You're referring to the popular "Substitute teacher leaving note for teacher" trend on Reddit!
These humorous notes are written by substitute teachers who want to leave a memorable impression on their regular teacher, often poking fun at themselves or making lighthearted remarks. Here are some examples:
1. **The classics**:
* "I didn't do anything crazy, I promise."
* "Please don't think I'm the reason for the chaos that ensues."
2. **Self-deprecating humor**:
* "I hope you find this classroom in a state of mild disarray and not complete anarchy."
* "If there are any 'mysterious' messes, just blame it on me, the substitute teacher with questionable life choices."
3. **Playful jabs at teaching**:
* "I tried to teach them something, but I'm pretty sure they already knew it."
* "I managed not to make a complete hash of things, so that's a win, right?"
4. **Witty observations**:
* "It appears the students have a strong understanding of the importance of snacks and video games."
* "The highlight of my day was when [student's name] shared their excellent rendition of 'Let It Go' from Frozen."
5. **Sarcastic remarks**:
* "I'm not sure what's more impressive, the students' ability to tune me out or my ability to pretend I understand what they're saying."
* "If you find any hidden talent, please don't tell anyone; it's a secret only I know."
These notes are often shared on Reddit and other online platforms, where they can elicit laughter and commiseration from fellow teachers and educators. They might also serve as a reminder that even in the most challenging teaching situations, there is always room for humor and levity!
Here are some example notes that a substitute teacher might leave for the regular teacher:
**Note Example 1:**
"Hello [Teacher's Name],
I had a great time substituting for your class today! The students were well-behaved and engaged in our activities. I covered the lesson plan you left, which was on [topic]. We also did some fun group work on [specific activity].
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thanks,
[Substitute Teacher's Name]"
**Note Example 2:**
"Hi [Teacher's Name],
I just wanted to let you know that I had a great experience substituting for your class today. The students were enthusiastic and participated fully in our activities. We did a review of the chapter on [topic], and then moved on to some creative writing exercises.
If there's anything specific you'd like me to focus on tomorrow, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll just keep an eye out for any issues that might come up.
Thanks again,
[Substitute Teacher's Name]"
**Note Example 3:**
"Hello [Teacher's Name],
I'm just wrapping things up here after substituting for your class today. The students were a pleasure to work with, and we had some great discussions about [topic]. I also helped them get started on their homework assignments.
If you need any additional information or have any questions about what we did today, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thanks,
[Substitute Teacher's Name]"
**Note Example 4:**
"Hi [Teacher's Name],
Just a quick note to let you know that everything went smoothly while I was substituting for your class today. We covered the lesson plan you left, and then did some extra practice problems on [topic]. The students were engaged and motivated throughout.
If there's anything specific you'd like me to focus on tomorrow, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll just keep an eye out for any issues that might come up.
Thanks,
[Substitute Teacher's Name]"
**Note Example 5:**
"Hello [Teacher's Name],
I wanted to touch base with you after substituting for your class today. The students were generally well-behaved and participated fully in our activities. We did a review of the chapter on [topic], and then moved on to some group work exercises.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to help out in any way I can.
Thanks,
[Substitute Teacher's Name]"
These notes are just examples, but they give you an idea of what a substitute teacher might write in their note for the regular teacher. The key is to be concise and clear, while also showing appreciation for the opportunity to work with the students.
A thank-you note from a substitute teacher to the regular classroom teacher is a thoughtful gesture that shows appreciation for the opportunity to work with their students and build on the regular teacher's efforts. Here are some tips and ideas to help you write a sincere and professional note:
**Tips:**
1. Be specific: Mention something you appreciated about the regular teacher's lesson plans, classroom setup, or communication style.
2. Keep it brief: Substitute teachers often have limited time between classes, so keep your note concise and to the point.
3. Focus on the students: Express gratitude for the opportunity to work with the students and how much you enjoyed seeing their unique personalities shine.
