Oh Bother...

Well, today was interesting. I traveled up north to sub in a 4th grade class. It was only a morning job - I took it online last night. I was hesitant, but I figured a half-day was better than no day. I wasn't sure about the school either - I've only been here once before, last year, and I couldn't really remember my impression of the school. But I figured they'd have PE or Music or some pull-out in the morning (the intermediate grade always have these in the morning), so it couldn't be that bad even if they were difficult.

The teacher I was subbing for only taught this class in the morning anyway, and another teacher taught the afternoon. The afternoon teacher was there when I arrived and she showed me a couple things before she left. She also told me that they were a "good class" but that they are often "bratty for subs". Now this statement just puzzles me. Now, I don't want to judge the teachers, because I don't know what they have or haven't tried, but I would not be okay if I knew my students were brats to subs. If it was my class, and I'd heard that they were obnoxious to subs I'd keep them in from recess, take away their free time, make them write letters to me explaining how they should have acted, and then, I tell them that if it ever happened again we'd be doing the same thing all over again. Yes, I expect that kids are going to push their limits a little with a sub. I expect that. But when kids are just blatantly disrespectful - that's not okay. And there's only so much I can do in one day to combat this.

Lots of the kids in the class were nice kids. A few seemed kinda hyper, or easily distracted. About 3 or 4 boys were pretty rude. I was glad to be done with them.

Tomorrow I'm returning to this class. Not super excited about it, but I took the day before I'd been to the class the first time, and I can't cancel it and get something else. If I cancel, I don't work. And I really want the money. I'm going to try to have a positive attitude. I'm going to have high expectations despite what I know of this group. I'm going to bring books, and prizes and games. I'm going to bribe them! haha That sounds bad, but I am going to reward them for good behavior. I hope I'm running low on prizes tomorrow evening!