Yesterday evening, as I settled down with my favorite cup of coffee, gazing out at my backyard garden through the window, I found myself enveloped in a wave of nostalgia. A familiar tune was playing in my mind – a song from my childhood that had nestled itself deep within my heart. At that moment, I knew I had to put pen to paper and capture these reflections. After all, there’s something truly magical about how life weaves together our memories and aspirations.
"What I love most about rivers is You can't step in the same river twice The water's always changing, always flowing"
With just two weeks into the new academic year, as a full-time substitute teacher; the prospect of a new beginning brings with it a mix of anticipation and enthusiasm. Much like the river’s ever-changing course, this new role holds the promise of new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Growing up in the picturesque valley of Abbottabad, weekends were a special time. Weekend mornings were synonymous with family picnics by the river’s side, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The river, with its dynamic and transient nature, is a symbol of life’s constant motion. Its twists and turns mirror the unexpected events that shape our journey. The question “What’s around the river bend?” always echoes my innate curiosity about the mysteries that lie ahead.
As I delve into what it means to be a substitute teacher, I am finding that much like the river’s unpredictability, each day in the classroom offers its own surprises and rewards. Substitute teachers answer the call to educate, inspire, and make a difference, even if it’s just for a day.
"I feel it there beyond those trees Or right behind these waterfalls Can I ignore that sound of distant drumming?"
To be a substitute teacher is to paint on a fresh canvas every day. Stepping into a classroom filled with curious faces, each with its unique story and potential, presents an opportunity to set goals, establish a positive learning environment, and ignite the spark of curiosity. It’s a journey, one filled with discovery and exploration. We navigate the unfamiliar and adapt to new environments, routines, and a diverse group of students, with each day bringing its own unique challenges and rewards. We forge connections anew, striving to build bridges of trust and understanding with each student in a short time, ensuring they are guided to their own discoveries. These lessons serve as a path, concealing surprises and opportunities for learning, not just for the students but also for substitute teachers.
"...To be safe, we lose our chance of ever knowing What's around the river bend Waiting just around the river bend ..."
Substitute plans vary widely, just like classrooms do. They range from extensively detailed documents that cover multiple pages to simple notes that feel like treasure maps without the crucial ‘X.’ Nevertheless, these plans act as the guiding compass that ensures the day runs smoothly. Here are a few tips for substitute teachers as drawn from experience, research and good advice from mentors.
- Be Prepared: Always carry an age-appropriate storybook with you when you’re substituting. Children often delight in listening to stories, and it can be a special treat for them. Arriving early is key; it allows you to familiarize yourself with the lesson plans and materials left by the regular teacher. If possible, take a moment to meet with the teacher before they leave for any specific instructions.
- Establish Clear Expectations: Set clear rules and expectations for behavior and work from the beginning. Explain these expectations to the students in a friendly and positive manner. Refer to the classroom’s essential agreements for effective behavior management.
- Be Flexible: Be ready to adapt your lesson plans if necessary and go with the flow.
- Get to Know the Students: Always ask for the class list from the teachers. Learn the students’ names and take an interest in their individual needs and abilities. Building a rapport with them can help maintain classroom management.
- Maintain Consistency: If possible, maintain consistency with the regular teacher’s routines and procedures. This can help students feel more comfortable and secure.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of attendance, assignments, and any notes or messages from parents or the regular teacher.
- Use Technology Wisely: Familiarize yourself with any technology or devices in the classroom, and use them as appropriate for the lesson.
- Safety First: Be aware of safety protocols in the school, such as fire drills and emergency procedures.
- Leave Feedback: After the day is over, leave detailed feedback for the regular teacher about what was covered, what went well, and any issues that arose.
- And … Most importantly, have fun with the students.
In my journey from part-time substitute teacher to a full-time role, I’ve had the privilege of stepping into diverse classrooms, each offering a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Amidst all the unique experiences, there are moments that stand out like vivid strokes on a canvas. Like the time I played jimbe drums with grade 2 and led the class in a harmonious symphony while covering a music lesson. Or the sunny afternoon when we ventured up to the rooftop garden, and I became the guide to a botanical world, teaching the first graders about the different parts of plants. Then, there was the day with grade 3 students when we transformed the classroom into a lively rhythmic playground, indulging in spirited body percussions and friendly competitions that sparked creativity and enthusiasm. Each of these moments felt like an exciting and unexpected adventure in my learning journey.
Even on days when only a handful of students remained, such as the last day before the summer break, we dipped brushes into watercolors, delved into coloring our favorite personality posters, and mastered the art of origami, transforming unexpected circumstances into opportunities for imaginative exploration. And among these adventures, one day stands as my all-time favorite—the day I substituted in my son’s class, joining his classmates in the science lab, experimenting and exploring the captivating world of magnets.
I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictable journey of substitute teaching, where each day, like the twists of a river, brings unique surprises and reveals the true magic and joy of teaching..
"Beyond the shore Where the gulls fly free Don't know what for Just around the river bend ..."
**Image courtesy: Worldwide elevation finder. Topographic Map – Altitude Map. (n.d.). https://elevation.maplogs.com/poi/shinkiari_mansehra_khyber_pakhtunkhwa_pakistan.526646.html
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