Whats in my Subbing Bag

(Designed) Clipboard- This is an essential tool for the substitute teacher. Lesson plans are very important and need to be with you the whole day. Get a clipboard that stands out so if you set your plans somewhere you can find it or ask a student, “do you know where I put that cool clipboard I had?”
Planner- Keep record of your subbing days with the name of the teacher you subbed for so you can make sure you are being paid correctly and can keep track of how many years you have to put towards getting your professional certification (180 days subbing = 1 year). You may also get asked to take days in advance and you will want to know what you have available.
Colored Pens- Grading papers. Also stands out when leaving notes on plans.
Folder/Binder- Put all important subbing papers in one spot (school calendar, phone numbers, computer passwords, etc.).
Accordion file folder- Keep materials for different grades in each section in case the teachers plans aren't long enough or not their at all.
Whistle or bell- A whistle is great for calling the kids to go back inside and a bell really gets their attention in a classroom. I prefer to use clap patterns with elementary classes but I have used the bell in middle and high school and it usually works.
Candy/Stickers/Prizes- Rewards are a great way to get students to stay on task. Many teachers already have a reward system but if they don't put how it is used in their plans then resort to using your own. Elementary students respond well to stickers and pencils/toys but middle/highschool are usually all about the candy.
Sticky Notes- Some things other than the plans will need notes (example: Finished and Unfinished math papers or “A student brought me this book that is missing pages”)
(High School) Referrals, Attendance Forms, Passes- Ask the office if you can get copies of these. Sometimes it is easier just to carry your own then to try and find where the teacher keeps them.
Ball/Card Games- Let the students toss a ball in a circle while waiting for the bus (make sure it is soft and can't break anything) or give the kids in your study hall cards to play with. They like new things to do, it will keep them occupied and make you look cool.
(Elementary) Read Aloud Books- If you have extra time between subjects you can fill time with reading. My favorites are The Book With no Pictures by B. J. Novak and Ish by Peter Reynolds and pretty much any children's poetry book for the older ones.
(Elementary)Labels- Not knowing students names makes it very hard to have good classroom management. Some students sit at desks with their names but they wont always be in that seat. Plain All Purpose Labels can be used to give students name tags and are much cheaper than "Hello my name is..." stickers.
USB- Keep extra lessons or brain break videos on a USB that you can plug in and use on a smart board.
Book/Magazines- You will have planning periods and down times where there wont be much to do. Bring a book to read so you wont be bored but you still look professional when someone walks in.

Subbing Tips and Tricks

Dress like a Teacher- Wear professional looking clothes that are easy to move around in. You may have to do a lot of squatting, bending and even hustling around. Pockets are also good for carrying important things like your classroom key. Never wear jeans.

Show up early- Try to get there at least 5 or so minutes earlier than required. Many schools have you show up right before the students arrive but you will need time to read through the lesson plans and find the materials needed for the lessons. Another important thing you can do is find the emergency/fire exit plan and make sure you know what you should be doing in case of a drill. If you are only working an afternoon come in early so you can ask the teacher any questions before they leave.

Write your name on the board- The Students will forget it and call you teacher or hey you.
Greet the students- Try to learn names if possible and keep the attendance on hand. I like to bring sticker labels to make name tags for elementary.

Follow the plans- Aside from keeping the children safe, this is the main task of a substitute teacher. Try to stay on task the whole day and cover what you can. Try to follow plans exactly how they are written and don't skip to other things unless you know for sure it is okay. If a lesson has many steps, write it on the board so the students can follow and you can remember.
I like to read the plans to the students at the beginning of class so they know just what is expected and don't ask me a million questions about the day.
If the plans don't say what to do with finished papers, keep them and let the teacher let them take them home when they want. Many times, especially in lower grades; teachers will leave extra things to do so don't panic if you don't cover everything. (If for some reason there is no plans, call the office or ask another teacher nearby who may know what you are doing. Sometimes the teachers don't know they will be out and have to email the plans to the school. You can also keep extra plans in your bag if needed or find out what was covered the day before a have a review day but always ask first.)

