Substitute Teacher needs help please!

[angelrat]

Hi,

I have recently started teaching, and I work as a substitute teacher. I have found that many students like to "act up" to varying degrees, just because I am not their regular teacher. My problem is, I am finding it hard to deal with the disruptiveness. I rarely know the kids' names, certainly know little about them or their backgrounds, and of course I am not there long enough to implement long-term plans with them.

One class I taught recently was the hardest I have encountered. Half the boys were physically violent to each other ("rough and tumble", but at least one boy was actually hurt), and one in particular was really rude to me (swearing and put-downs, for no obvious reason other than "just because"). Most of the class was non-compliant, and complimenting those who were working well made no impact at all on those who were not.

Quite frankly, I dont mind too much when a class will not do much for me, as long as they do not do any harm, either. After all, tomorrow is another day and another class. It's just the times when kids are deliberately unpleasant that makes me very unhappy, and I feel woefully inadequate.

Any help (Hints/Tips) will be gratefully accepted!

Regards, Angelrat

[Unregistered]

try some activity ,which children enjoy,quiz, word gamw
ask for the monitor
u have keep the children busy
because u r not teaching them u have involve theminsome activity
so they look forward to have a subsitute teacher

[Unregistered]

i worked with substitute teachers on my prac. one of them had a pirate theme that she took to every substitute class. she read a narrative book, asked students to complete a symmetry of a pirate, had them write a pirate story, gave out gold foil wrapped chocolate coins as prizes, had pirate games to play outside etc.
another teacher had a colouring-in competition for which he displayed highly desirable prizes - just small ones. he had a choice of about 5 worksheets so that the kids had a choice. they were quiet and engaged for ages. he also took them outside for a game of cricket.

[Zondra Johnson]

You have to be firm, yet fair. Don't allow your students to intimidate you.

[Unregistered]

I don't think the usual advice of "plan well" or "don't let the kids intimidate you" apply in these cases. If you walk into a zoo of kids who decide as a group that they are not going to go with you, you can't get started. The best suggestion I have is to take them outside and insist that they line up until they are going to listen to you as their new teacher ... I'm going to try that tomorrow. I'm a 7 year experienced high school teacher who recently migrated and had my first day "casual" teaching in my new country. I can get kids doing whatever I want normally, but on Friday I met a class who simply would not shut-up long enough for me to lay down any kind of law. They were the biggest mob of rednecks and trailer trash I have ever seen. I spent the rest of the lesson firefighting and wound up sending one kid to the Deputy for punching another kid ... that is the deputy who decides whether to hire me or not. As a brand-new-to-the-school subsitute I had to divine the reality of what these kids expect for discipline. Maybe a teacher with another style or background would be able to approach them with a demeanour that they would accept, but my bag of tools didn't cover this group (and I raked through every dark corner of my brain as fast as I could)

I'll be better prepared on Monday (I go back to the same school) but no-one has responded with a killer way of settling a brand new rabble when a dozen separate incidents are going on in the room.This is the real life result of kids who smell blood & no time available to demonstrate consistency & very limited sanctions.

If you're trying to tell the first kid that you expect him to have opened his book, and a paper ball flies across the room behind you, you are left with three choices:

1) Selectively ignore the ball while you demonstrate consistency with the first pupil.

2) Deal with the paper ball thrower (if you saw him do it) and lose "consistency" with the first pupil.

3) Finish with pupil one, before dealing with pupil two. Pupil three will interject with an unfortunate comment before you reach Pupil two.

In each case there is no way back.

For me the only solution I can come up with would have been to spot the problem as the pupils entered the room, and immediately turn them back into the corridor and insist they settle down before coming back in under my terms. My only issue with this will be one of instant back-chat. It seems a recipe for confrontation and a dozen kids trying to stick their oar in.

Can anyone else who doesn't have a booming voice and terrifying manner suggest a way past this impasse. My main feeling during that session was "Oh My God - I'm never going to be asked back, and I won't be able to pay the mortgage."

