Substitute teaching advice for middle school?

Question

I have just started in the sub area and have done elementry. I am still working on classroom management skills. Today; unfortunately, I had to be the "mean teacher" because it was a fifth grade and they were really trying to see what they could get away with. I got extremely frustrated and had the talk with them Which after the rest of the day went quite well. I am eventually going to try to get a job in social study field (what my certification is in) for a middle school and need a little advice on the best classroom management for middle school, what works and does not for middle school level. Also any ideas "just in case" for busy work?

sorry didn't explain one part to well. Teaching my first middle class this thursday in social studies... Thanks ahead of time

Answer 1

The first thing to remember is that each class is less than an hour so regardless of how bad it is, it won't last long. You get a fresh start every hour. I prefer subbing in middle school because the students are becoming more abstract in their thinking.

Now, for a few tricks.

Whatever the teacher leaves for the assignment, it is due AT THE END OF THE PERIOD. This gets the students focused on the assignment. If not all, at least some of it. Otherwise, the students will use the time to goof off. When the students protest, tell them to take it up with their teacher tomorrow. Leave a note for the teacher to let them him/her know what you did.

The second trick: Instead of yelling to get their attention, start writing. Write about anything: shopping list, decor of the room, a letter to Aunt Sally, the behavior of the students, etc. The students already know you are there and will be watching for a reaction. When they see you writing, they will assume it is about them. When they ask what you are writing, tell them it is a private note. Do not elaborate. I have discovered this works remarkably well.

If things do not go well for you, leave a detailed note for the teacher. It has been my experience that most teachers do not like their students misbehaving for a "guest" teacher.

Go have fun with the little monsters.

Answer 2

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I as one of those children! When we all went into the class with the plan that we would try and get away with anything and everything we could. And you always know the teacher that will let you go the longest and get away with the most. They only problem with the plan was when you had a serious teacher that didn’t let you even test the water. I know it sounds harsh but a child will know what he can and can not do. When you have a teacher that was quick to call you down you didn’t go as far as you would with the teacher that you could test a little. If I had a teacher that would let me goof of for 15 minutes I took 30. If I was sitting in my seat and started to goof of and was called on it before I started I would save it for another class. One other option is if you have a reward at the end of the week. The more trouble- less reward. When kid’s act up you take points of and the class can watch there reward getting less and less. If the reward is really good they will police themselves. There are a million options and a million reasons WHY kids act that way but in the end we always remember the tough teachers because they made us learn like it or not. P.S. I visited a school called A.B. Combs mentioned in the Steven Covey book the "8th Habit". Check out what they are doing for kids. I was amazed and I think it would help. The principle is a kind lady and would be happy to share how they are able to do what they do with the children.

Answer 3

Tips For Substitute Teachers

Answer 4

I am an elementary ed major who substitute taught for 3 years prior to entering school. I subbed K-8th. I must say that I enjoy the younger students much more than the 6-8th students. I liked to tell the students that I would be a very nice sub and that we could have a lot of fun as long as they respected me and each other, but that I did not have a problem disciplining bad behavior. Sometimes it took a few students goofing off and me putting them in their place, but this coupled with my friendly disposition really worked. Just make sure you are familiar with the teacher's discipline plan and that you follow it accordingly. Don't be afraid to use it, that is what it is there for! Good luck!

Answer 5

If you're subbing for a middle school class (no offense) don't expect kids to like you. Usually, when I have a sub, I walk in the room and...

1. see how bad the sub is dressed

2. most people don't give him/her a chance at all. I guess i'll give them a tiny one since i'm nice, but two strike is out, sorry

BUT if you're gona start teaching, it's totally different, since teachers tend to be nicer (maybe it's cuz they have more control over things, so they don't have to be strict to get things done) and I'm usually looking forward to meating a teacher

most teachers, when they have no idea what the lesson plan is, will just show us a movie about whatever we're studying, and make us write 10-15 facts we learned about the movie.

GOOD LUCK SUBBING MID SCHOOL, IT'S NOT EASY! :-P

Answer 6

Well, I have taught middle school for three years now and before that I was a sub for three years. Middle school kids are NOT brats, but they can be pretty vicious if you come down too hard on them. They expect (and deserve) respect. They love compliments. At that age, they aren't as skeptical as high school students.

Do not go in with your guard up. Middle school kids LOVE teachers who are goofy and are willing to let their guard down. Don't get me wrong, you need to stick to your rules! Don't let them leave for the bathroom every five minutes. They need to know that you understand that there are rules and there are consequences for breaking those rules. As long as you are WITH them in the class, not against them, they should follow suit.

Don't let other people convince you that it's hard or the kids are brats. I promise you this: they can be little angels. Just give them respect and keep order.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Welcome to the world of subs! Find out what the school you are teaching in uses for discipline (Choices, consequences, etc) and what are the steps: warning on yellow, red etc. Is there detention? There are several books for classroom management and as a sub, I bought a book and there are several available (try amazon.com or go to Barnes & Noble to look at some. There are activities for busy work. I bring a bag-I have one for younger, one for middle, one for older with activities for learning centers that I let them use. There are also suggestions for classroom management
Also, do a Yahoo search: substitute teacher survival tips

Answer 9

Take portion of your talk and use it as your intro. Come with your work ready in case what is left is too little for them to do. You could come with your own Hunt Sheet- Like a trivia game- or use sets of newspapers -using items in the school, the city, or the events from the past week. Let them know you will only allow them to work in teams if they do not speak above a whisper. Make examples of those who try you. Just remove their paper and give them a grade down and record their names as trouble makers. Reveal the answers before they leave. You could have a prize if you like- single piece of candy, a fancy pen, a gift certificate (ask the localsto give you some because you need prizes for the students). It always works for me. Give in to no one. Be in charge.

Answer 10

My best advice....

I keep my cell phone in my hand/pocket.

If a child acts up, I get their phone number from the office (actually, it is on my computer) and I call the parent in the middle of class. I make the child tell the parent what they have done wrong. Sometimes the parent doesn't care. However, that usually deters the other 30 kids from trying the same thing.