Advice for a new substitute teacher?

Question

I just got my teaching degree and I am looking for advice! I am wanting to know ANY tips, but especially on classroom management when you do not know the classrom rules or the "punishment" the teacher uses. I am also wanting to know any good books for subs. I have Harry Wong's book, but that isn't for subs. Oh, and I am subbing PK-5. Thanks!

Answer 1

Hello! The broad field of education is most rewarding and always challenging. I will not make you read a long list of advice, because you already have your mind concentrating on absorbing new ideas and the accompanying excitement. BE FIRM, but SINCERE! It is always a great practice to entertain school district rules and policies for the classroom. When you are on your own in the classroom, you will have your students' divine attention. USE IT WISELY! If you are not confident in yourself, how can you perform under their pressure? Do not be so concrete that you can not become complacent - letting some rules slide for certain situations is o.k. Generally, with younger students, enforcing the rule of intolerance is a very valuable tool. This provides a stable and comforting environment for both you and the students. Introduce to your students, of who you are, what you like, what you do and what you are there for, what your plans are for the day, and that they CAN come to you for anything. The "Open Mind" Policy is one in which every teacher should remember. Relate your lessons and their questions to your students in some way - leading students away from the school environment, especially younger children, often results in wondering into outer space and ultimately depleting the chance to captivate their attention. Establish your rules and set them in stone! Develop a rapport with your students that signifies your authority, but also, that you are their mentor, and friend. These are the absolute most crucial factors that prove successful in the classroom. You have gone through college and have had the chance to absorb by far, a vast majority of information. You now, teacher, will learn more by entertaining and exemplifying your knowledge in the classroom than what you have learned in your past career of college. I love to use this expression, as it is very true and ultimately a principle by which every educator could live by: "A TEACHER ON HIS FEET, IS WORTH TWO ON THEIR SEAT." You have more control over your students and their behavior and learning environment, when you calmly, yet steadily pace the room with your energy in motion. Best of Luck!

Answer 2

Most classrooms already have their "rules" system. The students will know it well. Find out who the "teacher helper," is - or ask another teacher about students in the class you can trust. I'm surprised you are talking "punishment," - having just got your degree. Discipline is very different, and is much less likely to have the parents coming after you.

Mostly - stick to the teacher's plan, stick to the teacher's plan, stick to the teacher's plan! That is very important to teachers. They know their class and what they need. Kids will sometimes try to "hoodwink" you into thinking you should do something else.You can't use treats because they are now against many school's rules, and most parents don't like this. You might also be giving sugar to a diabetic child, or give out something to which a child has an allergy. You don't know what the student's medical situations are.

Then, have your own plan. There are times the teacher's isn't there. If that is the case - have a backup plan, structured games to books, etc., - and let the office know the plans aren't there. The teacher is responsible for getting them to you.

Be flexible, be kind, and patient. Every class is different.

Answer 3

Some schools have specific rules for subs to follow. If not, read the student handbook carefully. Talk to the Dean or Vice Principal so you know how to handle behavior problems in the classroom. Most teachers do not leave the sub details about class procedures. Good luck!

Answer 4

I dont have my degree yet, but I would say, first of all, go in there with your own set of rules, or your own plan for how you will manage the classroom. Kids often say "but thats not how our teacher does it." I hate that! Explain to them that you arent their teacher so you are going to run things a bit differently. Of course look at the plans that the teacher has left you, and stick to them as strictly as you can. If you can, get a student teacher handbook ahead of time before subbing, familiarize yourself with the rules. That way you cant be fooled by kids that are trying to pull a fast one. Although, I think that, in general, the younger the kids are, the less of a problem they will be in the direct sense. Kids in this age span seem to have this unconcious awareness that the teacher isnt there, so they act differently.

Good Luck,

emo

Answer 5

When you are subbing, you really need to keep the rules that the regular classroom teacher enforces. When kids see that you change things, they start to realize they can take advantage. They don't really like change, so it would be best to know the classroom rules before you walk in.
Keep them busy, busy, busy....no idle time. Always have a stash of activities of your own in case the lesson plans do not fill the entire day. For younger kids, reading or games would work. For older kids, keep logic puzzles in hand.
And always try to accomplish what the teacher has left for you in the plans. Good luck!

Answer 6

As k teacher, I might suggest using positive reinforcement. Giving treats to those who are doing the right thing. Also, during my sub days, I'll admit I bribed the kids. If the class did well they would get a treat at the end of the day. You can do this cheaply by loading up on candy/toys at the dollar store. Be sure to get things children would like. You'd be surprised how well a class of rowdy kids will act when you have something they want. It may not sound the best, but you are in unfamiliar territory, you have to take any advantage you can get.

Answer 7

I subbed for three years before I got my first full-time job. When I subbed in elementary school, I used to read the book, "Miss Nelson is Missing" by Harry Allard. The story is about a teacher who leaves a sub (the evil Miss Viola Swamp) who is not so nice. When Miss Nelson returns, the kids are really happy to see her!

After I read the story I would tell the kids that they could have a teacher like Miss Nelson for their sub or a teacher like Miss Swamp. As a group, we would come to the conclusion that their behavior would determine the type of day they had. I never had any problems in elementary school and got asked back many, many times because of that book. Teachers would leave time in their lesson plans for me to read it in the morning.

It didn't work in middle school, but those kids are a whole different ballgame... :)

Answer 8

More than likely, you will only be using the discipline plan for the teacher you are subbing for. As a sub, I don't think it is really your place to discipline students or give them new rules or procedures. Keep a detailed list for the teacher of students who misbehave and students who behave well and let her handle it. Since you will be subbing in lower grade levels, keep some "filler" activities and games handy in case of extra time. Always be over prepared.

Answer 9

Use lots of positive reinforcement and check the sub plans for reliable students. You can count on these students to honestly tell you how the classroom discipline works and you can go from there. Also, it's a great idea to check the schools website before you go to see what the schoolwide rules are.

Answer 10

There will always be 1 kid who will try to test you. If you find yourself having a problem with that "one kid" be sure to take him/her to the hall and tell them that this is not ok. Tell them that you would like them to help you rather than make things difficult. They often feel a responsibility then to be good.

Whenever I have a kid who is seeking attention in a negative way I try to give them tasks that keeps them busy, but also gives them attention; like passing out papers or erasing the board. They feel special and will try harder to please you.

Having a bag of candy helps a lot. Also, having little activities to do (like a word search or something simple) is nice in case they finish their work too soon. My daughter came home with a paper folding story. She loves to tell it and she learned it from a sub. Have a back up like "Seven Up" game or something. Use it when the kids need a break or even tell them that they can play if they get all of their work done.