Middle School Music

i heart middle schoolers. I subbed the past 3 days for a music class. On Wednesday she had her 4 choir classes copy major's somethings on blank staffs. She said the two 6th grade classes will have a book and should be reading. I didn't think that was fair, just because I'm musically challenged they had to read. Then Thursday and Friday she had nothing, when I asked her about it before she left for all-states she said, It'll be like a study hall. My attitude in extracurricular classes is so different from core classes. This is their escape time, there break from vigorous work. I am not a music teacher but I did bring some music to listen to. My little treat to them! I am not an easy walk all over teacher, I am nice but I have structure and I think the kids recognize that and appreciate that!
THURSDAY
My Choir classes wanted to show me there talents so we decided to have an American Idol day. In each class I had the license plate match for a challenge. (see if you can solve it!) They had the option to read a book, finish homework, or sit quietly. Too many Ipods were out, I'm not usually that sub but I DID just look the other way. Everyone else played Scattegories with me!
The 6th graders came after lunch and after my HUGE planning time. They are hyper and can be out of control, and I was getting tired. However- they know how to obey there teachers, it's because they are afraid of getting hit. (I always wondered why these southern kids were much more well behaved than students in Utah, its because of capital punishment, and it broke my heart hearing the teachers at the lunch table! *details in future possible post*) When I speak they obey and it had to stay that way. On this day we would try to start something and they would loose control and we couldn't continue. It happened too many times and I felt like I lost control the last period on Thursday. I was not going to let that happen again. After the 6th graders I was so glad to go home.
FRIDAY
The Choir classes were excellent! Those 7th and 8th graders were such a delight. Those who were brave enough to perform had great voices and once they grow into their voices they will be even greater! It was a real treat seeing so much talent! After our talent show we played family Cranium! Everyone participated and everyone stayed on task.
The 6th graders had a much better day! It was much more structured than the day before, I made sure to set specific directions and of coarse they followed. We also played Cranium and had a blast. The only thing about 6th graders are they are still babies with TONS of emotion, tattling, and bullying. Since things were planed and organized the day went by much faster and I really enjoyed all the classes!
ABOUT ME
I was on day-quil the whole time. Once I stepped into my house and ALL night I felt like trash, runny nose, stuffiness, and soreness. Each morning I had an OJ, took those pills and I was glowing for the rest of the day. All my pain went away while I was in the classroom. I am so glad I studied education. I loved college, I love teaching, and I love those kids.