What do you think about the TEACHER taking time off for a vacation?

[DISUNC]

OK - you've forced me to do it. Here are my lesson plans for when I'm out ... this was for last week b/c I had to attend a seminar (that, for my students was v. useful btw):

CURRICULUM - FRIDAY

For many of the tasks, you will split the children into groups. Two groups will go on headphones while you work w/one group. Each student has his/her own set of headphones. You can seat them and pop in their headphones. When you switch out of groups, be sure to change out the headphones. There are a variety of learning videos on top of the television.

GROUPS:

Kdg. – Ella, Paige, Lacey, Grace, Andrea, Brianna
Pre-K Group A – Jackson, Clarice, Bricelyn, Joseph, Kevin, Rose
Pre-K Group B – Nicholas, Nicole, Gysma, Marissa


PHONICS – Beginning Letter Sound R – Worksheet pg. 90 –
Kindergarten Group: These students are aware of beginning letter sounds. They may work on this alone however, if they require support, that is fine.

Pre-K Group A: This group is very good with beginning letter sounds. Go around the room and ask each child if the word starts with the letter R sound. If it does, they will circle it. If it does not, ask the child to tell you what letter sound the word begins with.

Pre-K Group B: You will run this the same way as you did with Pre-K Group A. These children will need extra support.

Correct papers and have students put in mailbox.

KINDERGARTEN MATH – Symmetry/Equal Parts – wksht pgs. 91, 92 & CW41
Kdg. Math Group: Ella, Paige, Lacey, Grace, Andrea, Brianna
Review the fact that symmetry means equal parts or the same on both sides. We discussed this already.
Wksht. pg. 91: Students will color the shapes that show two equal parts. They will draw an X on the shapes that do not show equal parts.
Wksht. pg. 92: Students will color the pizzas that are cut into equal parts. They will draw an X on the pizzas that do not have equal parts.
Wksht. pg. CW41: Using the dots and the straight edge of the protractor (on my desk), students will draw lines to make equal parts.

Correct papers and have students put in mailbox.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN MATH – Numbers: Counting and Writing –– worksheet pgs. 288 & 292

PK Math Groups:
Group A: Kevin, Joseph, Bricelyn, Clarice, Jackson
Group B: Marissa, Gysma, Nicholas, Nicole, Rose

Group A, they may work individually but might need some support which you may offer as needed.
Page 288: They will identify the number on the side and color that number of objects in.
Page 292: They will count the number of objects and print that number on the line.

With Group B, you can push the desks together into a cluster to make it easier. This group will need more support.
Page 288: Ask a student to identify the number at the side. Tell them they need to color in one shape. Ask if they’ve colored in that many yet. If not, have them color another and ask if they’ve colored in the number necessary. If not, keep going until the desired number is colored in. Group B will need more support than group A. If you only get through one sheet with this group, that is fine!
Page 292: Have students work on this alone and offer support when needed.

READING – RACCOONS AND RIPE CORN–
Gather all students on the mat. Reread the book to them (in folder) Do the sections as follows

1. Oral Language – Discuss speaking voices and practice speaking voices.

2. Comprehension – Apply setting and plot. Explain that setting is where the story takes place. Do activity (as modified). Continue to next page and ask questions on the page.

READING – COBBLER, COBBLER POEM – photocopied sheet
Read the poem and ask children to answer the questions listed below the poem.

READING – THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT – photocopied sheets
Read story to students. Then, do as follows from photocopied sheets attached to story:

1. Comprehension – ask questions as listed on paper attached to story.
2. Dramatize Causes and Effects – do bullet pointed activity.
3. Oral Language – Ask questions.
4. Full Day Options:
 Oral Language – ask the two bullet pointed questions
 Reading – Reader Response – ask each child the question.
 Have students draw a picture of Peter Rabbit’s house … what they think it looked like. Paper is in folder.

ELA – My Little Book – KINDERGARTEN ONLY!
Students will fill in the blanks of the book as you read it to them. They will be able to figure out the missing letters. Assist where necessary.

