Sub Days

Usually I write on the weekends, but I have been flat-out ill.  I missed work on Thursday and Friday, and am staying home again today.  I have strep-throat, a bi-annual illness I seem to always get around Halloween.  Fortunately, it came early this time so I should be well enough to start devouring Hershey bars and Reese's Peanut Butter cups in no time.

Most teachers dread taking a day off because planning for a sub is more work than it's worth to stay home sick.  I mean, who can't deal with a little sniffle here and there to avoid the pain of drafting all those plans?  I believe that being a good teacher involves not only taking care of your students and your responsibilities as a teacher, but taking care of yourself.  This means, take a mental health day if you need it.  Take a personal day if you need it.  If you're sick- stay home.

However, many teachers don't take care of themselves because they simply don't like the work of creating sub plans. Well, I have a solution.

1) I promise the kids early on in the year, before I ever miss a day of school, that good reports from subs will earn them a sub party at the end of the year. They need to earn a sub each day I'm gone.

2) I create sub plans that work for any day, any year.  Don't believe me? I'm posting them below.

So, the Sub Party... Each day I get a good report from the sub, I add a slice of the sub to our sub board.  One great thing about Subway restaurants... they are often locally owned.  I cozy up to the owner of the one near my school.  In fact, I stop there for lunch quite often so they know me well.  They donated a poster to me with a picture of their 4 foot sub, and a party platter on it.  We use this to keep track of how close we are to earning a sub party.  Then, I have negotiated with the owner to get me the 4 foot sub at half price in June.

Then, as far as management for the day goes with the sub, I tell him or her to write PARTY on the top of the white board.  If he/she has to discipline the group, move magnets or do anything outside of taking care of perfect angels all day, she erases letters.  If all of the letters are erased, they don't earn the sub.

Now, for the plans.  I know you're all curious as to what I do.

First, I don't worry about sticking to the exact lessons we're on in the curriculum. I am lucky that my district doesn't have a totally scripted curriculum that requires me to be on a certain lesson on a certain day.  I can catch back up when I return, especially under regular circumstances when I am only gone one day.  I have subs do DIFFERENT things than I would- and I make sure they are FUN.  This makes it easier for the sub to manage the group and keep them engaged.

First, I write up a general plan including my schedule each day, a quick run down of the students in the class, and any important things to know, such as my signals and whatnot. I keep everything for subs in folders and ziplocks in a medium sized rubbermaid tub that I keep labeled and under my desk.

So here's the schedule.  You'll have to adapt according to your own program:

8:00 Arrival:  Write on the board:  Hello, my name is "Mrs. X".  How many new words can you create with my name?"  - If the same sub is there multiple days, she may write something like, "Ms. Kaplan is still sick. How many words can you think of that rhyme with sick?"

8:15 Morning Meeting: Regular Routine with number of the day.  Greeting game and the kids learn something about the sub and share something about themselves. If the sub is there multiple days, too bad.  They can still get to know one another and play those get to know you games. It kills time and helps the sub learn their names!

8:45 Math Workshop:  I don't worry about the exact focus of math at the exact time of the year.  I try to create something kids can do any time, any place.  Measurement is the perfect activity for this! Our measurement unit is not very long, so any extra chances to measure are perfect for any group.

The sub lists 10 things on the board for the kids to measure.  She can make them up, and they can be indoors or out- the choice is up to her and depends on the weather.   I have made a handout for this where the kids first estimate, and then actually measure.  They can measure anything from their own body parts, to playground equipment, to small things like blocks and pens, or the length of the room.

Even if the sub is there for 3 days, she can adapt the measuring each day to stretch the kids in new ways.  I also have about 4 picture books on measuring which I keep in the rubbermaid tub, specifically for a sub to use.  I will use these throughout the year- even when I am teaching measurement concepts, because the kids don't tire of them and the books remain useful, even with multiple readings.  Don't be afraid to repeat things the sub may do.  It will give you a chance to assess and observe as well.

