As a teacher, what happens when you have to be out of the classroom?
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| A Not So Fun Day to Explain … |
I know for myself there could be many different reasons as to why I would need to be out for a day or more, and you are probably no stranger to this happening to you as well.
But what really happens when you are out of your classroom? How do you feel your students will treat the substitute? More importantly, do you fear the report you may receive or have to fear that you may not be able to take another day off?
What Happens When You Are Out Of Your Classroom?
Usually, when I am out of the classroom my students are pretty well-behaved and I do not have to worry while I am away, however, this school year has been quite the opposite. After having to be out one day a few months ago, and twice more since, the reports have not been as great as I am used to. I know I'm hearing ‘world wide' that everyone's student behaviors are quite different this year, compared to years before.
I typically leave behind easy packets or stories for the students to complete. I'm sure some of you are like me who also leave behind lesson plans that don't really require your substitute to teach a math lesson. In fifth grade, if the sub hasn't really prepared for the lesson, or quite frankly used this math on a daily basis, then they will probably struggle trying to help the students, which will result in me having to reteach and ‘fix' anything that might have been taught. (No offense subs – we LOVE you and we KNOW it's tough stuff)!!
However, even with the easiest assignments left behind, I still have students that do not complete any assignment left, nor do they feel they need to. I decided enough was enough. I created a document to have my students fill out when I return from being out, just to gauge what the environment was like, good or bad. We use it to have community discussions, and I use the document with parents when I invite them in for a meeting or call to communicate concerns or praises.
You can find the free document While My Teacher Was Away by clicking the link. There are also editable copies for you to include your own name!
How Do You Feel Your Students Will Treat the Substitute?
In general, they typical saying “while the teachers away, the kids will play” seems to be true. I sit on the fence in regards. I WANT my students to have a little fun while I am away. It's not easy having a different adult in the classroom, leading and guiding, than what you are used to. However, I only believe in this when they the students are respectful and have earned this fun. I feel as if the substitute should be treated with respect, no matter their position as the leader for the day. Most of the time we know who will be in charge of our classroom and that puts our minds at ease, but every now and then you put in for a sub and PRAY someone will pick up the job, so you don't have to worry more. I wonder if you are like me and worry that your students give this newbie, and oldie, such a hard time they may never want to return to your classroom, like ever again!??
Do You Fear the Sub Report That Will Be Left Behind?
Okay. Here's where things may become a little fearful. Occasionally, I absolutely fear the report I will get from the sub! Am I alone? Truthfully, I worry if I have left in depth detailed reports, enough for the sub to feel like she is absolutely me for a day and she has the power to steal my teacher identity.
Let's look on the bright side, the report could go one of two ways: Good or Bad!! There really isn't a happy medium or gray spot. So there's hope.
If the report is bad, a great sub will hopefully leave detailed notes to assist you in pinpointing the suspects.
If the report is great, YAY ….. THEY'LL COME BACK! <3
In the end, it is very important for you to consider your options. You should NOT have to fear taking any more future days off based on negative feedback received. If your students are behaving in a way that is not so grateful, it may be time to reach out to internal and external resources for support. It is okay to ask for help and it is VERY okay to take care of yourself by taking a day off! Your students, parents, family, and your INNER SELF will be thankful!
Additionally, here are a few of my favorite resources to use when a sub is in your room:
11 Responses
I LOVE these resources for substitute days! This year I've started an idea I saw on social media. I leave a poster that says: "What Did You Do Today that Will Make Mrs. Olsen Proud?" There's a sticky note on it for each student, and I make a big deal out of their responses when I return. It has helped, but I'm afraid it might lose its novelty so it's always good to have new things to add to the bag of tricks! Thank you for these ideas!
I love how your sub report holds the students accountable for their own actions and forces them to do some self-reflection. Thanks so much!
This is such a great post! As I think you know, I have three classes – one is particularly challenging (think most challenging in 27 years). They have made a couple of subs cry.
What a great idea! I pinned this for later!
These are great tips! I love that you put the responsibility back onto the student. They have to own their actions and behavior while there was a sub. I also like that I can use these at parent conferences or to conference with the child about what they can do next time. Thank you!
Oh these are great! I’d love to be a fly on the wall when I am not in the classroom but we all know that can’t happen. But this will allow us to get the inside scoop of how the day actually went. These are great thank you!
WOW! Great activities for when a substitute is present! I never like to be away from my students but these activities will be sure to help ease some of that stress! Thank you so much for sharing!
These activities are so great and helpful! My students always did pretty well for subs thankfully but it’s always helpful to have some extra activities like these on hand!
Such great ideas! I dread the report, but I’m usually pleasantly surprised!
I really appreciate this! I am always so meticulous with my sub stuff bc I’m afraid something may happen!
This is a great way to keep students accountable for their actions and get clued in on how the day away went when you return! Thank you for sharing your awesome ideas!