[javenabl]

I regularily sub and I find that greeting the students at the door is the best way to make a bond right at the start. Try not to say a word till the class is quiet. Stand at the front and wait till you have their attention befor givng them your name. Your quietness will puzzle them The Don't get ruffled, or at least don't let them see that you are frazzled. Remember, they know the regular teacher will be back and you do have recourse to let him/her know how their class behaved.
You're not going to lay down the law in one day. I agree to make the lesson's fun and different. Let the children come to the board, be firm with certain respect issues. Don't let them be rude to you or others. Common sense will guide you.
There are lots of good ice breaker ideas on line or in books for substitue teachers.
Good luck and have fun.

[Unregistered]

I regularily sub and I find that greeting the students at the door is the best way to make a bond right at the start. Try not to say a word till the class is quiet. Stand at the front and wait till you have their attention befor givng them your name. Your quietness will puzzle them The Don't get ruffled, or at least don't let them see that you are frazzled. Remember, they know the regular teacher will be back and you do have recourse to let him/her know how their class behaved.
You're not going to lay down the law in one day. I agree to make the lesson's fun and different. Let the children come to the board, be firm with certain respect issues. Don't let them be rude to you or others. Common sense will guide you.
There are lots of good ice breaker ideas on line or in books for substitue teachers.
Good luck and have fun.

[meloh76]

Dear Angelrat,
When I was substitute teaching after receiving my degree, I found it quite helpful to research the school and classroom discipline policy before entering the classroom. I also studied and memorized the seating chart so the students were caught off guard when I called them by name. Be sure to remain firm and consistent in your disciplining because the students will immediately note your inadequacies and use them to their advantage.

Good luck,
Melanie

[labooks]

I think you have one of the hardest jobs in the system and I think you mentioned a major aspect of the problem. They know that you don't know them. I did a little substitute teaching in high school.

Three things helped in high school which you might use with younger kids. I hope you can find ways of using all three suggestions although they might not work in some situations.

1. When I got the morning phone call, I said, "Just a minute, I need to check on something." My daughter went to that school and I would ask her, "Do I want to sub for this teacher?" She knew if the regular teacher had good discipline. Her advice was right on target every time. If the regular teacher has good discipline, a sub has a much better chance. If she said the teacher did not have good discipline, I said I could not come that day. I hope you can find an inside track for this information.

2. Repeating something in a calm voice can get their attention. I recall repeating several times, "May I have your attention, please." One big kid in front got tired of it and finally turned to his classmates and said, "Can't you shut up and let her talk!" They hushed. I just smiled and introduced myself then moved to step three.

3. Knowing they might not be in their assigned seats, I passed a sheet of paper down each row for them to sign "so I wouldn't have to call the roll."
Actually it was my own seating chart. I had a different sheet for each row and placed them on my desk. When I called a kid by name, it had a helpful shock value. One kid wrote "Superman" or something like that, and I busily wrote some notes. He asked what I was doing and I said (with a smile) I was writing a detailed description of him which the principal and teacher would recognize as easily as a photo. I read the class the description and he gave me his real name. He said he was just teasing and planned to tell me his real name anyway. I changed the subject.

With younger kids, you might try a little "get acquinted time." Tell something about yourself (pets, hobbies, something fun). Ask them to tell a little about themselves while you take notes. Ask a few questions like name, what you like to do at recess, etc. You might avoid questions about possessions and open ended questions for some schools. Keeping it oral with you taking notes helps you have your own seating chart notes and it avoids problems of children who don't write well. Besides, you don't want to spend time studying their replies.

The school counselor might have other "get acquainted" ideas for your age groups. Perhaps you could talk with her or him ahead of time.

Plan some group rewards for good behavior such as reading to them, allowing them some play time, etc.

If possible, focus just on a few schools so you can become more familiar with the routines, rules, and personnel. The kids and personnel will know you which will be an advantage. I hope you feel you can turn down some offers to sub. Once you build up a good reputation, you will get more calls.

Good luck!

Betsy
Learning Abilities Books (http://www.gate.net/~labooks)

[labooks]

You might want to check on books such as this one at Amazon.com.

Substitute Teacher Handbook K-12 (Comprehensive) (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1890563153/ref=nosim/learningabilitie)

The editorial review states:
"The most widely-used substitute teacher handbook, now in its sixth edition features effective classroom management skills, teaching strategies, fill-in activities, and now subbing in special education settings. These research-based skills are tried and tested skills to ensure an enjoyable and productive day."

