In a typing mood.

I spend my days as a substitute teacher. I wouldn't necessarily call it rewarding in the teaching sense on the average day. High school, usually consists of watching movies over and over again, and watching kids secretly playing on phones and ipods...till they realize I know what's going on and I don't care and just pull them out. It's also funny to see how much kids try to get away with and try to be sneaky even when it doesn't matter.

A conversation with a sophomore in high school.
Girl: Can I go to my locker?
Me: What do you need?
Girl: uh... a comb...I need to comb my hair...
Me: chuckling ....just hurry.
Girl comes back 5 minutes later.
Me: Where's your comb?
Girl: Couldn't find it.

Junior High Resource Class
Students are supposed to be quietly working on assignments while I'm at the computer inputting attendance. I stand up, finished with the task, to find a beauty parlor....hair straighteners, make-up, hair spray, mirrors out, the works. A few girls had to make "touch ups". Very important in the 7th grade.

This week, however, has been very fulfilling. After some less than fun past experiences, I swore I would never sub for first graders again. Unfortunately, I had already consented to a 3-day job in Mendon this week for the very grade. Two days are down, one to go and....I LOVE these kids. They are sweet, helpful, OBEDIENT!! and just cute. Day one, they sat on the rug in front of me. I kid you not, 23 SMILING facing sang patriotic songs at the tops of their lungs (yes, I teared up and had to look away). I keep getting secret sticky notes in lovely first grade penmanship that say " I love you Mrs. Young!" or "You are doing great!" ha ha. I have loved that I also get to actually teach these kids: math, reading, songs, writing, sharing stories and brainstorming...ahh...it feels good to use my degree for a few days (and lay off the national geographic movies...I've seen too many animals mate and give birth for at least a month).

I guess it is possible that I will remove my ban from first graders. And as much as I am sick of watching movies over and over...it is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend my Fridays (I almost always try to get high school jobs for Fridays for that very reason). My job is not all that glamorous, but I believe I am content.