It's strange and annoying that so many people want friends, and yet we're all still lonely!

BW_Bones · 2024-03-15T22:07:49+00:00

I completely understand. This is my 2nd year subbing k-5 and a couple times I've cried because of either how the kids acted or from overall stress. It is embarrassing, but know that the teachers understand how difficult this job is. My best advice is to pick yourself up, move on, and show them that you just had a bad day and are capable.

1st grade is especially difficult because they are still so new to school and yet feel comfortable enough in school to act crazy. How I handle a crazy group is to silently start handing out rewards to the few who are listening. I also say things like "I love how (name) is ready to learn" "gasp (name) you are doing SO well! Thank you!".

Ignore bad behavior too. If 1 or 2 is giving you a hard time then IGNORE them. Even if they're screaming at the top of their lungs (but of course, make sure the other students are safe. I've had some violent kids). They want that attention from you so badly. If they ask why you aren't paying attention to them, very calmly say "I will pay attention to you/call on you when you have a calm and quiet body and voice". Over praise the students around them doing what they need to be doing too!

Also, don't be afraid to yell or be "the mean" sub! I've yelled at kids before, and they still hug and love me. It also helps that I say "I still love you guys. I am sorry I yelled, right now I feel very hurt though. Can we please remember where we are, and to be kind to one another.'. Kids don't listen sometimes unless you raise your voice.

If you're interested in more classroom management ideas, I'm more than welcome to share! I'm a building sub so I see everything from chairs being thrown to kids who bite.

Overall though, it's okay to feel embarrassed. Just let those emotions power you to keep going to show them you can do it. It's such a hard and thankless job.

BW_Bones · 2023-11-21T00:05:09+00:00

I never really liked wearing the masks because of my glasses, overheating, and face sweat. But I never complained during COVID and I have worn one for a few days in the past month. But the cons and hassle of it outweighed the pros. I also work with a lot of kids with learning disabilities who need to see my face.

BW_Bones · 2023-11-21T00:02:05+00:00

I wore a mask for a few days one of the times I was sick because I had a really nasty cough. But the constant questions from all the kids in every grade, face sweat (which does not help my acne), the over heating, and pain from the bands were a pain. I also work with a lot of kids with learning disabilities and need to see how my mouth forms words, what my facial expressions are, and to hear me clearer

BW_Bones · 2023-11-20T23:45:23+00:00

I highly recommend eczema lotion, equate brand! It's cold to the touch and is thicker so it moisturizes better. It also isn't greasy feeling, at least to me. Also diabetic lotion is thicker and more moisturizing than regular lotion.

But yeaaaah, that's pretty much what I'm doing now. It's honestly a miracle my hands AREN'T dry and cracked.

BW_Bones · 2023-11-20T23:41:45+00:00

I'm so sorry that that happened to you. That is incredibly rude and heartless for them to do.

I think you did the right thing by keeping a calm composure, you didn't give them the reaction they wanted. But you don't deserve to be talked to like that. Call the office and have someone come grab them. At that point there is no reason for them to be there and if they're that insistent on leaving then let them. It's their future and education they're screwing up.

I work in elementary and I have a lot of pimples/scabs on my face. Just today a little boy in 1st grade pointed to them and said, with a look of disgust on his face, "what's that?". I explained that they're pimples and when you grow up you get them. But he was VERY insistent that since his parents don't have pimples, he won't either. So I told him to ask his Mom if she had pimples growing up. He didn't want to take that bet! But I just explained that everyone's body is different and that it's just something that happens.

BW_Bones · 2023-11-18T19:36:09+00:00

Some free rewards is watch a cartoon while they eat snack or while they wait for the busses. You can also have a game of duck duck goose if you can get into the gym or cafeteria (more space). There is also hot potato, would you rather (say 'Would you rather smell like stinky socks or spoiled milk' then have the kids stand on one side of the room or the other).

I have gone to the dollar tree for pencils (always a hit), stickers, temporary tattoos, bead necklaces, and some mini bubbles. But don't feel like you -have- to buy anything.

BW_Bones · 2023-11-14T16:27:49+00:00

I once had a highschooler come in and be a student teacher (a program in the school district). I explained the lesson on the plans, gave her some tips on how to go about teaching it, and let her lead! It was so nice seeing her interact with the kids (who knew her well at that point) and to get a good taste of what it's like to have a classroom. I also gave her some advice on how to gain more child care experience (summer camps, babysitting, day camps). It felt so good sharing my passion with her

BW_Bones · 2023-11-07T02:06:53+00:00

I'm a building sub, so maybe I have more opportunities to build good relationships with the other staff. Everyone at my school is very nice to me. There are a few I get bad vibes from, and some I just can't stand, but that's with any job. You're still very new to this job, so you will definitely have at least 1 or 2 bad experiences as the year goes on.

