Case
Thinking on the spot

I teach an afterschool STEAM program at multiple schools every week. Each class we do a different project. For example this semester the theme is occupations and one of the projects was learning about Marine biologists and what they do. For the project we were to make our own plankton out of modeling clay and add to it to make it float just beneath the surface of the water like plankton does. However, I had no modeling clay in my supplies (which are packed and then delivered to be the day before I need them) so I was unprepared and had to think on the spot to change the lesson plan. I hated feeling unprepared, and the class became a lot more chaotic than when I am fully prepared for class. I confronted my boss about the lack of supplies and she said she would talk to whoever packs the materials, however, since then it has happened again. How do I go about fixing this problem?

Posted on: 02/23/19 | Views: 756
Solution #1
Top Solution
I feel that if the supplies are being delivered to you the day before you teach the lesson, it is your responsibility to check the materials and ensure that everything you need is present. If materials are not present, you can go out and buy the materials that you need or you can change your lesson (up to you). I'm glad that you confronted your boss, if that is who is in charge of packing your materials. If they are not, then that is who you need to be confronting about the issue.

I like this solution. If they have the materials the day before the lesson, then looking through them should prevent the problem next time.

I agree with this approach to the solution.

I agree, and I would suggest requesting the materials to be delivered more than one day before you need them just in case you do have to go out and buy the supplies.

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Solution #2
Sometimes as a teacher you have to come up with a solution on the spot if the materials aren't readily available, so props to you for coming up with a quick solution even though it caused the class to become a little chaotic. Also, maybe before class if you notice that the necessary materials aren't there you could change the lesson a little bit to make it go smoother.
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Solution #3
One of the teacher I met told me that, don't expect that your plan will be successful every time. Expect the unexpected, thats why always have a plan B. I would suggest too come up with a fundraiser for your supplies so you can provide in your STEAM program.
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Solution #4
Being flexible, is being a teacher! However, having the necessary materials is important too. I would pre-order the materials for the week before, so you are more adequately prepared, and you can make appropriate changes if necessary. Or you could order the materials yourself and take the funds being used and apply them to those materials yourself.
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Solution #5
This issue is more than just being unprepared and having to think on the spot. This seems like an issue of materials not being ordered in a timely manner, causing the unpreparedness. I suggest planning ahead and ordering material earlier, such as at least a week prior, if you know that these materials will be needed in this lesson plan. Being prepared can save a lot of headaches and help a class run so much more smoothly.
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Solution #6
I would keep talking to the princlpe about the situation. But I would make sure to already come up with a back up plan if you find yourself in the same situation again. You could even use this back up plan as a filer activity if the materials do come.
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Solution #7
Stuff happens, and I totally get it. Just keep open communications with your boss, and always have a plan B to fall back on. If you get the modeling clay surprise the 11th hour, use it! otherwise just have another activity aligned and ready to go.
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Solution #8
If you are doing the same project multiple times through the week, it might be helpful to request one extra set of the whole project at the beginning of the week. That way, any missing parts can be take out of the extra set of materials. Additionally, it could be helpful to have a standard fallback lesson plan with you so that you always have something to do if anything is wrong with your original plan and materials. This could even be showing the students a game you learned to play while you work to adapt a lesson on the spot.
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Solution #9
Always have a back up plan or two in case. It is really hard to get back on track especially with kids who get off track from the lesson. The best thing to do is to have something ready for them to do while you figure out your solution or having something else set up for them to do.
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Solution #10
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