I haven't read it but they do show sample pages. There were no customer reviews. Amazon had several books about substitute teaching but all had mixed reviews.

I wonder if people on this board have suggestions of books.

Betsy
Learning Abilities Books (http://www.gate.net/~labooks)

[olderbutnowiser]

Hi, rat, I’m retired, and have been subbing for almost three years. Welcome to the
front-line trenches. Keep your band-aids handy. If I had a box of silver bullets I’d give you one.
Unfortunately I have none. Conditions vary significantly by location and school.

In my state (South Carolina or Rung One (bottom) on the ladder of success) we are required to do
the teacher’s lesson plan. Frequently the LP is un-doable - our problem. This limits a sub’s ability
to be creative and often forces a sub to teach and defend the unteachable and indefensible.

The reason I was searching this subject is that I was called on the carpet for being
“confrontational” Friday. Apparently this word has an obscure meaning not yet discover by
Webster et al., as I can find numerous examples in our school manual were teachers are directed
to confront. “Well, you know what we mean...even if we won’t exactly say it.” The Asst
Principal would not define “confront” but insisted “You know.” I suspect by asking, I was being
confrontational. These conundrums are good mental exercise.

Some pointers, which may or may not help:

1.) Don’t let one or even several bad days cause you to quit. Quitting is a very personal decision.
I suggest sticking with it if you can for the experience. Try to stay with until your skin thickens.
Do not do this type of work with untreated high blood pressure, etc.

2.) Not all teachers are teachers. Some are merely serving a sentence in a public institution.
Thankfully, many are good to better. I have refused to sub for some and later found I was not
alone. Others are a pleasure to sub for, most are somewhere in between; they may not have raised
the white flag, but seldom scream the battle cry any more..

3.) It is impossible to please everyone - don’t even try. The sub who pleases Type-A teachers,
really ticks off Type-Z, and visa versa. Find those who sing from the same sheet of music and try
work with them. Conversely, some are on a path you don’t wish to take..let them go their way,
while you go yours. I encourage teachers to “correct” me, and I’m really willing to listen.

4.) Make friends with a few regular teachers whom you trust. Ask them to keep you informed of
changing policies and the meaning of vaguely worded, hedged, utterances from on high. You
may also ask them for eMail printouts of the rants and raves of the upper tier, as you may
possibly later hear that “what was really meant was...” and you may wish to inform them on what
was nevertheless actually said. Likewise, make friends with other subs and share notes.

5.) With time, identify good students who actually want to learn. These are the ones you serve.
Identify those who merely live to disrupt...disrupt their plans, or do not let them interfere with the
learning of those good students. Some good students may even help stand against the gangsters,
you know, like standing up, like, for their, like, you know, right to learn. Remember you were
once their age - and didn’t get away with as much as they think they should. Let them know
actions have consequences, a lesson they need more repetition on.

6.) Humor can be helpful in creating a bond with the students and also in getting them to pay
attention. However, they don’t like sarcasm, no mater how much trouble they have gone to to
earn it. On occasion I have “illuminated” a lesson beyond the LP based on experience or
knowledge. This sometimes results in a few very interested students and a large number of irate
“students” who are outraged that anyone would teach beyond the test. You work for the first
group.

7.) I always, well virtually always, leave a detailed note for the teacher and try touch bases the
next day or soon after to see if the teacher has any questions. I have had teachers thank me and
assure me there was no problem, that I did just what they wanted, and then complain about me
writing up their pet. This may explain why you seldom see a teacher wearing a medal for
courage. Most teachers however are within the mainstream on ethics unless asked to answer a
question that might not be pleasing to the hierarchy.

8.) Touching base with the teacher beforehand is a good idea. Turning down a class you can’t
teach is classy if done when there is still time to find another. Walking out in the middle of the
day is rightly considered cowardice in the face of the enemy. If you choose to do this decide on
the blindfold and cigarette options before the firing squad is formed. Better to get the Purple
Heart. For those so inclined - keep a few cool ones in the fridge.