Don't believe everything the kids say- They can be awful little liars. If there is something you really need to know about ask another teacher or call the office- sometimes threatening that can just work.

Find the students that will help- This is usually easier to pick out in the younger grades and some teachers will actually tell you in the plans who the tougher kids are and who to let help you. With older kids ask the whole class. Most of the time the majority will go along with something that is untrue but there is usually someone who will give in.

Be fun- No one wants a mean substitute so as long as you are still getting through what the teacher wants and following the rules, its okay to have a little fun and be lenient. Tell them they can talk and use cell phones if they get through what they need to before the bell rings or play Simon Says with the extra time you have waiting for art. Let them ask you questions (Is that your real hair color? How old are you? How do you feel about Miley Cyrus?). Joke around with them, be careful using sarcasm in the younger grades though, some of them haven't got it yet.

Be professional- Just because you are having fun doesn't mean you can be inappropriate. Use language you would if the principal was standing in the room and don't allow the students to talk about inappropriate things either.

Be Flexible- The teacher may have forgotten there was a assembly that day or the school may need you to switch from one class to the next for testing. Just go with the flow and try to make things as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

Write down everything- Tell the teacher both the good and bad of the day. Make sure they know about every note that comes in, every student that leaves early and every problem a kid may have. Also tell them what you accomplished or did not get to, if there is something you didn't understand in the plans you should tell them that too. I write my notes right on the plans that are left for me it's easy, simple and the teachers can follow right along with our day. You are better off giving them all the information they might need, even if they don't need it; then not giving them enough, when they do need it.

Leave your information- Some substitutes leave business cards on teachers desk or write thank you notes. These are nice touches but not necessary. I just end my notes with a nice little summary of how the kids were, a thank you and my information (name, number, email) in case they need to contact me.

Before I start teaching as a sub I always go over some quick expectations with the students as a reminder.

Same rules apply
-Don't ask to do things you know your teacher wouldn't let you do.
-Do things the way you normally would if your regular teacher was here.
Things will be different
-I can't/don't do things the same as your teacher.
-I follow the rules and procedures your teacher left me.
Help me, don't yell at me
-If I am doing something different or wrong, raise your hand and politely explain.
-If you don't know exactly where something is, don't go through the teachers stuff to find it.
I also give this Warning: Your teacher will find out everything, good and bad. Even if you get away with it today you will regret it tomorrow. If you are good I will tell your teacher how great you are and how much I want to come back next time she needs a sub.

Know any tips you think I should add? Have any great subbing stories? Please Share!

Stitch Fix

I got my first Stitch Fix box this month.
Stitch Fix is a personal styling service that sends individually picked clothing and accessories items for a one-time styling fee of $20. You tell them your sizes and take a quiz that helps your stylist figure out your style. You can also connect your stylist with a pinterest page that shows them really what your style is about and they send you a box of clothes and accessories to match your style. The best part is, that $20 fee goes towards any items you choose to buy.
A lot of my teacher friends and teachers on the blogs I follow use Stitch Fix because it is a great way to find cute, appropriate and well fitting clothes for work. Please feel free to use my referral  to get your own Stitch Fix submission.

 I thought Stitch Fix did a great job hitting my style for my first box. The bright colors, patterns and prints are perfect for me. I also thought everything I tried on fit perfectly. The only thing that kept me from buying them all is cost. As someone who waits to buy her clothes half off from thrift shops, Stitch Fix's only downfall for me is I don't really have the ability to continue buying the clothes I like from them.
If you are a stylish girl with a reasonable income Stitch Fix is for you.

I did end up keeping this adorable Karolina Spaghetti Strap Polka Dot Dress though. It was too perfect to give up and is exactly my style. I'm sure I can find plenty of reasons to wear it that will more than make up for the cost.