RELIGION – St. John Bosco – Booklet – gather on the mat.
Introduce St. John Bosco and tell the students that he’s a saint. Read the booklet to the students and ask the following questions after reading:

1. Who is the story about? (St. John Bosco)
2. What did St. John Bosco want to do? (Tell people about God/God’s love)
3. What did he do to get people to listen to him? (Juggled)
4. What did St. John Bosco do when he was older? (Became a priest, helped poor and homeless children)
5. How did he help poor and homeless people? (found work for them, a place to live, showed them how to pray)
6. Did John start schools for the children? (Yes)
7. What did the children learn? (How to do things, about God)

When finished, children may put their booklet in their mailbox.

SCIENCE - Weather Symbols - wkbk. pgs. 181 -184 - using our weather station, show the children the various symbols for the weather. Discuss the symbols, what they mean and what we can do when we see the symbol (ie: fly a kite in the wind, etc.). Discuss clothing we wear for the different types of weather.
wkbk pg. 181 - children will choose the appropriate picture of an activity they can do for each weather symbol.
wkbk pg. 182 - children will draw their favorite activity to do according to the weather symbol.
wkbk. pg. 183 - children will choose the appropriate picture of clothing they can wear for each weather symbol.
wkbk. pg. 184 - children will draw the clothing they would wear for each weather symbol.


POP THE BALLOON GAME –

On the shelf behind my desk there are bags of M&M’s. Open up a new bag for this. On the chalkboard, draw balloons and on the inside of each balloon, print an uppercase letter, lowercase letter or number. Go around the room and ask a student if they can tell you where a letter, letter sound or number is. Or you can point to a letter and ask what it is or what sound it makes or what number it is. If they answer correctly, they “pop” it (by you erasing the letter or number out of it). If a student pops the balloon, they get an M&M, you erase the letter or number and put a new one in its place. If they don’t pop the balloon, you continue with the next person.


This should be enough work to last the whole day. If not, you may read them a story from the book basket and when you're done reading, you can have them illustrate their favorite part. Do not worry about finishing everything. If the children seem restless, move on to something else … esp. if they’re in their groups.


So, DO NOT tell me that a day w/o me in there is a wasted day! I have yet to have a day go by w/o me there that isn't a full day. All the subs who have come in have been able to complete the work given based on my lesson plans b/c everything is so self-explanatory.

Note -- I do not have an aide in my classroom and I teach a combined Pre-K and Kdg. class.

In our school, if a sub isn't good and doesn't perform, then she's taken off the sub list.

See you even taught me something. After 12 years of Parochial School...THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I ever even heard of Saint John Bosco!

 

[famofsix]

It is easy to point the finger at teachers because most of us have experienced teachers who have made the job look easy or teachers that were terrible in our personal education. However, I think it is important to remember that your perception of teachers was developed when your brain was completely sophomoric and unfortunatly even the best teachers can't reach every brain.

 

[golfgal]

when I am paying for that teacher to be in the classroom and Spring Break is just around the corner. Now the entire class is being affected. To be honest, I don’t think any of the parents I know would find this acceptable.

I realize that teachers are paid by taxpayers money but you DO realize that you are also paid by taxpayer money? Everyone earning a legal living is paid by tax payer money and since that is the case I am going to start telling YOU when you can take time off or not. How does that sound?

 

[Daxx]

See you even taught me something. After 12 years of Parochial School...THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I ever even heard of Saint John Bosco!

See ... told you I was good!

ETA -- if you want more info on St. John Bosco, here's a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bosco

 

[DISUNC]

See ... told you I was good!

I am SURE! Good teachers are worth their weight in GOLD and should be !

 

[gina2000]

Wow, just wow.

My district doesn't really allow any time off for vacations though I have seen teachers take an extra day around an extended holiday. It's not supposed to be allowed but it does happen.

Personally, having a child in the classroom and also as a teacher, I'm not in favor of teachers taking vacations during the school year unless it's an unavoidable situation. The right sub in a classroom makes a transition easy but very often it's impossible to find a good sub around here. So it's a crapshoot.

I've been a long term sub and done an excellent job. How do I know? The kids performed well on standardized tests and I did the test prep. So while many of you are ready to tar and feather the teacher taking time off, remember that she/he is entitled to maturnity/family leave just as a person in industry. And you may get a stellar sub. I was one and I was in great demand. And I performed for a pittance a day.

