I have helped in classrooms and interacted with students and done my hours for the prerequired classes for the credential program. I think being nervous and maybe overanxious may be a norm, but what is/are the main challenges for someone who will be subbing for the first time?
2007-06-23 18:14:32 · 10 answers · asked by thegift 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Hey!
I'm a teacher and have some suggestions for you! I worked as a challenge teacher last year and was pulled to cover other teachers classrooms. I have a good system to handle most any class.
Get to school fifteen to thirty minutes before you have to be there. Read over the sub plans and write notes to yourself. Make sure that when the kids walk in, you have something on the board or their desks for them to start immediately so they'll be busy while you deal with administrative stuff like attendance and lunch count or whatever else the school requires.
After you get the necessaries out of the way, walk around the room to see how they are doing on their assignment. Don't let it take too long, because then they'll get restless and start acting up.
Now it's time to play the name game. If students know that you care enough to want to know their names, they will respond better to you. The way the game works is you start on one end of the room with the first person who says their name. The second person has the repeat the first person's name and add theirs. The third person has to say the first two names and add theirs. And on and on until it's your turn. You have to say everyone's name or start over and try again. I like starting and ending with myself, because the kids have a hard time pronouncing my last name.
After the name game, have a class discussion. I like to learn the teacher's usually methods for classroom management. I tell students to raise their hands to tell me one classroom rule and what happens if someone breaks it. If you get the sense that the teacher isn't a great disciplinarian, you might want to have your own set of rules as a back up plan.
After the students and I understand each other about behavior expectations, we discuss the day's schedule and write it out on the board for you and the students. Then you get busy with the sub plans. You also might want to have a few extra activities just in case the teacher didn't have time to plan properly for the day.
Email if you have more questions! Good luck!
2007-06-23 18:33:33 · answer #1 · answered by Martha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a teacher, and I have seen a lot of subs get taken advantage of. Here's a tip: If you're substituting for high school, so no to whatever they ask, other than requests to go to the bathroom. I have heard kids tell subs stories about how they have to leave 10 minutes early to go get their blood pressure checked, or they need to talk to their coach before the next class... Just say no. If there were anything truly important, the teacher would have left you a note about it. And is the world really going to end if they don't get their way? NO. Unless someone is bleeding or has to pee, the answer is no.
Only let one person go to the bathroom at a time. Write down their name and the time they left. If they aren't back in 5 minutes, leave the teacher a note with how long they were gone. When the student does return, tell him/her that you don't think a trip to the bathroom should take that long and that you've left a note for the teacher to sort it out. Don't get into a discussion with the student about it. Just repeat "You can dicusss this with your teacher."
Never, ever yell. This is a sign of being out of control. Like sharks who catch the scent of blood in the water, they will sense this and eat you alive.
Do not make threats. If you say you will call an administrator, call the administrator.
Do not try to be their buddy. Kids expect a teacher to act like a teacher. If you act like a kid, they will see you as one and you will lose all control.
Dress professionally. I don't think a tie is necessary for a man, or that a dress is necessary for a woman, but nothing as casual as jeans is acceptable.
Leave the teacher a note about the students' behavior. A bulleted form is best. Leave positive as well as negative comments. Don't be overly detailed - we don't want to hear that Johnny got up 2 times to throw something away. Include what's important and what we can deal with when we get back.
Thank you for being a substitute. Good subs are hard to find, and I see from your post here that you are conscientious and interested in doing a good job. We appreciate you!
2007-06-24 03:24:37 · answer #2 · answered by ruth_bader_ginsburg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will get different reactions from different grade levels, but the most important thing to remember is that it is okay to check with some of the better students about the regular teacher's routines. Pretend you know several ways things could be done , but may choose a different approach for a reason. I would advise you to project confidence regardless of your nervousness, and remain stern about following routines and the work set forth. You might suggest that if the students cooperate and work well to finish the lesson early, then you can offer a desired reward at the end of class.
2007-06-23 18:23:34 · answer #3 · answered by Donna G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Substituting is fun. Make sure you set the behavioral expectations up in the beginning or they will take advantage of you. Children run over substitutes because they feel they do not have to do work. Make a believer out of yourself! Don't threaten them with their teacher, make it your classroom for the day. You will enjoy it!!
2007-06-23 18:22:38 · answer #4 · answered by taycal 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would bring various things with me depending on the grade level. A lot of times you might get a teacher that doesn't leave enough plans, or any plans at all. In this way you will be ready.
2007-06-27 08:22:39 · answer #5 · answered by nubiangeek 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
enter the class with authority and chew out the first kid who gets out of line...that will set the stage. also, show up early so you know the lessons, work, books, etc. if kids sense that you are not on top of things, then they will take advantage of you. aslo know the name of the principal or assistant principal and name drop in a threatening manner when yoiu go over the discipline of the classroom. follow my advice, be firm and consistent and you will do great
2007-06-23 18:46:34 · answer #6 · answered by zioncanyon 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the kids enjoy taking advantage of subs
when in doubt...say no
they will lie to you
not to get you in trouble but to get to do the forbidden
my kindergarten class told the sub that I let them write on the chalkboard with permanent marker...poor guy, he was retired from gov. service...could not believe that 5 yr olds would lie to him...it is not like they lied...just wanted to do something that I had never said they could do
2007-06-24 03:43:27 · answer #7 · answered by Library Eyes 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Walk in and act like you know what you are doing, or they will eat you for lunch. Know what you are going to say when you walk in, and know what you are going to do the first time one of them tries you.
Remember, every kid wants a nice teacher.
see http://coachmojo.4t.com
2007-06-23 18:18:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just be confident. keep control of the class. you will do fine in this job.
2007-06-23 18:22:18 · answer #9 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not being able to have full control of the class...show them whos boss....
2007-06-23 18:17:48 · answer #10 · answered by narcissa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