**Example of a thank-you note from a substitute teacher:**
Dear [Regular Teacher's Name],
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for allowing me to sub in your classroom. It was an absolute pleasure working with your students, and I appreciated the thorough lesson plans you provided. Your attention to detail and enthusiasm for teaching are contagious!
In particular, I enjoyed seeing [specific student or group of students] grow and learn during my time with them. They're a wonderful group, and I'm grateful to have had the chance to get to know them.
Thank you again for your trust in me as a substitute teacher. It was an honor to support your teaching and work alongside you in any way possible.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
**Additional ideas:**
* If you noticed something specific that the regular teacher did well, mention it (e.g., "I loved how you incorporate technology into your lessons").
* If there's a particular aspect of the classroom or school culture that impressed you, highlight it.
* Consider sharing a brief anecdote about one of the students or a memorable moment from your time in the classroom.
Remember to keep your note professional and respectful, as you're representing not only yourself but also the substitute teaching profession.
A very practical and time-saving request!
Here's a free Substitute Teacher Notes Template you can use:
**Substitute Teacher Notes Template**
**Date:** [Insert date]
**Class/Subject:** [Insert class name and subject, e.g. "Mrs. Smith's 3rd Grade English"]
**Students Present:**
1. _____________________________________
2. _____________________________________
3. _____________________________________
4. _____________________________________
5. _____________________________________
**Notes on Student Behavior:**
* Positive behaviors observed: _______________________________________
* Concerning behaviors observed: _______________________________________
**Lesson Plan Progress:**
* Completed tasks: _____________________________________________________
* Ongoing work: ______________________________________________________
**Challenges or Issues:**
* _______________________________________________________________
* _______________________________________________________________
**Questions or Concerns:**
* For the teacher: ____________________________________________________
* For the student(s): __________________________________________________
**Additional Comments:**
* _______________________________________________________________
* _______________________________________________________________
You can print out this template and fill it in as you go, or modify it to fit your specific needs. Some additional suggestions:
* Keep the notes concise and focused on the most important information.
* Use a separate sheet for each class or subject if you're substituting multiple classes.
* Consider adding a section for any student requests or questions that came up during the lesson.
Remember to turn in your completed notes template when you're finished substituting, so the teacher can stay informed and follow up with students as needed.
Here are some examples of substitute teacher feedback that can be helpful for students, parents, and teachers:
**Behavioral Feedback**
* "Johnny was very well-behaved today and followed directions easily."
* "Sarah struggled with staying on task, but with some reminders, she got back on track."
* "The class was generally quiet and respectful, with only minor disruptions."
**Academic Feedback**
* "The students did a great job of completing their math worksheet, showing good understanding of the concepts."
* "Emily's reading comprehension skills are impressive - she had no trouble summarizing the chapter."
* "The science experiment went well today, and the students showed curiosity and enthusiasm for learning."
**Classroom Management Feedback**
* "I was able to establish a smooth routine in the classroom, with minimal transitions."
* "The students worked efficiently and independently on their assignments, with only occasional questions."
* "Despite some initial resistance, I was able to engage the class in a fun and interactive lesson."
**Teacher-Specific Feedback (if you're substituting for a specific teacher)**
* "Ms. Smith's lesson plan was well-organized and easy to follow, making my job easier today."
* "The students were familiar with Ms. Johnson's classroom procedures, which helped me transition smoothly."
* "I appreciated the detailed notes left by Mr. Thompson, which gave me a good understanding of his teaching style."
**General Feedback**
* "It was great to see so many smiling faces in class today!"
* "The students showed a lot of interest and engagement during our activities, making it a fun day."
* "I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a wonderful group of students today."
Remember to keep your feedback concise, specific, and focused on the behaviors or events you observed. This will help ensure that your feedback is helpful and not overwhelming.