Worse case scenario, I keep a bingo game for addition, and one for subtraction in the sub kit. The ONLY time my kids play bingo is on party days or with subs!  They love it.  I always try to keep things in the room that the kids KNOW about but know they are only for VERY SPECIAL occasions.  By not playing bingo at any other time, the kids know think it's really rad when they get to play it.

9:45 Reader's Workshop:

The routines for this should be set in place, so it doesn't take too much to plan for if you don't have the sub do guided reading.  This is NOT my usual reader's workshop, but the time is definitely not wasted, and the kids usually stay focused and get something positive from these experiences.

1- The sub reads aloud a short picture book from the 3-5 that I keep in the box.

2- Students draw their favorite part of the book, and write about their favorite part

3- Students share their pieces

4- Silent reading

5- Kids gather and do book talks on what they read, the strategies they used, etc.

This takes ALMOST no planning, except to have the books available and to have your students know how to read silently... if your kids don't read silently, you're screwed. 

10:30 Recess

10:50 Writer's Workshop:

Sub reads a mentor text.  I like Dogzilla and Kat Kong, as examples, but have a few other choice books as well. I make sure they are SUPER ENGAGING books, with simple stories for the kids to work with.

Then, they write their own versions of a story they know.  They get to share their stories, draw illustrations, etc.  I have about 4 other books in my box, but these two are the most popular. You can do it with any book, really.  I also ALWAYS suggest they write me Get Well Cards, which I appreciate! I usually bring a little Hershey's Hug to anyone who writes me a get well card. There's nothing wrong with a little bribery once in awhile! 

12:00 Lunch/Recess

1:00  Read Aloud- we always have this going on, so no big deal for the sub to do that

1:30 Specialist

2:00 Art Choice (This is always fun!) Basically, the kids get to make art.  I have plenty of supplies.  My school doesn't have an art specialist, so it's my responsibility to teach art.  We have a weekly art time, but I can adjust that and allow for Art Choice if I am gone and get back to the "work" of art when I come back. 

2:40 Clean up, Closing Meeting, Packing up

3:00 Dismissal

Once I make these plans for the YEAR, I never have to make them again! Seriously! 

I put some picture books in a box, and leave it at that!  I have copied units from this book, in case I am out for a week because I am in some horrible freak accident!

These decks of cards are great in case the sub needs more ideas, or doesn't like my plans.

Also, keep in mind that most subs are super knowledgeable and have a huge array of activities they may want to do.  Many come with activities in mind, or special projects they like to do with the class.  I always note to a sub that anything THEY want to do, can replace any of the activities from my tub!

The Ultimate Book List for Radical Teachers

We take ourselves too seriously as teachers.  We censor our classroom libraries so children don't encounter material that could be controversial, make them laugh too loud during silent reading, or get gawkers looking over one another's pages to see what the fuss is about.

When I say radical, I mean it in a two ways:
            1) we want to be kick-ass awesome teachers!
            2) we want to be rabble-rousers.

This book list will have a bit of both.  And thanks by the way to some readers, who have suggested various books to me over the course of the last few months.  Your selections are included here as well!

I love Phonics Comics. They come in 3 levels, and each has a few stories in it.  I have ALL of them.  I have a basket in my library called simply, "comic books."  I am not amongst the folks who believe children should only read comics during free time.  I figure if it gets them reading, let them read!

I try to have lots of trade books around that get my reluctant readers reading so they aren't always stuck looking at the leveled readers from our series. The Dumb Bunnies is at the top of my list. In fact, almost anything Dav Pilkey writes should be on this list. He writes about what kids like to read- underwear, barf, stupidity, and all kinds of "grown up banned" topics.

Along with this book, The Stupids series is a great one to get kids laughing.  Yes, they've been banned. That makes it all them all the better! Discuss with the kids why they could have been banned and engage those critical thinking skills!  (Note: I don't have The Stupids Die so I won't speak for that book.)