9.) Try not to rat-out the teacher who left you with unworkable LPs or no LP, instructions to
enforce rules never enforced by the teacher, a movie, and a broken VCR, etc. They may accuse
you of being involved in the Lincoln assassination conspiracy, and being teachers rather than a
mere sub - they may be believed.

10.) If you’re subbing for the money - consider flipping burgers. If you’re subbing to teach those
willing to learn - count victories and forget defeats. If you’re subbing to learn and get an insider’s
view -take notes, there’s a book in this somewhere. If you’re subbing to help save the future
generations and thereby save our country - I salute you - I really do.

This barely opens the subject. Every situation is different. Good luck - you’ll need it, and more.
Pete Cusack email p.cusack@mindspring .com

[olderbutnowiser]

Hi Angelrat, sorry about the "rat" part. I composed my reply offline and didn't remember the first part. No offense intended. How could anyone be unkind to a volunteer for the frontlines. Good luck, Pete Cusack

[Karen]

They were the biggest mob of rednecks and trailer trash I have ever seen.

These are unacceptable terms to use when referring to children. Please refrain from using this kind of derisive terminology. It should no longer tolerated to refer to a racial/relgious/ethnic/regional group with all-encompassing stereotypes.

[Russell in Phoenix]

These are unacceptable terms to use when referring to children. Please refrain from using this kind of derisive terminology. It should no longer tolerated to refer to a racial/relgious/ethnic/regional group with all-encompassing stereotypes.

While I agree with you that it is unacceptable to brandish people--especially children--with derisive names that invoke stereotypes, I took the original post for what it was--a rant on being in an adverse situation with a bunch of children that saw a substitute walk in and smelled blood in the water.

That's it. That's all it was. I am not at all defending the original post, and if it were me writing I certainly would have used other words such as "incorrigible", "unfocused", "flighty", or some other adjective like that. I assume that was the intent of the post. I would like to think we are adults and professionals here, and when I hear someone calling those kids "rednecks" and "trailer trash", the first thing that enters my mind is not a racial slur. Seeking out these words without trying to realize the intent behind them is nearly as bad as saying them. Should he have parsed his words a little more carefully? Certainly, and the wrong ears hearing such a dialogue would mean a heap of trouble for the teacher who said it.

With rare exception, any word with flavor to describe someone, especially a child, is going to be seen in a negative light. Words like "little bastards" and "hellions" and "curmudgeons", while having no whiff of racial or ethnic favoring, still have negative connotations. No doubt someone would be offended if you use any word to describe a student except the word student.

The point I am making to you is, while I agree words like "trailer trash" are unacceptable in describing students disrupting the class and should not be used in mixed company, this is a message board for those of us seeking to give or accept advice concerning a difficult profession. If you can't get past the description, you are not contributing to the discussion. It sounds to me like you float from board to board, finding words like "redneck", and point with a derisive cry of racist--if that is your idea of fun, so be it, and while I agree in general with you, I honestly believe the one who goes out of his or her way to point out such remarks is nearly as venomous as the one who makes them.

In other words, lighten up, this is a frikkin message board. If his post didn't help you, move on. He didn't use words like "nigger" or "spick" or "cracker". He is guilty of little more than quoting Jeff Foxworthy, and in all honesty, if you ever laughed at his "You might be a redneck" jokes, you are a hypocrite for laughing at the word in one instance and deriding it in another.

Heck, I live in a mobile home myself. If anyone ought to be offended by the word trailer trash, you would think it would be me. Hardly.

I'm new to substitute teaching myself, and truth be told, I truly enjoy it, but I am seeking advice for controlling my classes. I wish you had some advice other than pointing out how bad other people talk. Some posts here have been frank and telling, and I take a point here and there. Yours offers nothing. And that is a crying shame. I think I am good when it comes to actually teaching and explaining and breaking things down so ten-year-olds can understand. But if I am in a class with 25 9-year-olds, there are going to be two or three that are going to drag the entire class into chaos, and I have to learn to head them off before they do. That is my biggest problem, discipline. I haven't had the best opportunities in terms of subbing for responsible teachers who set me up well, but that should not be important to me--what should be important to me is my ability to handle the class while I am there and to not blame others (the regular teacher, the prinicipal, the school district) for putting me in a vulnerable position. That, my friend, is called professionalism--taking a difficult situation, making it look easy, pulling it off with grace, wit, and a smile, and doing so without blaming anyone but yourself if you can't pull it off. That is the teacher I see myself being, and I have no doubt that I will be able to do so if ever I get my own class--until then, I have to take every chance I can to forge my own teaching personality, one that is professional and responsible and firm and fair and consistent and knowledgeable and mature.

