It is the start of a new school year and whether you are
excited to go back to work or wish you had a longer vacation, your summer
vacation will probably last a little longer, as most teachers are still present
in class. By the time calls start coming you will be mentally ready…
When that happens, be prepared with few items to help you in
case you are sent to a class that is not ready for you. Think ahead of some
activities that would occupy students in case they don’t have anything to do. Although
many of them would not want to participate, some will, and it will make a
difference.
I usually carry with me Sudoku to draw on the board and
challenge students to solve it. If they are too lazy to copy it (occasionally I
copy for them), some will be happy to do it on the board. You may also look for
various brain puzzles. I recently found one with symbols representing
expressions, and students really enjoy it...
Most classrooms are equipped with an electronic device that
can run a movie. You may want to fetch few DVDs, as they are easy to carry. I
usually bring a classic, not anything students would watch on their own, to
introduce them to good old, yet entertaining, movies, like Charlie Chaplin’s or
the Marx Brothers’.
For your own entertainment, bring something to read in case students
are busy. Try not to use your cell phone, as it looks unprofessional. Reading a
book or magazine will make you look professional, and will give students a good
example. I usually carry with me the Time Magazine; it contains current news, fun
facts and stories…
Take with you a snack and a bottle of water; you never know
what the school cafeteria provides. Bring a hat in case you are to supervise an
outside action, and a light sweater in case air-conditioning is too chilly.
Make sure you are cozy and mobile. Use a light handbag,
comfortable shoes and be as self-sustained as possible; you may be at an
unfamiliar school, or doing unplanned activity at the gym, out on the field, or
in an office filing papers...
And my favorite… go to the cafeteria for nutrition and lunch
(make sure you have few one dollar bills), and talk to someone; There is
nothing as effective in relieving daily stress as talking to another adult who
deals with similar situations...