Being October, I thought I would share another one of my favorite banned books, In a Dark, Dark Room by Alvin Schwartz. (The link contains lesson plans from the publisher- last page of the PDF). I remember reading it when I was a child- and retelling the stories at my own campfires!  Reluctant readers love scary stories! Older children who are low readers also enjoy this book, as it doesn't seem as babyish as many of the books at this level. (I kept multiple copies in my third and fourth grade classrooms for older children with low skills.)

Speaking of scary, no zombie themed classroom would be complete without a selection of zombie books for kids:

The great thing about the first two books is that they really are easy readers! What a fun way to perk up a boring leveled library!

Again, it's October, so in addition to Halloween, it's time to think about Columbus Day.  I hope you all have access to materials to teach the accurate history of Columbus. Rethinking Columbus, which is published by Rethinking Schools, does just that.  Let's let go of the walnut shell boats and glorifying Columbus. Use this as an opportunity to teach about the native tribes from your area and issues of power and privilege.

If you are interested in using materials like this, Encounter, by Jane Yolan is an amazing picture book to read and discuss with your students.

And finally, any good radical teacher will have a collection of multi-cultural books about social injustice and people fighting for their rights, overcoming hardship, and making a difference in the world. Below are my favorites:

Social Justice, is of course important, but so is social learning!  I use these books to prompt discussion, to open the children's eyes to those around them, and to help us appreciate one another's differences. These are my favorite books for social learning activities in the classroom:

And there you have it! Get reading! 

No Fright Parent Night

Parent Night was last Wednesday.  I hate to brag, but I do a killer Parent Night.

Here are some tips:

1.  Wear your Heart on your Sleeve. You know the parents love their little rug rats more than anything.  They mostly just want to know you care.  Share with them just how much you really do care.

2. Go the Extra Mile.  Do whatever you have to do to keep their attention.  I present a photo slide show, have handouts, and have food and drinks available.

3. Hit the Nail on the Head.  Get to the point. The parents need some important information.  Give it to them right away.  Spend the rest of the time doing community building.

4. Keep your Chin Up:  If a parent ever tries to turn the conversation to their own agenda (talk about their own child's problems or issues they have with the school) stay on the track you determine. Veer them away from the topic.

5. Own it! You know your classroom better than anyone else.  Tell them what's what them to know!

6. Knock their socks off. Make it a show.  Do what you can to impress them!

7.  Fake it till you make it. Even if you are terrified, pretend to "own it."

Now, my guess is this is not news to most of you.  Most of us have had some successful Parent Nights, and some not-so-great ones.  We learn from experience.  What really sets my Parent Night apart is the party effect.  What's the party effect?  Well, here's what I know:

• I know parents are busy people. Getting a sitter and dedicating a night to just the school seems like a lot. Especially on a weeknight. 

• I also know that one of the main things the parents want to know is one another.  Most sort of give a rip about what actually happens in the classroom.  They don't know the difference between direct instruction and constructivism.  They aren't interested in the methodology I use.  They want to know how much homework there will be, when I need volunteers, and how I do my best to make sure kids will make a year's worth of growth and pass our state test.  Once I cover that, they are free to get to socialize.

Finally, I don't actually host Parent Night in my classroom.  Yes, we start out there, like all teachers.  Mostly I do this because we all gather in the auditorium and the principal talks.  I also have to consider that the parents may have siblings in other classes.  So, Parent Night is supposed to last from 6:00-7:30.  In my room, I talk from about 6:15-6:45 and I then we all haul ass to Ruffio's, the nearby local hotspot for over 30's dancing and drinks.  I'm still business, as we start off by toasting to a great school school year.  Then, we all get our groove on!

This year was a huge success.  Clearly the parents LOVE me, they got to see their kids' work, they met one another, and only one parent vomited on the dance floor. Excellent Parent Night!

As you can see, we had some excellent community building. I try not to pay too much attention to these things, but I also have a feeling there was a little spouse swapping happening (!), but all in all, I know the  parents felt it was a night well spent!

