Thursday, October 23, 2008

I Can Bring Home the Bacon...

I had my first (and last ;-) experience as a substitute teacher today in P's primary class. From 8-12:30 I was with twenty 3-5 year olds in a Montessori classroom. All I can really say is: Whew!

If asking me to do this was intended to make me appreciate teachers more...it worked! I was completely exhausted by 12:30. All I could think about was a cold Diet Coke and some time alone to read and regroup before picking my brood up at 2:15. Alas, my trio turned on the tears and begged me to take them home with me--so I obliged at the expense of my quiet time. I managed to sneak in my DC and quiet while they decompressed by watching Sesame Street so all ended well.

You would think after a day like today I would have lots of terrific kid stories to share, but mainly, I am just tired.

Thank you, teachers, for patiently guiding our children day in and day out. It is truly a calling!

P.S. Tonight I made chicken and dumplings, roasted Parmesan asparagus and sliced pears. Mmm! I have cooked 4 out of the last 6 nights! (I am recording this in case my new goal doesn't work out. At least then I can prove that there was once a week where I cooked more often than we ate out. :-)

13 comments:

Michelle said...

I am impressed you cooked so much, go you. I have the same problem you have. I did cook Tuesday, and Monday, but tonight I had to pick up McDonalds on the way home from work. It is exhausting cooking and taking care of kids. I am not sure how our mothers and grandmothers did it so well.

Bethany said...

As teachers... we try! ;) We have our limit of patience as well. Somehow, I totally MISSED that your kids go to a Montessori school- I work at one!

I love it when parents come to sub- it's such an amazing and eye-opening experience for them, and it's neat as teachers to have them come help and be involved :)

Anonymous said...

Tag, you're it!

Sarah said...

I always think the same thing when I'm in one of my kid's classrooms. I think it would be so fun to be a teacher, then I spend 1/2 hour in a classroom, and think I could never ever do that day in and day out. It's an incredible amount of work!

laurie said...

So impressed!

HW said...

I love teachers. I fall at their feet in admiration.
I have a feeling there are many more days in the classroom in your future.
I was a "substitute teacher" a couple times a year when my kids were young. We moms would sit in the classroom twice a year so the teacher could eat their Teacher Appreciation Lunch together.
Those were the days...

Perri said...

Wow, Chick Fil A is gonna miss you guys.

Tari said...

I am amazed at my sons' teachers - they are so patient. And especially how the Montessori teachers are just swarmed with kids and have to switch gears again and again all day - whew! They are wonderful people, you are right.

I love that your kids are at Montessori too - isn't it an adventure?

And grilled cheese and tomato soup counts as "cooking dinner", I promise. At least it does in my house!

Kate Geisen said...

Wow, while I teach, I wouldn't want to substitute teach. People who can come in and do a great job as a sub really impress me. And ditto the person talking about parents as subs. It's good to see things from the "other side"...not to mention having an even better idea of what your kids are doing.

And your dinner sounds delicious! Way to go. :)

Laura said...

Wow! I don't blame you for being exhausted. And then to cook such a fancy meal. I cook on average 25 out of 30 meals a month and lunch is always leftovers. This may seem boring, and it is, but it keeps us in budget. Try a Taste at Home cookbook for some easy recipes that taste good. I try to cook a "fancy" meal every other week because they take too much brain power and time. I find that cooking supper during afternoon snack time and heating it in the microwave at meal time is the easiest for me. I hope that this helps you reach your goal!

Unknown said...

as a full time Special ed teacher, i totally relate.
i am lucky to cook 3x a week.
i commend you for cooking this week.
thank you too . for what you said about teachers.

Mom of 9 said...

To sub in your own child's class is even more challenging than in any other class. Good for you for being willing to do that.

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus sounds wonderful? Care to share the recipe?

Thanks for sharing your life with us blogreaders.

Lydia said...

Mmm...your dinner sounds delicious! I'm right there with you in trying to cook more than I eat out, only my challenge is not quite so hard as I'm cooking for one instead of five! :) Happy cooking!