Flushing the Issue of Notice and Notes with Struggling Readers

The sixth grade teachers I started working with this month have been using the book Notice and Note: Strategies for Close Reading  by  Kylene Beers, Robert E Probst. The book does a great job of explaining how to get kids close reading and gives strategies for reading fiction books. The signpost lessons teach students to look for specific details in the books they are reading, such as when a character does something that contrasts with what you expect or when a situation shows up in the book "again and again".

The Sixth Grade students I am working with are reading the book Flush by Carl Hiaasen. The English teacher assigned a chapter each week and it was the students job to find these details and use them to fill out a worksheet. My job working with the special Ed consultant, was to find a way to help the student I work with take these notes on his own. 

Because I found myself constantly pointing out these parts of the book I thought if I could show him where they were, he would be able to figure out the importance of the detail given.
I did what I do best and thrift shopped a $2.00 hard cover version of the book and highlighted each "Stop, Notice and Note" section in its own color. I also underlined any difficult words that he may find unfamiliar and could show up on his class vocabulary sheet.

I made and highlighted the students note taking sheet with these same colors and made a bookmark to help remind him what each color meant. 

I added pictures for important events so it was easy for him to go back and see what happened in previous chapters. I eventually stopped drawing the pictures and allowed the boy I worked with to imagine and draw his own pictures,

After several weeks of helping him master the Notice and Note taking strategies he was able to fill out sheets on his own and was excited to share with the class. 

Weight Loss Tips You Probably Could Have Read On Any Other Site

A lot of people comment on my weight loss at school since most of them remember me as a chubby fourth grader or an overweight teen. I wish I had some magic trick to give them on how they could do it too but really it just took a lot of eating right and working out. Surprising right? I totally understand how hard it is as a teacher to lose weight. Long days, busy schedules and cupcakes for every birthday party are  

Tip #1: Use Technology

You are on your smartphones and computers all the time anyway right? There are hundreds of sites that track your calories, fitness, goals and steps for you. I use myfitnesspal every day to keep track of how many calories I consume and how many I work off. There are lots of other teachers on Myfitnesspal to help cheer you on. I also use my wii fit for exercise. I know it sounds silly but watching your mii get all dumpy looking can be great motivation. Lastly, just look up healthy stuff online. I cook very healthy and have found all sorts of fun workouts and that would never have been possible without the help of my best friend internet.

Tip #2: Do What You Enjoy

Not everyone is going to enjoy going to the gym or running. Being around a lot of other people is really intimating, especially if you have body issues. I like to run on my treadmill or wii fit at home. That way I can watch episodes of Community and Orange is the New Black while working out. Also look into fitness programs for your school. Our weight room and track is open to teachers before and after school and they also offer yoga, water aerobic and my personal favorite Zumba. Find what you enjoy most and do it as often as you can.

Tip #3: Stay Positive

You wont see results right away and it can be very discouraging. It is also hard not to be embarrassed when you are over weight and trying to be healthier because it feels like everyone is judging you. Try to make friends who are working on the same goal as you or just make working out “you time”. My friends make me feel lame sometimes for counting my calories but I try not to let it bother me and just eat less chicken finger pizza than I would have before.

Tip #4: Treat Yo Self

Don’t give up the foods you love or going playing around online because you feel lazy. I still eat the sweets I love in moderation and sit for hours on pinterest after a hard workout. Rewards are also great motivation. I only watch shows I love while running and I eat a fresh baked cookie after I accomplish all my plans for the day. Also, get yourself some awesome workout clothes and gear so you can be excited to use them.

Tip #5: Remember There are So Many Better Things About You then How Much You Weigh

Be interesting, be creative, be fun, be helpful, be ACTIVE. Do not worry about being skinny or pretty or like other people. Be you. I say this knowing that I break this tip often. But the world is frustrating and even having people tell me how good I look after losing weight is upsetting sometimes. More people should tell you how good you look when you’re working hard or smiling. They should say, “You look amazing now that you are doing that thing you enjoy without worrying what other people think about it.” but they wont so just stop caring what they think. Tell yourself instead. 

Cause if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you ganna love somebody else?

Can I get an amen?