Contribute, or get off the pot.

[Jack Furr]

There are many rare jewels of advice here. Name calling aside, after nearly 20 years in the classroom I find that subbing is more intense and demanding than anything else I have done. TEACHERS should (as I will) really appreciate subs. Five, six, seven times a day they (subs) wade into unknown waters, against the odds, not knowing what to expect next. Even detailed lesson plans don't cover it when there are children in the room w/ a "7" grade, and a 7 yo mentality. Only yesterday I was subbing at a high school where the class was simply going to ignore me. Supposedly only "3 people in the class (of 30) were passing". After just 5 minutes of that I was forced to call the VP and have 4 removed from class to in school suspension (ISS). THEN I had the attention of the rest and could try to get through the material. What did the VP think of me?? Don't really care, I taught, they acted as if they learned. If I don't get called back it is their loss, I can always "flip burgers", I refuse to "baby sit" and/or get abused. :eek:

[Unregistered]

Try having fun with the kids but let them know you mean what you say.

[cmmorgan]

for sub advice when I posted on the high school board! I should have come here first! Well, I was subbing in a high school that day, but the advice and support here is even better than on the high school board. I mostly sub (avg three days a week) at the local elementary where my youngest daughter is a third grader. My college degree is in journalism, not education, but Ohio (and elsewhere, I'm sure) is so hard up for subs they will give a sub certificate to anyone with a four-year degree.

While I am subbing "for the money" I also do it because it's a good fit for my lifestyle, with three kids of my own in school. I certainly could make more money and have less stress at another job. After two years at the same school, I'm getting to know the kids pretty well - or at least they're getting to know me. With 915 students just in the elementary where I work most, it's impossible to get to know all the kids.

There are some students who are going to be trouble, even for the regular teacher, and some who behave better for the sub than for the regular teacher. After two years, I've learned a few tricks and also learned that sometimes nothing will work. I realized the other day that a funny thing has happened to me over these two years - I have come to love the little devils! The cute, the fussy, the talkative, the helpers, the antsy, the obnoxious, the sweet, the hitters and biters - they've all become my kids. Even when they make me mad and won't listen, and I have to yell to be heard over the din. They hug me when they see me at the grocery or the gas station, they drag their parents over to meet me, they draw me pictures or pick weeds for me from the edge of the playground. I am happy! Even though sometimes I look miserable!

Russell-in-Phoenix, and Pete Cusack, thanks for taking the time to post your wise words and advice, even though they weren't directed at me. I think I'm going to print out your posts and keep them in my handy-dandy sub folder so I can read them when I need encouragement.

I'd write more, but I gotta run.

Chris
cmm_home@yahoo.com

[Unregistered]

I have been subbing for a few months now and I have to agree with what I read somewhere on this forum and that is to try and focus on 1 or 2 local schools. That way you become a "regular face" to the kids and they start to take you more seriously. You become a "teacher" to them and not "a sub".

Also, I have noticed that being liked it often a subs main objective. Personally, I want the kids to like me but more importantly I want them to learn something while I am there, so I try to be fun but firm. Generally you will find that those who want to learn will really like you if you maintain control of your class. Those who are there to disrupt the class probably won't like you but they will know they can't run over you.

[Unregistered]

One of the biggest disadvantage supply teachers face is not knowing the student's names and not being able to follow-up or through on behaviour issues. To solve that...

One of the best strategies I found when I started supplying is to arrive early enough to sort out the day plan AND MAKE A SEATING PLAN. If there is an updated one then copy it so you can take notes on it. If there is not a plan then take a quick look inside the desks and make one from the notebooks.

If it is high school, do a seating plan at the start of class when you take attendance. If in PHE, then I write down what they are wearing in pencil beside the attendance list and erase it after. Trust me, that 5-10 minutes at the beginning is worth it's weight in gold.

