I had my first day of school this year! Took a picture and everything.
Last year I finally got everything together to start subbing and within the first week of school I had a call for a sub job!
Want to know how to sub successfully? Oh, I'll tell ya.
Stand at the door as the kids come in and say hi. Let them look you over and size you up.
Come in with a smile and an interest in learning three of their names. Usually it's the three who are the noisiest who you know are gonna be trouble. There is power in names. And more often than not, you can find out one of those names before you even take role, just by listening to the kids talk to one another.
Strategy number two. Make friends with those kids that act out. This can be tricky for the first day, but really, it's all about building reporte, so go ahead and take the time. Most kids are acting out for attention, and if you can give it willingly rather than waiting for them to ask for it in a negative way, more power to you. I always ask them their name and say how glad I am to have them in class. "I can tell you probably know everyone in this class" and go to them if I need anyone's name or rules explained or anything. These kids will expect payment, so be willing to hand out a compliment or a huge thank you at the end of class.
And then, to top your class off with a 'super nice cherry' - find some way to reward them. In Rainier they have an ESP (excellence, spirit, pride) ticket for kids that are showing respect, being responsible or some other R word. I hand these out like candy. The kids like them much better than referrals and they're easier to fill out. As in, it's better to reward than it is to punish.
I was teaching 7th and 8th grade science and LOVED it. Not really teaching. I was supervising. But it was awesome. The 7th graders were complete angels and I loved every single one of them. The 8th graders were a little harder to love. But bless their hearts, they gave me a great work-out as far as strategy and keeping them on task and all that.
I usually bring a book (chicken soup for the teenage soul) to read the last 10 minutes or so of class to break up the monotony of book work, but after working with those 8th graders, I think I may need to get some slow, easy listening music on an i-pod and bring in a speaker. Some Jack Johnson would do them just fine. Because really, they can work for the whole hour in class but would really rather talk. If I had something to measure their volume against as back-ground noise then I could let them talk a little and monitor their own volume with a reminder.
It was so interesting. The first class of 7th graders I just expected them to take notes on a movie because that's what they were getting graded on for participation. Only a handful did. A small handful. The second class I offered ESP tickets for 16 notes and bam - nearly all of them did. The third group I offered ESP tickets but explained to them what an ESP ticket was and what it got them, and only half of them did 16 notes. It was so weird to think that they would rather do an assignment for an unknown reward than know what the reward was. What weirdies, but it was a nice experiment.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Going to Work
I know. I should be cleaning the oven. Because that's what I do to occupy my time when I have nothing else to do. Don't worry, it only gets done about once a year. It felt so good to wake up this morning to an extra-clean house and extra-happy babies that I just couldn't help myself. I needed to do something useful.
Right now I am reading Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. I read it when Alaska was born and I am brushing up on my skills as I begin the process of sleep tracking Talmage. He's not quite 3 months right now, so I don't feel like I can sleep 'train' him, but I can track him and right now, he's following the steps of a 4 month baby and I am so surprised and so happy and so in love with him for being so awesome! He did it all by himself, I just needed to take the time to pay attention to his hours and bam - he's got this. I am a little leary about what will happen tonight since he tends to take a little snoozer from 8-9 most nights and then go to sleep for good at 10. Which is fine, except that I like my 8-10 times to be un-interrupted time with Handsome Husband.
I have been contemplating a lot the subject of 'intentional living' and something I know, but always forget, is that I am much better at living intentional with a schedule. If I don't have to get up until 8:30, then by gosh darn, I won't get up. And if I nothing going on during the day it's hard to stay motivated to get out and do things. I would rather just hang out at home, taking my time about the day, when really, I could be fitting a whole lot more into it. I have the same 24 hours as anyone else.
Which may be one reason I have jumped on a long-term, part-time subbing job at the alternative school. Yeah. I know. I am terrified. But excited. And anxious, but also calm. Calm that I feel like I can get some credit back in my life. I have it all mapped out. We are going to do awesome at this!
These past few days that I have decided this is what I am going to do have been absolutely blissful! I know my time is limited with my babies, so I have been soaking them in. Actually picking Talmage up and talking to him and snuggling him while Alaska is asleep instead of wishing he were asleep too, so I could get some sleep.
Coloring and reading with Alaska and giving her lots of attention and love. We were having a really hard time with the attention part last week and I knew she felt like Talmage was getting all of me. So these past few days I have been laying it on extra thick and when we read books now, instead of perching on the arm of the chair like she so often does, she's been climbing into my lap. She is so patient when I do her hair and tells me to not pull it please. And I do my best, spraying it with de-tangler so that I don't have to work so hard at being careful but that her messy curls slide right through my comb.
I think it really helps that Talmage is sleeping through the night, so instead of wrapping my fingers around anytime that either one of them is sleeping and wishing I were sleeping, too, I am able to take that time and use it for some one-on-one attention for both of them when the other is sleeping and it makes our whole house a lot more peaceful.
