Well, without a doubt, today was THE day. I forgot who I was until I was halfway home. Today I became "the teacher," with both teachers out, plus we were down a para. I learned so much today, and remembered what it's like to be "the one." I certainly felt for those in a substitute position even more than usual; at least I already knew the children and was there every day!
So what did I do that was special, you ask? I pulled out all the sped techniques. I was very direct about getting attention, explaining in advance what we were to be doing and how, I had my usual agenda on the board, used positive reinforcement. The main thing is that my eyes were everywhere instead of just on my group. I also trod very carefully around the substitute, who was of course officially responsible for the class. Things would have gone differently behaviorally without her there. A couple of students really need to be switched around, and a couple needed consequences, but I did not want to overstep my bounds. One of the issues is that there has not been a consistent behavior management plan in the past; it always seems to be worth putting one in place so students know what to expect every day. Expectations are the same, rules are the same, how the consequences are meted out are the same, period.
I loved today. Just the same though, wouldn't mind if a teacher showed up tomorrow!
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