I am terrified...

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Chuggs

Well-Known Member
Feb 6, 2012
3,777
6,426
Arkansas
I have signed up to be a substitute teacher of elementary aged children, and I could be called in as early as tomorrow. I am terrified! They give very little training (just a seminar that lasted maybe four hours), so I feel completely unprepared and as if I'm being "thrown to the wolves" so to speak. Anyone have any advice?
 

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
46,336
195,472
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Just north of Duma Key
Retired teacher here, Chuggs. Just stay in the positive. There will usually be a lesson plan to follow. Most teachers prepare for a substitute being needed for a day or two. And yes, the children will tell you all kinds of stories-- other than what their teacher assigned. At the elementary age level, not to worry about accomplishing lessons. If all else fails, read to them- talk with about your experience, do an impromptu hands on craft.

You will be fine, Chuggs. Just relax and have fun. Now then-- High School level is a totally different game.
 

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
Moderator
Apr 11, 2006
53,634
236,697
The High Seas
I have signed up to be a substitute teacher of elementary aged children, and I could be called in as early as tomorrow. I am terrified! They give very little training (just a seminar that lasted maybe four hours), so I feel completely unprepared and as if I'm being "thrown to the wolves" so to speak. Anyone have any advice?
I had a teacher tell me once, the younger they are, the more chance something is wet and they want to wipe it on you. Watch for moisture. Good luck!
 

HollyGolightly

Well-Known Member
Sep 6, 2013
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Heart of the South
Yay! Thanks all for the tips, etc...or at least just reading this thread! haha Anyhow, I think I'll be alright, I've got two daughters, one a fifth grader and the other fourth grader, so I'm not going in totally blind...

@HollyGolightly That made me smile.

Thanks again to all!

I'll post an update after my first class. :)
Oh yeah -if you've got kids that age, you'll do better than fine!
 
M

mjs9153

Guest
Yay! Thanks all for the tips, etc...or at least just reading this thread! haha Anyhow, I think I'll be alright, I've got two daughters, one a fifth grader and the other fourth grader, so I'm not going in totally blind...

@HollyGolightly That made me smile.

Thanks again to all!

I'll post an update after my first class. :)
I would think you will do fine Chuggsy,at least you care enough to give it a try,and accept the responsibility..and you have the good sense to be a SK fan, so you are obviously well read and smart..so go on in there and take care of the little ones,bet you will do great..
 

Sigmund

Waiting in Uber.
Jan 3, 2010
13,979
44,046
In your mirror.
Retired teacher here, Chuggs. Just stay in the positive. There will usually be a lesson plan to follow. Most teachers prepare for a substitute being needed for a day or two. And yes, the children will tell you all kinds of stories-- other than what their teacher assigned. At the elementary age level, not to worry about accomplishing lessons. If all else fails, read to them- talk with about your experience, do an impromptu hands on craft.

You will be fine, Chuggs. Just relax and have fun. Now then-- High School level is a totally different game.

Exactly what Ms. Spidey posted.:okay:

When I first started Subbing, first thing I would do is go to the teachers on the left, right, and across the hall in the room I was Subbing and let them know I was a Sub and ask for pointers. They have all been wonderful and helpful. They would even drop by and check up on me and the students! Yay!

You'll do fine. Promise.

Peace.