Last week found me racing back and forth between classrooms in whirlwind days at the middle school with barely, if any, time for a lunch break. Yet, even during these hectic days, I am reminded of the gifts that arise out of this adventure in subbing the middle grades. I, inevitably, learn something. Last week, I learned that it was no big deal to read aloud to a group of middle schoolers.
Allow me to add a backstory. It is, I believe, no accident that I have chosen to substitute teach in the grades where my self-confidence was shattered when I was in school. It was during these formative years when I learned how to doubt my voice and blush at the drop of a hat. Now, subbing in the middle grades is another opportunity for me to grow and learn. Challenge pushes us to the doorway and asks whether we’re ready to step through.
Last week I realized how far I had come since my own middle school years. This growth hasn’t happened over night. It’s been many years now since I’ve found myself turning red in the face each time I meet someone new or step into the spotlight to use my voice, but I had not realized how comfortable I’d become in being placed on the spot until last week. It was, as I sat reading aloud from a book I had never picked up, with a classroom of middle-schoolers listening (or not) to every word I read, and fluorescent lights glaring down at my face, no big deal. I was performing the role that I had been tasked to perform and it felt as natural as washing the dishes.
Of course my audience helped. I am fully aware of how lucky I am to be subbing in a district where the students are, for the most part, courteous and well-behaved when it really counts. When a German world appeared during my reading aloud and I mispronounced it, a student called out the proper pronunciation and we moved on. No big deal.
And what a cool experience that was, I thought, as I continued to read.
The Light Behind the Story 
What a great experience. I love reading to middle schoolers. I’ve visited many schools over the years and read form my books. I have found the students to be very attentive and well behaved, better than some adult classes I’ve taught. The questions they ask me after are always so well thought out and very clever. I completely agree with your statement, Challenge pushes us to the doorway and asks whether we’re ready to step through.
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Thank you, Darlene. I’m so glad to hear you’ve had many positive experiences reading your books to middle schoolers. 🙂
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I’m glad you’re enjoying, learning, and finding your confidence in subbing. It was overwhelming for me.
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As much as I’d prefer a better paying job right now, I think in some ways I need this experience in my life. I always seem to get something valuable out of the week, if not each individual day.
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Great attitude. I wanted to teach but realized it wasn’t a good fit for me.
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Thanks, honestly I’d rather be reading my own books to them and discussing life, but I’ll take what I can get for now.
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Maybe you can slide those into the lessons. 😀
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Maybe…🙂
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I love the way the student corrected your German pronunciation in such a non confrontational way. It sounds like you are having a very rewarding time.
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I am for the most part. Kids are so wise and intuitive when they choose to be.
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What a gift to nurture your confidence and flow it back to middle schoolers. Hearing a story or lesson read aloud is comforting. You are special, Alethea. ❤ Xx
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Thank you, Jane. Maybe someday it will be my own books. ❤️
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I do hope so. ❤
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Thank you for supporting my dream ❤️
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Lovely 😊
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Thank you 🙂
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Wonderful, Alethea! 💞
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Thank you, Bette ❤️
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