 

[Kath2003]

I'm a teacher and we are not allowed to take time off for vacation. We get 65 days vacation a year during set school holidays (1 week in October, 2 weeks for Christmas/New Year, 1 week in February, 2 weeks in April, 1 week in May, 6 weeks late-July to the first Monday of September), plus any public holidays which fall out of that time (e.g. this year it's the Friday and Monday of the Easter weekend because it's in March and the first Monday in May). Unavoidable medical appointments, family emergencies, bereavement, illness, maternity/paternity leave and the rest are perfectly excusable, but with those kind of vacations and their reasonable distribution throughout the year, you're not entitled to take additional weeks off for family vacation time. Having a sub in the classroom costs a lot of money.

 

[Daxx]

And you may get a stellar sub. I was one and I was in great demand. And I performed for a pittance a day.

And you prob. put up w/10x (if not more) the crap than the usual teacher puts up with b/c the kids love to take advantage of having a sub in the room.

Did it EVER dawn on any of you parents who complain about subs that your kids often contribute to the fact that nothing gets done in the classroom b/c they're too busy pulling little stunts and taking advantage of a sub in order to throw the day off!?!?!? I'd bet your kids would NEVER act in the manner they do for a sub if the teacher were there!!!! I had some of my students act out on the sub and they'd never dream of doing it to me.

So ask your kids how poorly behaved the class was in general before you go blaming the lack of learning on the sub.

 

[Buckalew11]

And you prob. put up w/10x (if not more) the crap than the usual teacher puts up with b/c the kids love to take advantage of having a sub in the room.

Did it EVER dawn on any of you parents who complain about subs that your kids often contribute to the fact that nothing gets done in the classroom b/c they're too busy pulling little stunts and taking advantage of a sub in order to throw the day off!?!?!? I'd bet your kids would NEVER act in the manner they do for a sub if the teacher were there!!!! I had some of my students act out on the sub and they'd never dream of doing it to me.

So ask your kids how poorly behaved the class was in general before you go blaming the lack of learning on the sub.

I remember how poorly most of my subs were treated. It was appalling. Even good kids (normally) were acting up.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I don't think she should put my child before hers. I think she should fulfill her obligations to her job and all her students when it is not going to effect her daughter anyway. You think that's insane?

If your sister needed knee surgery to walk that is not a nonemergency . I seriously doubt that if your sis couldn't walk that she was back to work in a couple days after major knee surgery though, having known two people who were laid up for several weeks after knee surgery. I'm sorry about your dad but if he needed a splint those parents didn't CAUSE his heart attack, thought they may have excurbated it. The only way stress can cause a heart attack is if someone has an arythmia, stress doesn't cause clogged arteries. Hope your family is feeling better .

I don't need to work as a teacher to know about the stresses as I've worked (unpaid) in classrooms for years and have several friends and relatives who are teachers.The ones who've worked in the outside world think they're jobs are well paid and rewarding. The ones who started teaching right out of college think they have such a hard life .

By you saying that she needs to fulfill her obligation to the students is basically saying that your child comes first. It's the same thing. Maybe she had no choice as to when the surgery could be scheduled.

Trust me, my twin and I have been through major knee surgery (an ACL reconstruction, me actually twice) and she was out of school the least amount of time possible. Luckily, we have a great doctor who gets you moving right after surgery. I believe she was back in school a week after the surgery. She was on crutches, but she was back in school. I don't know how she did it. My dad's condition may have been pre-existing, however the stress of the parents was what brought on the heart attack. This school year, he ended up back in the hospital again with chest pains because of the same parents. The tests showed there were no blockages, however it was still quite a scare. This kid physically abused my dad in the classroom - hitting him, slapping him, spitting and biting him, punching him and kicking him, etc. and the parents wanted to know what my dad did to make their child so angry. He did nothing but try to teach the kid. Thanks to the kid and his parents, I could have lost my dad. Thankfully, the administration took the kid away from my dad (I'm so glad for my dad's well-being).

My sister and my dad both started teaching right out of college and feel that their jobs are rewarding. Just because they've never worked in the 'outside' world doesn't make them any less of a person. They do something everyday which I am thankful I don't have to do, teach children and deal with their parents.

I don't want to be rude when I say this (and I'm saying this in the nicest possible way), but you seem so bitter towards educators and I don't understand why.