As much as I love them both, I honestly believe I am one of those mommas that loves harder and fiercer when I don't have to be with them all day. I need my own space and own time to do my own things. And then when I am with them, it is that much sweeter. Which is why I am especially excited to take on this subbing job. I know that it will be hard, especially since these kids are high emotional maintenance. One blow-up from one of them causes a whole thunder storm from the rest and that can get tiring fast but I think I can separate the two and turn on my "love everyone momma" when I get home to my babies and give them the attention they need because I want to, not because they will go berserk if I don't.
The silly complications of this job is that even though it's a half-day, it's a split half day. So I teach from 8-9:40 and then again from 11:45 - 1:30. Weird, I know, and it's a rip off that I am getting paid for a half day and have to pay a babysitter for an almost full day, but I am honestly looking forward to those 2 hours in the middle where I can do whatever I want. I know that 2 of the 5 days I will need to do some lesson planning, but that leaves me 3 others to go home and clean if I need to or go to the gym or run errands or even just find a quite place with a book. I am really excited about it all.
Right now I am reading Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. I read it when Alaska was born and I am brushing up on my skills as I begin the process of sleep tracking Talmage. He's not quite 3 months right now, so I don't feel like I can sleep 'train' him, but I can track him and right now, he's following the steps of a 4 month baby and I am so surprised and so happy and so in love with him for being so awesome! He did it all by himself, I just needed to take the time to pay attention to his hours and bam - he's got this. I am a little leary about what will happen tonight since he tends to take a little snoozer from 8-9 most nights and then go to sleep for good at 10. Which is fine, except that I like my 8-10 times to be un-interrupted time with Handsome Husband.
I have been contemplating a lot the subject of 'intentional living' and something I know, but always forget, is that I am much better at living intentional with a schedule. If I don't have to get up until 8:30, then by gosh darn, I won't get up. And if I nothing going on during the day it's hard to stay motivated to get out and do things. I would rather just hang out at home, taking my time about the day, when really, I could be fitting a whole lot more into it. I have the same 24 hours as anyone else.
Which may be one reason I have jumped on a long-term, part-time subbing job at the alternative school. Yeah. I know. I am terrified. But excited. And anxious, but also calm. Calm that I feel like I can get some credit back in my life. I have it all mapped out. We are going to do awesome at this!
These past few days that I have decided this is what I am going to do have been absolutely blissful! I know my time is limited with my babies, so I have been soaking them in. Actually picking Talmage up and talking to him and snuggling him while Alaska is asleep instead of wishing he were asleep too, so I could get some sleep.
Coloring and reading with Alaska and giving her lots of attention and love. We were having a really hard time with the attention part last week and I knew she felt like Talmage was getting all of me. So these past few days I have been laying it on extra thick and when we read books now, instead of perching on the arm of the chair like she so often does, she's been climbing into my lap. She is so patient when I do her hair and tells me to not pull it please. And I do my best, spraying it with de-tangler so that I don't have to work so hard at being careful but that her messy curls slide right through my comb.
I think it really helps that Talmage is sleeping through the night, so instead of wrapping my fingers around anytime that either one of them is sleeping and wishing I were sleeping, too, I am able to take that time and use it for some one-on-one attention for both of them when the other is sleeping and it makes our whole house a lot more peaceful.
As much as I love them both, I honestly believe I am one of those mommas that loves harder and fiercer when I don't have to be with them all day. I need my own space and own time to do my own things. And then when I am with them, it is that much sweeter. Which is why I am especially excited to take on this subbing job. I know that it will be hard, especially since these kids are high emotional maintenance. One blow-up from one of them causes a whole thunder storm from the rest and that can get tiring fast but I think I can separate the two and turn on my "love everyone momma" when I get home to my babies and give them the attention they need because I want to, not because they will go berserk if I don't.
The silly complications of this job is that even though it's a half-day, it's a split half day. So I teach from 8-9:40 and then again from 11:45 - 1:30. Weird, I know, and it's a rip off that I am getting paid for a half day and have to pay a babysitter for an almost full day, but I am honestly looking forward to those 2 hours in the middle where I can do whatever I want. I know that 2 of the 5 days I will need to do some lesson planning, but that leaves me 3 others to go home and clean if I need to or go to the gym or run errands or even just find a quite place with a book. I am really excited about it all.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
2 months with Talmage
Favorite Things: Warm bottles. I was hesitant to give them to you so warm but you love them so. They are often warmer than what I would think you would want but you gobble them down like dessert.
Special Talent: Smiles. Lots of smiles. You are lifting your head so super high during tummy-time and are already testing a little roll-over action.
Favorite Pastime: Playing tea set and fake food. Alaska will help you drink from your cup while you are laying on the floor and will feed you plastic hamburgers. You absolutely love it. You are strong enough to turn away if something is bothering you, but you patiently embrace all the attention she gives you by pressing things to your lips.
Sleep: Down at 10 pm, up at 2:30 am, 6 am and 10 am. Like clock-work.
Crying: I am absolutely paranoid about your being full after our whole nursing fiasco and whenever you cry I am reaching for a bottle. Doesn't matter if you just ate a hour ago, it is my first go-to and I don't even try to figure out what you need until I have tried that first and it doesn't work.