Here's an example of a substitute teacher report:
**Substitute Teacher Report**
**Date:** [Insert date]
**School:** [Insert school name]
**Class/Grade Level:** [Insert class/grade level, e.g. 3rd grade, English class]
**Number of Students:** [Insert number of students in the class]
**Lesson Plans:**
* I covered the following topics:
+ [List specific topics or subjects taught, e.g. math, reading comprehension]
* I used the following teaching strategies:
+ [List specific teaching strategies used, e.g. group work, hands-on activities]
**Behavior and Discipline:**
* The class was generally well-behaved, with only a few minor disruptions.
* One student, [Student's name], had difficulty following directions and required additional support.
* I addressed the issue by [describe how you addressed the behavior, e.g. redirecting the student, providing extra attention]
**Assessment:**
* I administered the following assessments:
+ [List specific assessments or quizzes given, e.g. math quiz, reading comprehension test]
* Student performance was generally good, with a few students showing areas for improvement.
**Notes and Comments:**
* The classroom environment is well-organized and tidy.
* The students are engaged and motivated.
* Some students need additional support with [specific area of struggle].
**Classroom Management:**
* I used the following classroom management strategies:
+ [List specific strategies used, e.g. creating a positive learning environment, using visual reminders]
* The class was well-managed, with minimal disruptions.
**Teacher Notes:**
* Any notable comments or concerns from the regular teacher?
* Are there any specific areas of focus or concern that I should be aware of?
**Signature:** [Insert your name and signature]
This is just an example, but you can modify it to fit your specific needs and the requirements of the school. The key is to provide a clear and concise summary of what happened during your substitute teaching experience.
Here's a substitute teacher template you can use to leave a note with important information:
**Substitute Teacher Notes**
**Class:** [Name of class or subject]
**Grade Level:** [Grade level of students in the class]
**Date:** [Today's date]
**Teacher's Name:** [Your name]
**Important Information:**
* **Lesson Plans:** Attached are the lesson plans for today's classes. Please follow them as closely as possible.
* **Classroom Management:** The students have been well-behaved and responsive to directions. However, please be aware of [any specific classroom management issues or behaviors you've observed].
* **Materials Needed:** The following materials will be needed for the lessons: [list any necessary materials, such as textbooks, worksheets, etc.].
* **Student Contact Information:** In case of an emergency, please contact [parent/guardian name] at [phone number/email].
* **Special Instructions:** Please note that [any special instructions or accommodations you have made for individual students].
**Additional Notes:**
* [Any additional notes or comments you want to leave for the substitute teacher]
**Sign-Off:**
Thank you for covering my classes today! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
**Your Signature:** ______________________
You can customize this template to fit your specific needs and the needs of your students. Remember to include all necessary information to help the substitute teacher have a smooth and successful experience.
Subnotes are a type of note-taking strategy that involves breaking down larger notes into smaller, more detailed subnotes. This can be especially helpful when you're trying to summarize and organize information from multiple sources.
Here's an example of how you might use subnotes:
Let's say you're studying for a exam on ancient civilizations. You've read a chapter in your textbook about the Mesopotamians and want to create some notes that will help you understand the key points.
You start by creating a main note that summarizes the main ideas from the chapter:
**Mesopotamian Civilization**
* Emerged around 3500 BCE
* Located in modern-day Iraq
* Known for developments in writing (cuneiform), governance, and architecture
Next, you break down this main note into smaller subnotes that focus on specific aspects of Mesopotamian culture. For example:
**Writing Systems**
* Cuneiform script developed around 2500 BCE
* Used for administrative purposes, such as recording laws and trade agreements
* Eventually replaced with alphabet systems
**Governance**
* City-states (e.g. Ur, Babylon) had their own governments
* Kingship was hereditary in some city-states, while others had a more democratic system
* Laws were recorded on clay tablets using cuneiform script
**Architecture**
* Ziggurats (step pyramids) were built as temples and shrines
* City walls and fortifications protected cities from invaders
* Palaces and temples featured intricate carvings and sculptures
By breaking down your main note into these subnotes, you've created a more detailed and organized set of notes that can help you remember key information about Mesopotamian civilization. You can also use this structure to review for an exam or test your understanding of the material.
Do you have any specific questions about using subnotes, or would you like more examples?