Where I Am At (May)

The weather finally got better this month which means so did my mood. :) I bought an Erin Condrin life planner this moth to try it out. I fell in love as soon as I got it and have been recommending it to all the other teachers I know. I will be posting about it soon.
Use my code to get your own.
Keeping a planner has been helping me get back into healthy eating, workouts and getting my house back together.

I began working with sixth graders this moth that are on the spectrum. The best part about this new experience is I am with them for English class which has always been one of my favorite subjects.

I had an interview with a summer program that works with low-income rural students. The program is based on the Reggio Emilia approach which I'm really excited about and helps them develop self-esteen, social skills, and reduce high-risk behaviors. My job will be lots of scaffolding and data collecting. I will be starting to work for the program next month when school ends.

This was also my last month of teaching Jr. Church. I had a great time working with the kids in my class but it with my new job starting and Grad School just around the corner, I need a break.

#Weareverythinginmycloset

I have started posting pictures of all of my teaching outfits on instagram. Almost all my clothes come from thrift shops and since I shop so often I want to make sure I am keeping track of what I still wear and what I don't so I started the hashtag #weareverythinginmycloset.

A lot of my style is vintage. I love colors and floral and polka dots.

I think my students really respond to the way I dress and it is a big part of the type of teacher I am. I dress up for every holiday and school event and season. It is hard not to find a reason to dress up.

First Interview

Last week I was called for my first interview. I had my interview the next day and the next morning I
 received an email letting me know I was not moving on in the interview process. Three days and it was over. I wrote a thank you to the school for their time and I started filling out new applications.

I have read several blogs on how to prepare yourself for interviews. I've gone through dozens of “best answers to interview questions” and “key words to use to get you the job” posts but never read a single thing on what do if they didn't hire me. So I made a little list for myself and those of you who are also still searching.

Thank the people you interviewed with, as well as everyone rooting for you.

Stay positive

Fix what you felt could be better

Get as much feedback as you can

Fill out another application for every rejection you get

Remember it doesn't mean you are a bad teacher, maybe just not what they need at the moment

The best thing about this interview was finally crossing "teacher interview" off my bucket list and my friend gave me a new affirmation that goes so well with my blog.
“You are already a teacher. You just need a class.”

And find a class I shall.

Where I Am At

March was a tough month to get through because of the bad weather and antsy kids. Luckily it also gave us a break. This meant a week where I was able to get some house work done. Upstairs is finally done, now I just have to finish the downstairs. My “Try Something New” of the month was to drive to New Jersey to see friends for the first time (I hate driving) by myself.  The beginning of April means Easter and Easter means an extra big Sunday School lesson. It is time to get back to my routines; get back to exercising every day, waking up earlier and reading more. Now I just need some sunshine for motivation.

The biggest news of the month is I was accepted to Grad School for Literacy and will be attending in the fall.

Pink and Red Paper Hearts

Most single girls seem to dislike Valentine’s Day. They see it as a day to point out that they are alone and have no one to buy them chocolates or jewelry. I however love the girly, made up, over commercialized holiday (and not just because Target always has 70% off the best chocolates the week after). Valentine’s Day at an elementary school means heart stamped worksheets, pink cupcakes and paper bags full of goodies. Some of my favorite books as a kid were also Valentine ’s Day themed. I couldn't wait until I could actually spend the holiday in a classroom of young kids.

Okay, so mine aren't as great as hers but they were fast and easy.
The supplies for the valentines were pretty cheap. I already had plastic, ziplock bags and paper so I only bought the food I needed. I made my own printout since I only had a black and white printer and then I colored them in myself.

I used orange Mike & Ikes instead of candy corn since it was out of season but they worked perfectly and were just the right shape. Plus I had a bunch left over to share with the older kids.

I have been working with a Kindergarten class after the middle schooler I work with is dismissed. They are all fan of the movie Frozen (who isn't) so I couldn't resist making these cute Olaf valentines I found here on Pinterest by OneCreativeMommy.

The kids thought they were great and put their snowmen together as soon as they got them (this involved a lot of licking to make them stick). It also of course got them all to sing and give me warm hugs so I’d say it was an overall win. 