Eating: We have you on all formula now. You eat a lot. But I don't care. I am just relieved that you have made it through without getting on the 'failure to thrive' list.
Dislikes: The swing. Can't get you to stay there for anything. You always end up on the floor. Which I was nervous about with Alaska running around. She is super careful and you do a good job of staying in one place so we've settled on a safe place for you and she knows not to be bouncing around near your space on the floor.
Likes: Being on the floor. You love being able to squirm around and look where you want.
My Favorite Part: I love that you are so content to entertain yourself. It was a hard first month to always be holding you close and I am reveling in the piece that has come next where you are content to just be by yourself on the floor without someone watching you smile and cooo. You'll do it all on your own for your own enjoyment.
Special Talent: Smiles. Lots of smiles. You are lifting your head so super high during tummy-time and are already testing a little roll-over action.
Favorite Pastime: Playing tea set and fake food. Alaska will help you drink from your cup while you are laying on the floor and will feed you plastic hamburgers. You absolutely love it. You are strong enough to turn away if something is bothering you, but you patiently embrace all the attention she gives you by pressing things to your lips.
Sleep: Down at 10 pm, up at 2:30 am, 6 am and 10 am. Like clock-work.
Crying: I am absolutely paranoid about your being full after our whole nursing fiasco and whenever you cry I am reaching for a bottle. Doesn't matter if you just ate a hour ago, it is my first go-to and I don't even try to figure out what you need until I have tried that first and it doesn't work.
Eating: We have you on all formula now. You eat a lot. But I don't care. I am just relieved that you have made it through without getting on the 'failure to thrive' list.
Dislikes: The swing. Can't get you to stay there for anything. You always end up on the floor. Which I was nervous about with Alaska running around. She is super careful and you do a good job of staying in one place so we've settled on a safe place for you and she knows not to be bouncing around near your space on the floor.
Likes: Being on the floor. You love being able to squirm around and look where you want.
My Favorite Part: I love that you are so content to entertain yourself. It was a hard first month to always be holding you close and I am reveling in the piece that has come next where you are content to just be by yourself on the floor without someone watching you smile and cooo. You'll do it all on your own for your own enjoyment.
One Month with Talmage
Favorite Things: Bum pats. Nothing a little bum pat can't make right.
Fancy Tricks: Being so calm. You are so super relaxed and easy-going. A lot of patient persistence on your part has to be done for nursing and you have been doing great. It helps keep me calm when you aren't going berserk which makes us a great team. I'll keep calm if you keep calm kind of thing.
Favorite Past Time: Snuggling on my chest. We were just looking at pictures the other day and there is a photo from our first day home. Me in the red chair with you tucked up under my chin and your daddy says, "And that is how he slept. For the rest of forever."
Sleep: You got yourself on a pretty predictable night schedule right fast. 10 pm 12 pm 2:30 am and then a long stretch to 7 or 8 am. Then again until 11 am.
Crying: You fuss before going to sleep. Someone has to be holding you.
Dislikes: Sleeping anywhere but on my chest. We spent a long 5 weeks in that chair every night. I just couldn't bare to set you down and make you cry when you cry so rarely. Such a simple thing I could do for you to keep you comfortable in this big world.
Likes:
The best part for me: Watching your new-born face sleep. I took a picture of what I see, looking down on your little dark head. And it's not a whole lot, but it's precious to me, especially as I feel you breathing into my neck.
I love you so absolutely much. And not to say that I love you more, but it is easier to love. I feel more in control. More like a momma. Less like a care-taker. All the worries I had with my first baby are eased away for you, I have proof that things are going to be ok, and that makes more room for easy love.
Fancy Tricks: Being so calm. You are so super relaxed and easy-going. A lot of patient persistence on your part has to be done for nursing and you have been doing great. It helps keep me calm when you aren't going berserk which makes us a great team. I'll keep calm if you keep calm kind of thing.
Favorite Past Time: Snuggling on my chest. We were just looking at pictures the other day and there is a photo from our first day home. Me in the red chair with you tucked up under my chin and your daddy says, "And that is how he slept. For the rest of forever."
Sleep: You got yourself on a pretty predictable night schedule right fast. 10 pm 12 pm 2:30 am and then a long stretch to 7 or 8 am. Then again until 11 am.
Crying: You fuss before going to sleep. Someone has to be holding you.
Dislikes: Sleeping anywhere but on my chest. We spent a long 5 weeks in that chair every night. I just couldn't bare to set you down and make you cry when you cry so rarely. Such a simple thing I could do for you to keep you comfortable in this big world.
Likes:
The best part for me: Watching your new-born face sleep. I took a picture of what I see, looking down on your little dark head. And it's not a whole lot, but it's precious to me, especially as I feel you breathing into my neck.
I love you so absolutely much. And not to say that I love you more, but it is easier to love. I feel more in control. More like a momma. Less like a care-taker. All the worries I had with my first baby are eased away for you, I have proof that things are going to be ok, and that makes more room for easy love.
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