the classes I dread...

"The classes I dread are the ones that there are movies, no sub plans, or unclear expectations of what the teacher expects the students to work on. Those are the classes where class management becomes an issue and I walk out at the end of the day with a pounding headache..." Jasmine Tyler

I get these every now and then, but fortunately not real often. I've learned to bring some "extra work" with me just in case this happens...so if all else fails, at least the kids don't have any clue that things are amiss.

I usually don't have a problem with the information the teacher has left...most teachers leave adequate materials, lesson plans, and instructions which normally makes subbing a positive experience. Occasionally I'll get vague lesson plans that I have to makes some executive decisions on (don't know what she means by "xxxxx" so instead, we're gonna be doing "yyyy" today).

Movies sound great in theory, but the trouble with movies, is that the teacher rarely makes it clear why the kids are watching the movie, and if you don't know the names of the kids, it's hard to get them to stay focused when they'd rather goof off. Movies are actually great when: A: you know how it ties in to what the kids are learning, B: You've seen the movie before and have some idea what to expect, C: You can have a meaningful discussion before and after you watch the movie, and D: The teacher has given the students something to "do" while they're watching the movie (thus increasing the likelihood that the time will not be used for sleeping or misbehaving).

Worst, by far, is not a lack of lesson plans, or vague information, but classes that are poorly managed to begin with. Those are the ones that tend to be the most nightmarish of all!