their kennels for that same time. We have a great walk, they take care of business, and I leave them both with bones in the yard while I run in and put on my sneakers and a tshirt and pick up my rain slicker and an umbrella. My current pants will have to do, as I don't want to dig out my courderoys in the 75 degree heat.... One dog goes back in her kennel, I drive with the second one back to the other home so I can then return to school in time to head out on the walking field trip. A lunch "hour" filled with many things to do - not much different I'm thinking than every other "real" teacher who has 101 things to do in one block of time. Phew...already sweated up and we haven't even begun to walk yet!
I pack my backpack with my water bottle and the signed permission slips and the cash "entrance fee" for my class. However, 5 minutes before we leave someone brings me a bag from the nurse that holds medical notes on the students I am to chaperone, along with an epi pen for the girl with severe nut allergies and instructions regarding the boy who has seizures. While reviewing this medical information and getting the class prepared to head out in the rain, I inadvertently left the $$$ in my neatly organized packed bag back in the classroom. Oh gosh, I now know what I'll be doing AFTER school - driving back to the YMCA to drop off the $$$$$ . RATS! This was one of the 101 things that got forgotten!
All in all, I was prepared for the rain, the kids were great - they loved their activities, they loved the climbing wall and the game room and the gym activities. Its great. I'm an organized person and I like to be prepared. I know I can deal with changes in schedule and with emergencies, and even though my mind goes a million miles a minute while I'm "in the moment," I know that the kids don't see that side. They're able to be excited about their trip, they have a great time during the activities, and they even enjoyed walking back to school in the rain when the trip was done - thank goodness the lightening had stopped by then!
We arrived back at school with 15 minutes to spare before dismissal. I was glad I had brought in apples for snack - it was a better alternative to the popcorn that would have been strewn all over the floor. The kids munched away as they laughed at their soggy clothes and prepared to leave for the day. I left detailed notes for the teacher and packed up my bag. It was a pretty good day after all - successful classroom work and a successful field trip.
Tomorrow I head to 1st grade. I'm packing my sneakers and a change of clothes in the trunk of my car just in case. You never know what the day will bring.
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