I also picked out the cutest Valentine’s Day outfit but we had a snow day on the actual day of the party so I never ended up wearing it to school. I guess I just have to show it to you instead.

Now I just have to wait for my other favorite part of Valentine'd Day. 70% off Valentine's candy and goods at Target.

Best Indoor Brain Break Classroom Games for Winter

I was never a fan of winter. It gets so cold where I am from that you pretty much stay inside six months of the year. This makes it incredibly easy to get cabin fever in a classroom. Inside recess can get a little crazy (especially for subs) so here are some fun, winter themed indoor games that seem to work well.

Frozen Heart Snowball Fight

Materials:

White paper (About one sheet per person) scrap paper is fine just make sure one side is blank)

Red Crayon, marker or colored pencil – draw a heart on a couple pieces of paper

This is a favorite of my Junior Church Class. I based the idea off of the movie Frozen which they also love.

Split the class into two teams and make a boundary line with each team on either side. Throw snowballs onto floor and say go. The students toss them back and forth until you say to stop. This is kind of like a dodge ball game but you can’t get each other out and the “snowballs” are soft and can’t be thrown hard enough to hurt someone. After a few minutes yell freeze, all the students stop and  have to open the “snowballs” in their hands (if they are hording more than one they must open them all). If they don’t have one, they pick one up from their side. If there is a heart in their snowball they are out. Collect the “snowballs”, mix them up and start again. Last team standing wins.

Penguin Waddle Race

Materials:

2 Plastic eggs, fist sized balls or bean bags for younger kids

Optional- 4 cheap paper plates

This game needs more preparation but it is an easy, exciting and slow moving game that will get the kids moving without hurting themselves or others.

Break into two relay teams and give the first person an “egg”. Place the egg between their feet (you can also give each kid two paper plates to stand on to act as their “flippers”. The students are mommy and daddy penguins and must move their eggs around the snowy Arctic without dropping them. The students then shuffle around the room without dropping their egg. When they return to their team they bend down carefully and place the egg on the next students feet .

Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Game

Materials:

2 Cube, dice or cube of some kind (paper cube directions here)

Marker – Write the names (or draw pictures for young kids) of the parts of a snowman, ex. Nose, eye, hat, button, mouth, arm. If using a dice you can make a chart that has the number next to the part.

Drawing Board or Large paper (white board or black board is best)

Yes most of my games are based on Frozen, but I think it is the cutest winter movie ever.

I break the class into two teams. I draw the basic 3 circle outline for the snowman on the board. The 1st person in each group starts with a die. On the count of 3 they both roll and draw whatever part they get, then it is the next persons turn in line. They continue until the snowman is complete. If a part is rolled that needs more than 1 (like eye, arm or buttons) then they need to roll those parts 2 times.

Also try having them race to get the parts or just add things as many times as they get them (a snowman with 5 hats and 3 noses). The kids seem to love making their snowmen really silly. You can also play this as a quite, sit down game when two kids draw on their own paper.

Snowflake Freeze

Materials:

Paper snowflakes (one for each kid)

Optional- Music

This is an adaption of one of my favorite indoor brain break games I call “Tissue Drop” but instead of tissues we use paper snowflakes the kids or I make beforehand. It is easy; each kid puts the snow flake on their head and begins to move around the room. I like to play music and have them dance. The snowflake must stay on their head (make sure they don’t try to cheat by getting them stuck in their hair- they will). If the snowflake falls the student has to freeze and wait for another player to help put their snowflake on their head without dropping their own snowflake. It is a good team work game and can be played without a winner. If you want a winner though you can call freeze or stop the music and the kids that don’t have snowflakes are out.

Plastic Bag Skate Race

Materials:

4 plastic shopping bags (or 2 for each kid in the class)

Break into two relay teams and give the first person two bags to be their “skates”. The students then have to slide on their skate down and back (without losing them). It is also fun to just have the kids be figure skaters and have them show you their best moves as they slide around.