 

[bushdianee]

In my district we getr 2 personal days a year and 10 sick days. We can't take personal days the day before or after a long weekend or holiday, the first or last 10 days of the year. Which means that if a teacher wants to take a vacation they have to LIE about why they are out. What kind of example does that set for our children? I now of some people who do it but I won't. I have taken a personal day to go out of town for a wedding, but took it on a Friday so I had a travel day. I would support year round school so that I can take vacations. Plus people keep talking about vacation days. I don't know of many districts where the teachers get paid vacation days. We get paid for the days we work plus hiolidays. The only other "paid" days off are snow days. IMO it is hard work to plan for a sub because some, not all kinds think a sub means they can do whatever they want to do.

 

[snowy76]

If you work for the school district where your children attend, then your salary is also being paid by your taxes. My parents are in the same situation.

I was hoping someone would mention this. When people point out that their taxes pay for my job, I have to point out that my taxes pay for my job too. It's not like I get a free pass on paying my taxes or something

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I was hoping someone would mention this. When people point out that their taxes pay for my job, I have to point out that my taxes pay for my job too. It's not like I get a free pass on paying my taxes or something

I said that to my mom the one time...that they are partly paying for my dad to work! It's seems interesting, if you really stop and think about it.

 

[babieemelly]

I don't understand how anyone could complain about teachers. Of course there are a few out there who DON'T do what they're supposed to, but to look at every teacher in the same light is absurd. I'm almost done with my teaching degree and it's NO WHERE near as easy as many people think. You're there to teach, entertain and care for twenty to thirty students each and every day... oftentimes students who aren't interested in learning, student's who have parents who think their kids could do no wrong, and students who hear from their parents time and time again how "evil" teachers are and how they shouldn't be respected because "they have the summer off and I'm paying their salary." There's nothing more appalling than posts or comments that say teachers do nothing and you pay them for it. Teachers are there FOR YOUR CHILD'S benefit. We're there to teach your children not only the things they'll need simply to get by, but the thing's they'll need to be successful in their own lives. So many parents lose patience with their kids and don't care whether or not they read or do their homework or stay intellectually challenged, so I really don't understand how so many people could simply brush off the fact that teacher's work extra hard to do exactly that for TWENTY-FIVE students at a time. With programs such as No child Left Behind, teachers have to teach a strict, regimented curriculum while also trying to keep the children engaged, be creative and individualize parts of the curriculum for students who need extra help. It's not easy and it's all for your kids, so how a parent could completely disrespect the profession is beyond me.

Teachers also work in the summer and on the weekends. Some children need extra help in the summer so they attend summer school, or their parents work and need a place to send their kids so they send them to school-run programs. And who's there to care for and teach your kids... teachers! It's not a job where the kids leave and your day ends... teachers sometimes need to stay at school until late into the night to finish organizing their work, fixing up the classroom, preparing and creating lesson plans, grading work, completing administrative tasks, etc. The same is true for the weekends.

Again, you can compare teaching to other professions as much as you want. Is teaching the hardest, most high-stress job in the world? No, I'd leave that to doctors. But it's up there, and I really don't understand how anyone, especially anyone with kids, could put down or disrespect the people who dedicate their lives to helping YOUR CHILDREN. Police officers are also paid by taxpayers money yet they don't get half the disrespect that teachers do, and we're there for your own benefit. It's a job that I absolutely love and it's beyond rewarding and yes, fun. I love the kids, I love my fellow teachers, I love the administrators in my school. But how anyone could brush it off as a waste of time job is just beyond me. Without teachers, where would your kids be?!

 

[Tinijocaro]

can't possibly read this thread, but had to point out a couple things:

Teachers do not get paid for summer vacation. We are on our own, of course we can spread out our pay checks to receive less each week so we have income in the summer, but that cuts into our weekly paycheck.

I think that in general, teachers should try to line up their vacations with the school calendar. Some people can't do this due to their spouses professions. It is a disruption to a classroom to have the teacher missing for more than a couple days.

It is also a disruption to the classroom when a student goes on vacation during school time. The teacher must catch that student up to the rest of the class. When does the teacher do this- during planning time, during class time?

I guess in general, I feel students and teachers should try to stick to vacationing during school breaks. I do realize this is not always possible.

I am a teacher.

 

[hentob]

I don't have a problem with teacher's getting the summer off...but just to answer your question, there are a LOT of people who don't get vacation or sick days. They work 52 weeks or they don't get paid. Sure, maybe they can request days off, but many with jobs that don't have those days can't afford to, so in reality they have to work 52 weeks.

