Well... It's that time of year again. Colds are starting to spread. I have had the unfortunate luck of catching a cold already. It's common knowledge that with the cold weather and working with children, sickness is bond to follow. It's a good idea if we go ahead and accept this and learn how to deal with it. At this point, I am fortunate enough to be able to text or email my CE and let her know that I won't be able to make it. However, come next semester, it won't this easy. Come next year, it definitely won't come this easy.
So what happens if we get sick as a teacher? What happens when we wake up and can't make it to class that very day? Are we going to be prepared? Will our substitutes be prepared when they walk into the class that day?
I personally want to feel confident that my substitute will come in and my students will still learn something. Luckily, part of LE 5 is creating our own sub plans. But where do we even begin when it comes to doing this? What kind of things should we think about? Everyone has their own way of doing this, but there are some things that could help us.
I found a great website that gives some GREAT tips and ideas on developing plans!
Tips
1. Include pictures
2. Format plans (be consistent)
3. Go digital
Include 'Good Anytime' Activities
1. Hundreds Chart Activity
2. A-Z activity
3. How to note read fluently
Creating a Sub Plan Organizer
1. Tub
2. Expandable File
3. Drawers
There is a lot more information on the website with some great resources and ideas. You really need to check it out to get the full effect!
This really applies to facilitating learning for students from the NCTCS. Finding ways to have students effectively learn even when we can't actually be in the classroom is really important. Don't let these sick days go to waste!
Check out the website below!
http://www.teachjunkie.com/planning/sub-plans-emergency-sub-plans/
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteYou and me both have caught colds this week, but I am so encouraged by your perspective and the way you are planning ahead! The website you shared is full of valuable information--thank you so much for sharing!! I love you, friend, and I hope you start feeling better soon!
-Meredith
Lauren, I cannot thank you enough for the resource. Like I told you guys during the peer review at the end of the meeting last week, I am working hard on my sub plans but that has been my challenge! You are so right- sickness is inevitable. We work in one of the only professions where it is literally easier to just go to work sick than to miss but unfortunately sometimes we cannot do that. So, cue the sub plans that are causing me so much stress. You gave some great suggestion though. For me, I think it is easier to just go ahead and over plan. That's what I am doing! Thanks for the tips and feel better, Lauren!
ReplyDeleteLauren,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. We never know when we are going to be sick so it is crucial for to always be ready for the unexpected.