Lazy Lady

Today as I head to my school destination, I received an e-mail from Mrs. Teacher, it stated "Sorry for the late notice Ghostrider, but unfortunately I will not be in class today and will need you to go and help out the substitute". I immediately thought this was going to benefit me extremely because I was going to be able to see how kids acted without their own teacher there. I began to reminisce on how sometimes my class would act when we had a sub. Depending on the person and how he or she treated us would result in our personal behaviors. I was having all kinds of thoughts wonder through my head and could only hope the kids acted like they normally should.

I checked in as usual and walked to the portable classroom that I was given to observe at. Right before I walked in the portable, I could already hear the kids from outside! I had never heard that before from my previous visits. I opened the door, and their was a quick silence amongst the students because they more than likely thought I was a school administrator going to scold them on their loudness. They saw that it was me and I greeted the class "Hello students, did you think I was someone else?" Immediately the class clown shouted "Dang Mr, we thought you were the principle!"

I walked over to the substitute, we will just call her Lazy Lady and she looked at me and said "Who are you?" I said calmly "Im Ghostrider, I am a students observer for my school." She looked at me in the eyes so confused only to say "Oh, good you can tell these rascals to be quiet and do their assigned work because they don't listen to me so I gave up." I looked at the teacher and laughed because I couldn't believe that the class had just begun and she had enough of the kids already. Don't get me wrong, the kids were being a little rowdy but in order to get their attention you have to at least try and attempt to do something with them. I asked Lazy Lady for the task sheet that Mrs. Teacher was supposed to leave for her, and she gave it too me so that I could take over the class practically.

I looked over the task sheet, and saw that the students needed their New Mexico History book for the worksheet that was assigned. I looked over at the class and noticed the class clown going all over the place seeking attention. There were some students getting their work done which was good, but just a handful of the bunch were not doing what they were supposed to be doing.

I shouted to the class "1..2..3.." They all looked at me like I had just gave a presidential speech, all of them having blank faces on them. Which is what I wanted. I talked to the students and divided them in groups so that they could help each other with the work. The classroom was happy about being in groups. I noticed that the students got with who they were most comfortable around which doesn't necessarily mean it could be a good thing.

I told the class guys, you can talk and have fun all you want but lets get this work done first. I will help you. I walked around and the kids were mostly on task, but I feel I did a better job because I explained the instructions and what needed to be done. I walked around the groups and saw how they were doing their work. I went next to Lazy Lady and she was on her cell phone not really paying attention. I looked around the class and looked at the students they were laughing and being typical students. Some actually doing the work, and some not doing really paying attentions but the engaged students made the not engaged one help them because it wouldn't been fair. Even the class clown was doing his work, actually looking in his book and answering the questions. Just telling them simple instructions they did the work, but had fun being on task most of the time and part of the time not so much but I thought it was okay.

If you interact and show the kids what is needed to be done they will do it. I am a pretty chill dude who understands what it is like being a student but also has to understand the teacher side of things. The students like to talk to me because I make an effort to talk to them and help, as for Lazy Lady she didn't care so the students made it a nightmare for her but it was expected. Just can't wait for things to get back to normal when Mrs. Teacher comes back.