Next time you go through the drive-thru to pick up some food, ask them about their vacation time.

I don't think you can compare someone who works in fast food to someone who has a 4 year degree and most likely their Master's plus many, many credits.

Not that one is any better as a person, but usually professional workers get better compensation (pay, insurance, vacation, etc.) packages.

 

[babieemelly]

I don't think you can compare someone who works in fast food to someone who has a 4 year degree and most likely their Master's plus many, many credits.

Not that one is any better as a person, but usually professional workers get better compensation (pay, insurance, vacation, etc.) packages.

That was my thought exactly. Teachers hold four-year degrees, plus around here you need to get your Master's degree within five years. Then to get top salary you need 30 credits above a masters degree, and a lot of people go on to get their Doctorate in education. Comparing the two jobs in order to make a point just doesn't work

 

[Tinijocaro]

All I can say is WOW!! I am a music teacher who teaches 4th and 5th grade string students and orchestra of at the most 20 students at a time. I see what the classroom teachers do each day, but to see an actual lesson plan- that's a heck of a lot of teaching going on for a sub!! No wasted day there! I have four kids in school and I am in total admiration for classroom teachers. It's a tough job and for those who do it well, they could never be paid enough.

ETA - this statement is v. insulting to all the wonderful subs out there who have it more difficult than the teachers b/c they walk right into situations that they're not familiar with. At least we teachers know our students, their quirks, etc. ... a sub never knows what he/she is in for. I used to sub and remember what it was like.

OK - you've forced me to do it. Here are my lesson plans for when I'm out ... this was for last week b/c I had to attend a seminar (that, for my students was v. useful btw):

CURRICULUM - FRIDAY

For many of the tasks, you will split the children into groups. Two groups will go on headphones while you work w/one group. Each student has his/her own set of headphones. You can seat them and pop in their headphones. When you switch out of groups, be sure to change out the headphones. There are a variety of learning videos on top of the television.

GROUPS:

Kdg. – Ella, Paige, Lacey, Grace, Andrea, Brianna
Pre-K Group A – Jackson, Clarice, Bricelyn, Joseph, Kevin, Rose
Pre-K Group B – Nicholas, Nicole, Gysma, Marissa


PHONICS – Beginning Letter Sound R – Worksheet pg. 90 –
Kindergarten Group: These students are aware of beginning letter sounds. They may work on this alone however, if they require support, that is fine.

Pre-K Group A: This group is very good with beginning letter sounds. Go around the room and ask each child if the word starts with the letter R sound. If it does, they will circle it. If it does not, ask the child to tell you what letter sound the word begins with.

Pre-K Group B: You will run this the same way as you did with Pre-K Group A. These children will need extra support.

Correct papers and have students put in mailbox.

KINDERGARTEN MATH – Symmetry/Equal Parts – wksht pgs. 91, 92 & CW41
Kdg. Math Group: Ella, Paige, Lacey, Grace, Andrea, Brianna
Review the fact that symmetry means equal parts or the same on both sides. We discussed this already.
Wksht. pg. 91: Students will color the shapes that show two equal parts. They will draw an X on the shapes that do not show equal parts.
Wksht. pg. 92: Students will color the pizzas that are cut into equal parts. They will draw an X on the pizzas that do not have equal parts.
Wksht. pg. CW41: Using the dots and the straight edge of the protractor (on my desk), students will draw lines to make equal parts.

Correct papers and have students put in mailbox.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN MATH – Numbers: Counting and Writing –– worksheet pgs. 288 & 292

PK Math Groups:
Group A: Kevin, Joseph, Bricelyn, Clarice, Jackson
Group B: Marissa, Gysma, Nicholas, Nicole, Rose

Group A, they may work individually but might need some support which you may offer as needed.
Page 288: They will identify the number on the side and color that number of objects in.
Page 292: They will count the number of objects and print that number on the line.

With Group B, you can push the desks together into a cluster to make it easier. This group will need more support.
Page 288: Ask a student to identify the number at the side. Tell them they need to color in one shape. Ask if they’ve colored in that many yet. If not, have them color another and ask if they’ve colored in the number necessary. If not, keep going until the desired number is colored in. Group B will need more support than group A. If you only get through one sheet with this group, that is fine!
Page 292: Have students work on this alone and offer support when needed.