Oh, and I finally, finally got roped into having a Facebook account (yeah, like 5 years too late.)  Find me (Rosie Kaplan) and friend me!

Curse of the Second Grade Girls

Second grade girls are the worst.   I have a little ring leader- a blond ringleted darling named Number 14.

One thing for sure, she has in-tact phonemic awareness. She has a way of twisting anyone's name into something mean, nasty or just plain silly.

I read a book about Native Americans, which talked about the tribe, Wompanoag. I happen to have a boy in my class, Number 19, whose real name happens to be Noah.  Of course, she finds a way to incorporate the two... Whomp on Noah Wompanoag.  He bursts into tears.

We are doing "ing" in word study.  A girl named Ming becomes Bing-Ding-Ming.

Don't even ask what she said about my poor little PeeWee... (of course, his parents were asking for it giving him that nick-name.)

Now back to the rest of the second grade girls.  If ever was a day that goes by where someone isn't crying, left out, or tattling, I'd be doing a back-handspring on a bed of nails!

And we model, practice, role-play, use I Statements, have consequences and discussions. They are just sneaky little snots.  How they learn to manipulate is beyond me.  Somehow, walking away from another person becomes a game of avoiding the cursed girl of the day.  One little girl decides to draw a picture of a cat instead of a dog like all the other girls... well, that is an offense worth being shunned over for an entire afternoon.  Creating rival Pony and Horse clubs is like Bloods vs. Crips turf wars.

Anyway, I think it all starts in second grade. Sweet little girls become true little devils.

Speaking of little devils, I  want to develop my own set of phonics readers....

The Best Teachers are Responsive Teachers

I believe the best teachers are those who respond diligently and with honesty to children's questions, concerns, and interests.  While we do have a curriculum to follow, I know that if I am able to develop units that can meet the standards, and follow the interests of the students, not only will my second graders learn more- but they will be actively engaged in the learning process and be more willing to take on challenges enthusiastically.

With Steven Soderbergh's new movie Contagion starring Matt Damon, Kate Winslet and a plethora of Hollywood A-Listers, hitting theaters this week, a child asked me the question, "what does it mean, contagion?"  Of course, this was Number 4, who always asks questions at the oddest times, twisting the topic in a completely different direction (we were talking about Johnny Appleseed at the time.) Suddenly, several hands went up.  They had seen the previews for the movie as well, and wondered what was so contagious that they would make a movie about it.

Well, good question Number 4.  Let's find out what a plague is, and take it from there.  I began a new read aloud,

This book clearly explains plagues through history and introduces to children the concept of mass-death due to illness that spreads rapidly. While it is meant for children in 5th grade and up, I know that my students can understand the concepts in the book with careful explanations. They were fascinated, and listened in complete silence as I read to them about the bubonic plague.

After reading the first chapter of the book, we started a math problem on exponential numbers.  Of course, my second graders are barely adding single digits on their fingers, but nonetheless, this lesson was interesting to them, and had them adding up every unifix cube in the classroom.

I said, if one red unifix cube was sick, and spread the illness to another unifix cube, how many would be sick?

Two, of course, the children realized.

Well, what if each of those unifix cubes got another unifix cube sick? Then how many would be sick?

Hmm, four! They caught on pretty quickly.

We kept counting! Now, if those four spread it to one person each, that would be eight.  Then sixteen. We kept going, and pretty soon we had a chain that went all the way down the hall!

Just one sick person, and soon we got to 256 people sick from just one person! It took only 8 steps, and soon there was as many people sick as the whole population of our school! The kids could have probably gone longer, but we already had used all of our unifix cubes, and the ones from the Second Grade Sleuth class.

On Fridays, I try to do a fun art project in the afternoon.  This week, we made rat bookmarks to represent the rats which were part of the cause of the Black Death.

Next week, we will begin exploring the probability of an eventual zombie plague. Now that the students have some preliminary information on the cause of real plagues, we can start to examine the theoretical plagues that we may one day face.

