npc_death Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 I graduated on December 20th with a teaching degree, and I'm taking a long-term sub position in an 8th grade history class. Tomorrow is my first day. Made me realize I started FL when I was in the 8th grade. My, how time flies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinblades713 Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Bring a bean-bag launcher. It lets them know who's boss without giving them great injuries. Tissue bruising at the worst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dead Voodoo Doll Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Congratulations. If you're going to teach in South Carolina... well, I feel for you. Did you just graduate from Winthrop? What part of the state are you going to teach in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizz Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Congrats! It'll be tough starting in the middle of the year, but you can do it. Make full use of your mentors!!! A lot of new teachers are shy about asking for help. I suggest you start out the way you plan to teach the whole year. Have the students introduce themselves and offer one fact about themselves and a question for you. That should start the relationship going positive right away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
npc_death Posted January 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Graduated from Winthrop, and I'm teaching in Lancaster, SC. Yeah, I'm not too shy about asking for help, especially in the middle school since you're on teams. Thanks for the tip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRins Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Are you teaching a specific subject or just general teaching? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
npc_death Posted January 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 South Carolina History Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRins Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Well I can think of several historical things that have happened in SC...so at least you won't have a shortage of subject matter. (Fort Sumter jumps to mind). While I myself am not much for very linear subjects like history (I prefer philosophy or other classes where you can think or act creatively), my favorite history teachers always found a way to incorporate more than just event/person/date...regurgitate for test. I can remember stuff like period music or even just pictures of how people dressed then to really brighten up what can be monotonous and somewhat dry subject matter. Just something I thought might help a little. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iconz Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 aahhh... middle schoolers. I spent some time substitute teachin and now im teachin a math class of my own... theres tons of stuff you have to be ready for... Before my first day subbin.. my brother told me a story about Sun Tzu the famous chinese strategist... Sun Tzu’s book The Art of War, earned him an audience with the King of Wu, who said, “I have read your books, may i submit your theory of managing soldiers to a small test?” Sun Tzu replied “Sir, you may.” The King of Wu asked “Can the test be applied to women?” Sun Tzu replied that it could, so arrangements were made to bring 180 beautiful women from the palace. Sun Tzu divided them into two troops with one of the King’s favourite concubines at the head of each. He the made all of them take spears in their hands and spoke to them: “I presume you know the difference between front and back, right and left?” The women replied, “Yes. Of course” Sun Tzu continued, “When to the sound of drums I order ‘eyes front,’ look straights ahead. When I order ‘left turn,’ face toward your left. When I order ‘right turn’, face toward your right. When I order turn around, face around to the back. After the words of command had been explained, the women agreed they understood. He gave them spears so he could begin the drill. To the sound of drums, Sun Tzu ordered ‘right turn.’ In response the women burst out in laughter. With great patience, Sun Tzu said, “If the instructions and words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame.” He then repeated the explanations several times. This time he ordered the drums to signal ‘left turn,’ and again the women burst into laughter. Then Sun Tzu said, “If the instructions and words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if the commands are clear and the soldiers disobey, then it is the fault of the officers.” He immediately ordered the women who were at the head of the two troops to be beheaded. Of course, the King was watching from a raised pavilion, and when he saw that his two favourite concubines were about to be executed, he was alarmed and swiftly sent down a message: “We are now quite satisfied as to the general’s ability to manage troops. Without these concubines, my food and drink will not taste good. It is the King’s wish that they not be beheaded.” Sun Tzu replied, “Having received the sovereign’s commission to take charge and direct these troops, there are certain orders I cannot accept.” He immediately had the two concubines beheaded as an example and appointed the two next in line as the new leaders. Now the drums were sounded and the drill began. The women performed all the maneuvers exactly as commanded. They drilled perfectly in precision and did not utter a single sound. Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King of Wu saying, “Your Majesty, the soldiers are now correctly drilled and perfectly disciplined. As sovereign, you may choose to require them to go through fire and water and they will not disobey.” The King responded, “Our commander should cease the drill and return to his camp. We do not wish to come down and inspect the troops.” With great calm, Sun Tzu said, “This King is only fond of words and cannot carry them into deeds.” im not kiddin you when i tell you that i applied that thought of mind to the class... you have to be very strict from jump street... else youll lose control of the class real quick. You have to establish who the boss is... the first person who steps out of line you come down reaaaaaaaal hard on them... no one will want to test you after that... and then as time comes to pass they will come to respect you... and then you can ease back a bit. One of the worst mistakes teachers make is they think they can be cool w/ the kids and not be too mean... be mean (but fair) first else they will walk all over you... especially the 8th graders cuz they think they are so old and mature. They just wont respect you... and theyll make your time a living hell. also... see if you can find some sort of gimmick... every time i substituted.. i drew a picture of a Family Guy character on the board. The kids loved it... it put them at ease... and made them interested in what i had to say b/c they didnt know any of their teachers watched Family Guy... Get to know your teammates... find out who is the hardass that the kids hate on your team... i used to just kick people out and send them to that teacher... but since youre long-termin youll have to handle those issues yourself... oh and they will always want to waste your time w/ pointless arguments about "Why". Explain to them once real calm... and if they try to ask more just tell em "Because I can/said so... thats why... you got a problem with that?" and if they're dumb enough to say yeah, "Ok... well you can go take it up with your assistant principal/dean/vice principal/principal/etc or whoever." Its crazy how many of these kids are really just lookin for someone who will be firm but fair w/ em and wont tolerate their s**t... and especially bein a guy (teaching is dominated by women... not sayin its bad not sayin its good... it just statistically is) they dont get a chance to have that male figure in the classroom. __________________ Iconz - Welcome to the world of teaching.. or as i liked to call it... goin another day w/out chokin out someones brat haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
