AuburnChick's Adventures

Today I subbed for a friend of mine.  He teaches 7th grade science at the same school my children attended.  In fact, he taught both Soccer Chick and Rockin’ Rooster, which is how we’ve become friends.  He’s an excellent teacher whose method is hands-on learning.  Totally my type of educator.

We got to know each other better when his daughter, who is several years younger than my children, began playing competitive soccer.  She’s little, but she’s like a stick of dynamite.  I’ve encouraged him to get her some good training.  She has a lot of potential.

So, we share a mutual love of learning and soccer.  A great combination.

I saw him last weekend at the soccer tournament Soccer Chick played at.  We chatted during one of her games, with me inquiring about what we would be doing in class this week.

“Well, since I know it’s you, I’m going to let you teach,” he said.

Yippee!  My kind of teacher!

“What do you think about Play-doh?” he asked.

Uh oh.

“We’re studying cells, and I thought the kids could make models of them.”

The last time I was around Play-doh, my children were young, and I rarely got it out.  To play with it, they had to be barefoot and outside.  I hated the way it got into the crevices of shoes and fingernails, thus spreading all over the house.

“No problem,” I gamely replied.

I came into the class dreading the mess and chaos.

I have to say that I surprised myself.

To his credit, Mr. Science Teacher had prepped the students, going over the projet beforehand.  He did leave me leeway to make adjustments as I saw fit.  The students knew exactly what to do, and they did it!  They had a couple of questions, and we adjusted.

I can’t believe how calm I felt.  I am surprised at how the day flowed.  My kids would have been proud.  Actually, they would have questioned “Who” had taken possession of Mama’s body, because I did not resemble my “home” self.

I like this me.  Teacher AuburnChick.

Sure, it’s only one day, but I know in my heart that teaching is what I am supposed to do “when I grow up.”

And so I wait for the perfect position to open up.  Well, okay…any position.

Bring on the Play-doh!  AuburnChick is ready to roll!

P.S.  In case you’re wondering, I have been knitting.  I just picked up my sock and hope to have it done very soon.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: play-doh, teaching |