Tell the students you are going to record (using checks and x's) who is being really helpful and on-task and who is not. They then know that their teacher will have this information and will be able to follow up. This often ends all behaviour issues and allows you to get to know those few names that keep popping up!

Hopefully this helps!

[Unregistered]

There is a lot of advice here. "Angelrat" as others have said there is no quick fix in this situation. You have to find what works for you. I have found that in the situations I tend to use my wits! When a person uses foul language, when I sub'd I turned the tables on them and used my vocabulary to my advantage. I challenged the student to find as many ways as he could to say the same thing without using the "4 letter word". Now this may seem confrontational but it starts a dialogue amongst students. Other students wish to try and within 10 minutes you can turn a unpleasant situation into a learning experience.

For instance, a perfect example of this could be easily seen in the Steve Martin movie Roxanne. Steve Martin used his knowledge of words to turn the table on his verbal agressor. Now I do not suggest that you start looking for synonyms for all the dirty words that a child can come up with but keep on your toes. There is always an "in" to teaching.

I had a student refer to me as a "fat bastard" in class. Now I am a realitively large individual and I could be referred to as fat, however I want my students to try to use words a little larger than three words. First I explained that I could not be a "bastard" because my father and mother are still married and living happily in South Florida, but his choice of fat was quite interesting. I proceeded to spout off all the words that I could think of as fat. I offered him the same opportunity to think of ones that he could come up with. NOw he thought I was giving him the o.k. to continue with his disrespect but I challenged him to find a thesaurus in the class and read off all the words for fat. I challenged him to think of all the "overweight" famous people that he could find and then present them to the class. By the time the day was over he discovered that there were more words for "fat" that he himself had never heard He also discovered that William Taft was the largest President of the United States and I convinced him to do a research paper on where "blubber" comes from.

This sounds preposterous but children only repeat what they hear at home, on TV and what their schoolmates tell them. I like to challenge them to think. If I got called fat in the process, so what. He is on the honor roll.

Friend in teaching.

[krazyjakesbaby]

jack furr im a stalker i knwo who you are, your a science teacher from south carolina
one of your interests is technology

watch out dude im coming for you

oh yeah and
Be FIRM
Be FAIR
Be CONSISTENT.
humph, right dosent always work that way

[Unregistered]

Hi everyone,

I've been a casual teacher for 2 years. And I've had plenty of bad days. Mostly I work with infants kids, but today i was given a year 5 class, and I came home crying. Reading all your posts definatley made me feel better!!

The kids basically just had no manners - kept talking over me, refusing to do their work, had fights with one other. Usually I'm a 'nice teacher' but i just got so frustrated, I turned so tough. Which is what you are suppose to be i guess to survive, but the kids i had resented me for it. The only way i could quieten them down was to give them a dictation to write out for some of their lunch break.

At recess duty, from a distance, I overheard one of the kids talking (they didnt know I could hear) and they were saying "there's that subsitute" and another kid called out "not a substitute, a prostitute!!!"

And yes, I had fun and different activities for them to do at the start of the day. Every other class I've had enjoyed the activites, well this class couldn't care less.

You really feel like just giving up - or just saying "no primary kids please!!!" But some primary kids can be great. Its just those horrible classes that spoil it. And the most frustrating thing was that they had another casual teacher the day BEFORE who said that 'apart from a few probelms, they were generally ok'. What did i do wrong?!!!

Thanks for letting me vent - I didnt think it was appropriate to let the school know that i was ready to drop to the floor and throw the towel in. (But the teacher next door is certainly letting know the full time teacher how her class has been, not that the kids would care)

[girly]

well i'm a student & when a substitute comes in others play up i know.

but how we settle down is another thing. Be nice because other wise they will talk and also try to make things seem fun give them brakes, lolly jar ect

hope that helped

[girly]

oh and make the 'bad' ones stay in that works to

[Unregistered]

I have found some Elem and middle school workbooks that keep the students busy and interested. There are 30 workbooks and 150 worksheets in each set - so there is enough for a class. There are all types of subjects that are a little different from the standard classwork - this keeps the students interested, and the work is not so hard as to turn them off. The books are from scholastic futures at

http://primetechnology.net/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=30&cat=Workbooks