npc_death Posted January 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Thanks, Iconz. That's sound advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudder Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Thanks' date=' Iconz. That's sound advice.[/quote'] Beheading the lead trouble makers!? You guys been playing too much FL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clavrus Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Congratulations man, good luck with everything Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Telufial Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 woah... clavrus? your still alive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
npc_death Posted January 31, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 First day went fine, and everyone still has his/her head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a-guitarist Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 I'd suggest adding the term "Crotchfruit" to your daily lexicon. But.... congrats. You've got a big set on you to teach these days, specifically moreso being a male in the profession. I always admired you as a player, and forum personality, here (will continue to, as well), and it makes me very happy that kids are going to be looking up to you. And, honestly, knowing that teachers are in such short supply, I'd seriously suggest one thing: Take risks. I don't mean totally mack on that hottie in the third row, as that is horrible (unless she's 18... but, even then, maybe...). But if some kid starts disrespecting you for no good reason, put them in their damn place. If you're fired, well, that school is out a good teacher and you're on your way to a new job in a different school. Don't be afraid to mix "grades" with "learning", as grades don't always mean the kids are learning. And, always remember... if some kid is a lost cause and an outcast, drop 'em the URL for this mud. a-g Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarriorCleric Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 aahhh... middle schoolers. I spent some time substitute teachin and now im teachin a math class of my own... theres tons of stuff you have to be ready for... Before my first day subbin.. my brother told me a story about Sun Tzu the famous chinese strategist... im not kiddin you when i tell you that i applied that thought of mind to the class... you have to be very strict from jump street... else youll lose control of the class real quick. You have to establish who the boss is... the first person who steps out of line you come down reaaaaaaaal hard on them... no one will want to test you after that... and then as time comes to pass they will come to respect you... and then you can ease back a bit. One of the worst mistakes teachers make is they think they can be cool w/ the kids and not be too mean... be mean (but fair) first else they will walk all over you... especially the 8th graders cuz they think they are so old and mature. They just wont respect you... and theyll make your time a living hell. also... see if you can find some sort of gimmick... every time i substituted.. i drew a picture of a Family Guy character on the board. The kids loved it... it put them at ease... and made them interested in what i had to say b/c they didnt know any of their teachers watched Family Guy... Get to know your teammates... find out who is the hardass that the kids hate on your team... i used to just kick people out and send them to that teacher... but since youre long-termin youll have to handle those issues yourself... oh and they will always want to waste your time w/ pointless arguments about "Why". Explain to them once real calm... and if they try to ask more just tell em "Because I can/said so... thats why... you got a problem with that?" and if they're dumb enough to say yeah, "Ok... well you can go take it up with your assistant principal/dean/vice principal/principal/etc or whoever." Its crazy how many of these kids are really just lookin for someone who will be firm but fair w/ em and wont tolerate their s**t... and especially bein a guy (teaching is dominated by women... not sayin its bad not sayin its good... it just statistically is) they dont get a chance to have that male figure in the classroom. __________________ Iconz - Welcome to the world of teaching.. or as i liked to call it... goin another day w/out chokin out someones brat haha. One big fat THIS. Sound advice on teaching. My gig is quite a bit different from what you guys are doing, but everything in here is spot on. Don't let the vocal minority control the pace of the class, I can imagine as a sub you'll get the 'That's not how we do it!' line a lot, I get it because I have co-teachers, but you are the boss so make sure they know it. Like Iconz says, you need the respect. Another thing I do is that I reward the students who make an effort by actually being interested in them. (Giving bonus points only works well with the grade grubbers who care about +3 on one quiz) I ask them what's going on, how are they, what did they do this weekend, etc. I pretty much ignore the outside lives of the kids who make problems, and if you have their respect they won't like that. It won't take long for them to come around then, took me about three to four months, and I only saw them two or three times a week. Some kids just won't give a damn, you'll always have one little ****, try not to make him/her the wiping boy. It just disenchants them further and disrupts the class, instead expel their *** from the room, send them to the principle, another teachers room to do some work, etc. Just get the attention whore out of the class. When I was still in college, I was helping out Math classes at a high school, in one class I had more authority over the kids than the teacher. The guy was just a ****ing doormat for them, and it was because he let them get away with murder, he was too concerned with being the cool guy. I became the strict bastard, (shocking, I know) but the strange thing was they wanted my help, not his. WC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WagesofSin Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 Have the students introduce themselves and offer one fact about themselves and a question for you. That should start the relationship going positive right away. hahhaha! Am I the only one who hated when the teachers made you say all this stuff in class? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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