Don't Make Assumptions ((PART 2)

· Don’t assume that photocopying is done by the office staff and is available in limitless amounts.
· Don’t assume that all children will return from their visit to the toilet or come back after lunch.

· Don’t assume all children will have the necessary stationery equipment like a pencil and a rubber!

· Don’t assume the specialist teachers and parents will know who you are.

· Don’t assume you will never leave any of your person equipment behind in a classroom. Always put your name and mobile number on everything if you want it returned.

· Don’t assume your bag is safe in the classroom, unless the room is locked.

· Don’t assume that a stranger (with no identification) in the playground is allowed to be there.

· Don’t always assume that the significant adult picking up the child at home time is the legal guardian. Very difficult area however, careful observation is required at all times.

· Don’t assume you are in the right duty area. If you are not positive, ask!

· Don’t assume that every child is sick just because they say so. Check with your partner teacher, or office staff, for a quick personality review then make your decision. Be as objective as possible!

· Don’t assume that a child will always understand what you meant let alone what you said!



The wonderful book, The Four Agreements written by Don Miguel Ruiz, states that one of the four fundamental agreements is precisely ....DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS. While my version is a little simplicistic and a little tongue in cheek, I do hope it serves to enlighten your thinking when you turn up for your action packed supply teaching day.


Live,laugh and learn,
Blessings for the journey,
Carmel

Closing the Day

The final term of the school year is busy and filled with lots of addition activities. Finishing a school day calmly is very important for every one's sanity. Don’t run yourself out of time. Allow plenty of time for the tidy up and shut down. Outline expectations and turn the essential clean up-time into fun!

I always give children a signal that they are close to finishing time. This gives children a chance to make a last minute effort to complete or enjoy the task. When Clean Up is called there is no plead for “Just as Minute” and the cleaning process can start.

The Mystery Object : Sometime during the activity identify a mystery object. It might be the pot of glue, a red crayon, or a child’s hat. Whatever the object watch to see who deals with it correctly during the tidying up process. Announce the object and the winner! Reward.


Tidy up Telescope I get my magic telescope out for lots of reasons but mostly to see the best tidying up person and sometimes to see who is ready and waiting. I mime the holding of the telescope with my two hands and it is great to block out all other vision and focus on one child at a time.

Hope these tried and true ideas are helpful.

Live, laugh and learn......
Blessing for the journey.
Carmel

Supply Teachers Alert! Don't make Assumptions!

This section has been included as a bit of fun especially if you entering into the world of supply teaching for the first time. Making assumptions can be your downfall.! Be warned and make sure you ask questions. This list is just part of a longer version. The rest of which I will offer in a following blogs. Actually, the assumptions get funnier as they list grows. You know what they say....."Many a true word is spoken,though only in jest!"

So, therefore, I offer for your consideration the following:


· Don’t assume the day will be organised for you.

· Don’t assume that you will be with any one class for the whole day.

· Don’t assume just because no duties are on your class’ timetable you won’t be asked to do a duty or two.

· Don’t assume you will have plenty of time to read that Relief teacher’s File later in the day. Best to read it ASAP! Important information will be discovered within its pages.

· Don’t assume that just because there is a specialist lesson scheduled you can also take a break. Ask if there is another class you should be relieving.

· Don’t assume you will be in the four walls of the classroom all day.

· Don’t assume you will have a relaxed lunch break.

· Don’t assume that the class will be all happy to see you.

· Don’t assume your classroom will have a CD player.

· Don’t assume art supplies will be plentiful.

· Don’t assume that photocopying is done by the office staff and is available in limitless amounts.

Trust this is of some assistance as fore-warned is fore-armed! May Term Four, 2009 be both rewarding and professionally challenging for both growth and creativity.

Live,laugh and learn.

Blessings,

Carmel