READING – RACCOONS AND RIPE CORN–
Gather all students on the mat. Reread the book to them (in folder) Do the sections as follows

1. Oral Language – Discuss speaking voices and practice speaking voices.

2. Comprehension – Apply setting and plot. Explain that setting is where the story takes place. Do activity (as modified). Continue to next page and ask questions on the page.

READING – COBBLER, COBBLER POEM – photocopied sheet
Read the poem and ask children to answer the questions listed below the poem.

READING – THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT – photocopied sheets
Read story to students. Then, do as follows from photocopied sheets attached to story:

1. Comprehension – ask questions as listed on paper attached to story.
2. Dramatize Causes and Effects – do bullet pointed activity.
3. Oral Language – Ask questions.
4. Full Day Options:
 Oral Language – ask the two bullet pointed questions
 Reading – Reader Response – ask each child the question.
 Have students draw a picture of Peter Rabbit’s house … what they think it looked like. Paper is in folder.

ELA – My Little Book – KINDERGARTEN ONLY!
Students will fill in the blanks of the book as you read it to them. They will be able to figure out the missing letters. Assist where necessary.

RELIGION – St. John Bosco – Booklet – gather on the mat.
Introduce St. John Bosco and tell the students that he’s a saint. Read the booklet to the students and ask the following questions after reading:

1. Who is the story about? (St. John Bosco)
2. What did St. John Bosco want to do? (Tell people about God/God’s love)
3. What did he do to get people to listen to him? (Juggled)
4. What did St. John Bosco do when he was older? (Became a priest, helped poor and homeless children)
5. How did he help poor and homeless people? (found work for them, a place to live, showed them how to pray)
6. Did John start schools for the children? (Yes)
7. What did the children learn? (How to do things, about God)

When finished, children may put their booklet in their mailbox.

SCIENCE - Weather Symbols - wkbk. pgs. 181 -184 - using our weather station, show the children the various symbols for the weather. Discuss the symbols, what they mean and what we can do when we see the symbol (ie: fly a kite in the wind, etc.). Discuss clothing we wear for the different types of weather.
wkbk pg. 181 - children will choose the appropriate picture of an activity they can do for each weather symbol.
wkbk pg. 182 - children will draw their favorite activity to do according to the weather symbol.
wkbk. pg. 183 - children will choose the appropriate picture of clothing they can wear for each weather symbol.
wkbk. pg. 184 - children will draw the clothing they would wear for each weather symbol.


POP THE BALLOON GAME –

On the shelf behind my desk there are bags of M&M’s. Open up a new bag for this. On the chalkboard, draw balloons and on the inside of each balloon, print an uppercase letter, lowercase letter or number. Go around the room and ask a student if they can tell you where a letter, letter sound or number is. Or you can point to a letter and ask what it is or what sound it makes or what number it is. If they answer correctly, they “pop” it (by you erasing the letter or number out of it). If a student pops the balloon, they get an M&M, you erase the letter or number and put a new one in its place. If they don’t pop the balloon, you continue with the next person.


This should be enough work to last the whole day. If not, you may read them a story from the book basket and when you're done reading, you can have them illustrate their favorite part. Do not worry about finishing everything. If the children seem restless, move on to something else … esp. if they’re in their groups.


So, DO NOT tell me that a day w/o me in there is a wasted day! I have yet to have a day go by w/o me there that isn't a full day. All the subs who have come in have been able to complete the work given based on my lesson plans b/c everything is so self-explanatory.

Note -- I do not have an aide in my classroom and I teach a combined Pre-K and Kdg. class.

In our school, if a sub isn't good and doesn't perform, then she's taken off the sub list.

 

[MushyMushy]

I was hoping someone would mention this. When people point out that their taxes pay for my job, I have to point out that my taxes pay for my job too. It's not like I get a free pass on paying my taxes or something

I've brought that up a few times in different threads, but nobody wants to listen to logic.

 

[MushyMushy]

DAXX! You should have posted that later in the thread. I didn't see it when you edited it in.

I had the same thing last week when I was out sick. I left a two-page long list of things to do while I was out, plus my regular lesson plans. Way more than enough to do during the day that would keep us on track.