By the way, I realized today that I now have 100 followers! Thank you to all my readers who share, comment and read my blog.  I am just so glad that people are interested in my little classroom in middle America enough to read.

Thanks again, everyone!

Sincerely,

Rosie Kaplan

God before Teaching? I think not!

Everyone who reads my blog knows that teaching is the love of my life. Well, he who must not be named is up there too, but teaching is my truest love.  Above all else.  I guess not everyone can say they are that committed to the profession!

Our school provides each class with a leveled library.  It's such a great resource.  I haven't had to invest in hundreds of books, like so many of my peers in other schools.  I am very grateful for the books I have.

In second grade we are given 500 books, all at levels G through K.  I have very few books on the lower end.  All of the second grade teachers have the same books.

Unfortunately, my class is so low this year, that the reading interventionist brought me a giant stack of books leveled A-H.  About 300 of them!!  I got an email Cc'd to the principal that she'd like to see them categorized and in place with my leveled library by Monday.  This was Thursday after school.  I asked the reading interventionist how that was going to happen.  I don't have enough baskets, and I don't have enough shelving.

So on Friday morning, I come in and there are two bookshelves in the middle of my room, as well as about 25 baskets.  Yes, I am fortunate that my school provides me with resources.  I am not fortunate that I didn't show up to school until 10 minutes before the bell.  I had planned everything on Thursday, so I was ready to go, but I had to shove the desks to the side of the room and stack the baskets into them.

It was okay because the reading interventionist PROMISED me she would come in on Sunday and help me.  She knew it was a lot to ask after the short notice, the books are wrapped in plastic and boxed, and nothing is organized or labeled with our leveling system stickers.  I get an email from her stating that she wants to go to an extra church service today, as there is something special going on.

Jesus, seriously.  So I'm going in alone.  Teaching above all.  My kids will have a leveled library that they can actually use tomorrow.  God be with me.  I may be in the classroom for 12 hours today!

Grabbing the Attention of the Generally Unattentive

Second graders can be a bit like stones launched from the slingshots of the blind. They go here and there, at an amazingly fast past, with no heed to what's in front of them.  This means wrangling them into any sort of order that is sufficient for instructing them takes great patience, and often a bit of clever trickery.

I do several things that help my students refocus when we are in the midst of an activity.

During Quiet Work Times:

If the room is silent, like during reading or writing, I have a 2-foot gong that I bang.  The noise is startling and definitely calls everyone to attention.  If that doesn't stir them out of their literacy trance, I have a bike horn that I will honk.  I alternate between the two to keep it interesting.  Many teachers use horns, gongs, chimes, or bells to get the attention of their students.  This is a helpful way of ensuring that everyone knows it's time to stop and listen to the teacher.

During Noisy Times:


Sometimes the room just gets loud.  Kids are busy using various materials and manipulatives, socializing as they work, or there is a hum of busyness that is just a bit loud.  When this is the case, I use an attention getter that refocuses them by using their bodies.

Teacher:  If you can hear me put a hand on your hip...
Students: They put a hand on their hip
Teacher:  If you can hear me put a finger to your lip... (shhh)
Students: They put their finger to their lip

Another one:

Teacher: Bow down before the one you serve (to the tune of Nine Inch Nails Head Like a Hole)
Students: You're gonna get what you deserve (they move their arms in a bow-like motion)

When the Kids are at their Desks:


If the room is at a typical noise level and you just need to grab their attention, I do a few different things to get them to turn and look at me for further instruction.  These call and response tactics are a great way to get the whole class to stop at the same time.


Teacher: Here Ye, Here Ye
Students: Hail to the Queen!

Teacher: I don't wanna grow up
Students: I'm a Toys R' Us Kid

Teacher: I wish I was
Students: An Oscar Meyer Wiener

Teacher: Double your pleasure
Students: Double your fun!

Teacher: Mmm, Mmm
Students: Good!