SUB ME OUT!

I am currently sitting in my internship classroom for the second time this week with a substitute. Honestly, I don't mind it, it gives me a chance to kind of take over and teach, (even though I'm just suppose to introduce a worksheet and make sure they do it...), either way, I don't mind. However, today, it is a little different. I don't know the process and I'm sure when you don't know you'll be absent as a teacher until the morning of, there is probably not much choice when it comes to selecting subs. Also, I'm sure there are some teachers that don't care because they have developed the mentality that kids won't work if there's a sub regardless of who it is. All this being said, today's sub is, to put it nicely, "old school." Not the,  "I don't know how to use computers," old school, but the, "Please take out your pencils quietly, do not speak, do not leave your desk without permission," does not consider accommodations, doesn't think school should be fun, kind of "old school."🚷🚯🚱 She reminds me of that monster teacher from that book we read as kids.
And being that my supervising teacher is frankly, THE EXACT OPPOSITE, somehow today, (as I teach and this grumpy old lady does nothing but scowl at the children while I hand out my Valentine's candy gifts for them), I have to figure out a way to function somewhere along the middle to appease her awhile have the kids actually work in their typical environment. I'm trying really really hard not to be as mean about this as she is to the kids.😇 It's 3rd period planning right now, and she literally hasn't said a word to me. When I tried to talk to her about accommodations/disabilities, all she said was, "yeah, they told me which classes, you don't have to explain," and I had to politely stop her before she went to yell at a student for being on his computer in class because she figured he was playing when actually he was just typing his work, (his accommodation). She asked if we would have additional help in the ESOL class because she thinks that's two much more a "normal" teacher to handle, and when third period planning began I tried to make conversation by saying, "so far, so good?" and she responded in a condescending manner, "well, it has been interesting..." So yeah, today has been interesting. I feel like everything I do she glares at me but the kids are working and learning and there enjoying their day, (no rulers smacking their hands for talking out of turn 😂😅😂). It's not like she's doing my observation so I honestly shouldn't care, right? It just frustrates me because had I not been here these kids would have felt like ELA today was jail. It stinks that this is something we will have to deal with if we miss. I can hear my future students now telling me about my days off already. I hope I miss very few.
What would you have done in this situation?

Spring Time!

☼😎🌞😎☼

Yes it is Spring, but this post isn't about the season. It's about the places! I love being by the water, and thankfully, Spring in Florida still means sunny skies and warm temperatures. So I've compiled a list of my favorite springs in Florida with as much information and/or personal experience I have with them, just in case y'all decide to check them out!

Ginnie Springs! 

 

This one is one of my all time favorites, probably because I've been there so much.

For park admission, its only $13.09 (plus tax) and if you are super outdoors-y, (like me!) it's only $21.34 a night, and that includes the admission fee! There's restrooms and showers on the grounds as well as multiple beach volleyball courts and it sits right up against the Santa Fe River! Our favorite activity is taking tubes and tying them together with each others, (available for rent) sticking a cooler in one of them (alcohol is permitted), and floating down the river making pit stops at all the rope swings along the way! You can also snorkel or dive in the year-round 72 degree turquoise springs as well! 

Wekiwa Springs / Wekiva Island!

↑ Island↑

So these are two different places, so I've linked both sites, but you can follow the river back and forth! I've actually only been to the Island and it's amazing(and free)! There is a platform built along the river that flows from the Springs, so you can canoe, paddle board or kayak from one to the other (available for rent)!

↓ Springs↓

 Parking is usual tight so it is good to get there early and get the early bird sun! You can rent cabanas right of the water and wooden lounge chairs line the river as well! The volleyball court is always poppin', and if you get thirsty there's a a tikki island bar just steps from the water. You can relax and enjoy frequent live music and events also!  

Bob's River Place / Fanning Springs

Again I haven't ventured to specifically these springs yet, but it is in my future plans! I guess it's fair to say we haven't ventured there yet because Bob's is one of a kind and takes a full day of energy from you! It's owned by a guy named Bob, if you couldn't guess, and he has managed to build a one of a kind "water park," if you will, right up on the Suwannee River! This gem has a floating dock, a high dive platform, 55ft water slides, 9 rope swings from varying heights, a log roll, mini zip-line, a dry court and wet court for volley ball, picnic tables, and karaoke. It's all "at your own risk" and only $25 a car load! I linked it up to the Facebook page, because somehow, it's yet to get a website.

 

 Fanning Springs is about 25 minutes south and is a huge spring where you can swim, canoe, kayak, hike, picnic, or even stay a night in one of their cabins for rent! It our plan to soon have a Bob's day, make a 25 minute drive to Fanning, lodge there and recover from our day for the evening, then wake up to the beautiful spring water a short walk from our front door! Maybe you'll do the same!

Hope this gave you some ideas! Bob's and Ginnie are a bit of a drive from Orlando (about 2 and a half hours) but SO extremely worth the day trip! If you're looking for a quick trip, Wekiva is under 45 minutes. And remember, this is just a few or my favorites; there's so many more hidden spots out there, so get out and exlore! And if you find one, please please please share! 👍💙