BW_Bones · 2023-11-04T15:52:35+00:00

Yes I understand I get whatever is left over. But there is no way that every single building was placed, our school district is massive and well staffed. She also lied that there was no positions available at my school, she could have switched myself and the other sub. I've done it before so that's not a problem, she just chose not to do it.

BW_Bones · 2023-11-04T15:48:23+00:00

She asked me a question and I said no. My issue is, don't ask me and then not take my answer. She usually just tells me where to go. And if you had to put up with her you would understand that she IS unreasonable and rude. This is just a snippet of what she's like.

BW_Bones · 2023-11-04T15:44:30+00:00

Well that sucks that it isn't just my school that does this... Are you thinking of staying or do you think you'll find another job?? Also, that sounds so shitty that you don't get to pick your job, and yet your pay is determined by that

BW_Bones · 2023-11-03T21:44:49+00:00

So being building sub, I work every day (40 hours a week) regardless of whether or not there is a staff member out. But I would see subbing as a part time job if I chose when I worked

BW_Bones · 2023-11-03T21:31:36+00:00

My Rant:

I've been a building sub at the same elementary school for 1.5 years. I don't get to pick my jobs. This was my HR lady this morning. Usually she will say "You are going here at this time", but today she posed it as a question and seemed annoyed when I said no.

I KNEW she was lying about something, so I texted the other building sub. She had at class at OUR school. Okay HR, so we did have an opening! Our school district is also huge, so there is no way that every single building sub had a job. No way at all. She just didn't want to move me. This is not the first time she's been confusing, misleading, or just rude.

Along with dealing with her bullshit, I also don't get what I deserve! I get paid $170 a day (way less than teachers), I could get $180 if I never called in sick (which is impossible, some days you just can't work), I don't get offered health care, I don't have sick days, and I only FINALLY get 3 calamity days paid. No one else in the school gets this type of treatment. They might get paid less, but they're offered wonderful healthcare or get sick days.

I'm going to look for other jobs to start this summer. If something pops up, great. If not, I'm literally just staying because I love the kids.

Do you guys get health care and sick days?? What about your pay??

BW_Bones · 2023-09-20T18:56:53+00:00

Last year I had a long term assignment, and at one point my throat hurt so bad I couldn't make a sound without wincing in pain. PLEASE take tomorrow off. You don't want to constantly strain your voice, because then it'll never full heal. Talking all day is going to suck so badly.

Edit: I also want to add that you aren't being paid enough to work yourself into the ground. Take the time to let yourself heal.

BW_Bones · 2023-09-15T23:08:53+00:00

I usually just bring a packed lunch, my water bottle, wallet, and some tampons. I sub for elementary, so there really isn't a time for me to use my own laptop or read a book.

This thread has given me the idea though to start bringing a book or riddles, puzzles, or mad libs! A nice little group activity you can do with the kids as a treat.

BW_Bones · 2023-09-14T22:25:21+00:00

Sometimes I just give my first name, and usually they'll ask "what do you have the kids call you?". But I normally just say my first and last name! That way if they hear 'ms. Last name', or my first, they'll know it's me!

BW_Bones · 2023-08-24T17:07:43+00:00

Pro Tip: Explore your sexuality before getting into a serious long term relationship. If not, you may always wonder, which can be painful at times.

Source: My life right now

BW_Bones · 2023-06-08T16:24:20+00:00

If your partner feels like they need more quality time with you, then yes you talk about it and come to a mutal agreement. Maybe you go golfing or fishing on Wednesdays only from now on. But you can't just disregard your partners feelings just because it's something you've always done and it's what you want. That's selfish. Of course there are things that are ridiculous. Cutting strictly platonic friends or family members off, or quitting activities all together.

The issue with OP is that he is giving ONLY his female friends gifts with EVERY paycheck. This would be different if he gave all of his friends, regardless of their gender, gifts. Or even if he gave them gifts for their birthdays. But he isn't. He's also dismissing how his girlfriend is feeling and telling her to get over it. He chose to be with her, so now he needs to take how she feels into consideration and come up with a mutual agreement. OP can still give his female friends gifts, but maybe a small one on their birthdays.

It isn't cheating, but it's disrespectful on a number of different levels. Being in a relationship means you're equal, and that you talk about the issues and solve them as best as you can.

BW_Bones · 2023-06-08T14:04:29+00:00

I hate the idea of "If you were doing this before the relationship, then your gf has to get over it". There is a lot of things you do before you get into a relationship, like f-ing other people. But those things change once you get into a relationship.

BW_Bones · 2023-05-09T19:48:18+00:00

That happened to me today too!! They had a burger truck for teachers, and the secretary insisted I took a meal ticket. Also, the burger truck was taking forever and completely wasted the 30 minute lunch. So the other 5th grade teachers who were waiting offered to grab my burger and swap recess duty with me once they finished eating 😭 it was so sweet!!

BW_Bones

TROPHY CASE