[Joe T]

I have subbed just shy of 2 years. In the beginning, I was "mean" and didn't take any garbage from any student. I am not a big guy and look like the typical nerdy teacher. I came in like gangbusters, that the middle school kids were talking about me the very first day. I put the fear of God in these kids. well, 2 years later, every middle and high school kid knows not to mess with me. I do joke with them that I could go back and be a "grizzly bear" instead of a fuzzy bear. I have three tips for every substitute. 1) Greet every kid in the hallway, especially the students you discipline because they will know that you do not hold a grudge agsinst them outside the classroom. In fact, if you have lunch duty and you see some of the "creative disruptors", go over and talk to them and let them know you genuinely like them but not their behavior. 2) If you have a special talent, bring it to class so that you can use it to control the class. In my case, I sing and play the harmonica. My musical abilities sometimes change the way students see me. Finally, if you are certified, tell the kids you are a real teacher and that I will help you with the lesson. Be honest, if you are not strong in the subject, tell the class. They will respect you -- joke about your shortcomings in academia, this will help you bond with the students.

[The New Guy]

I just found this message board and I have to say there is some really great advice on it. I recently started subbing in my local school district because I work from home and I'm able to do it. I was really surprised to learn that you don't need any formal teaching skills (though I'm sure they would have helped me) and only a high school diploma to be able to become a substitute teacher.

Just before Christmas I subbed my first class (which was first grade) and I'm still exhausted!!! I'd never taught before and holy mackeral was it tough! There were a couple of kids that had their desks set off to the side because they were borderline problem kids (who could to the math in a flash if they could only stay in their seat long enough to not get distracted and focus) I felt like the guy on the Ed Sullivan Show spinning the plates running back and forth trying to keep order.

One of the difficulties I found was that there is no sort of orientation at all. You just show up and try to teach a class based on the pile of dittos left by the teacher and not knowing anything about the class routine (like how they come in and sit down and then are supposed to go four at a time to hang up their coats and back packs etc.) or even where things like the auditorium and cafteria are. So, it's an adventure getting them to lunch.

Also, never having done it before, I wasn't sure how long I was supposed to spend on each assignment. Then there are the kids that know the material and can do it in five minutes while others can't even read yet. So, while I try to help the kids that can't do it alone, the other half of the class gets restless and then it slowly gets out of hand because they want to get out of their seats and this one is bothering that one... Then there is the kid that thinks he needs to be the enforcer so he's turning off the lights to get everyone to be quiet and of course kids don't like other kids telling them what to do so then they start shouting at each other.... I told you I was exhausted

I thought the younger kids would be easier to handle but now I'm not so sure. What age is the easiest to manage or do they all present their own unique challenges?

[Unregistered]

I just started subbing this year and was on a difficult year 6 class ( in Australia age 12). After a mostly disruptive day I realised that keeping them busy is the best thing. Also friendly competition works well too. I have an old game of "Boogle" which has a container and about 16 dice but with letters instead of numbers. After shaking them I write the letters on the board and give the students 3 minutes to write as many words as they can with only those letters. The pair or individual with the most real words is given a lolly (it's amazing that even older students will do anything for lollies!)

This activity means they are all sitting, concentrating, quiet, and best of all thinking! Amazing!

~Danielle

[subsituted]

try to make the children write abuot themselve and call them by number ok

[BigBadSub]

I found this book to be helpful - Substitute Teacher Handbook K-12. You could also try their website (http://sti.usu.edu) which has some tips and such.

[Unregistered]

Today I was subbing a 5th grade class- I usually like 5th grade. Today was a very difficult class. Not in the essence of behavior, but I could not get them quiet for the life of me- I tried all the tricks in the book. Then I came to realise these kids- have a push-over for a teacher throughout the school year. I have subbed in classes where the teacher has control of the class from the beginning- and this make sit easier on the sub. The student have an expectation of how they are to behave - or deal with consequence later and this includes how they treat the sub.

[Unregistered]

When I was a sub for difficult classrooms I would do a lottery. I would ask each child to write their name on small pieces of paper for as many 20 minute periods are found in the school day. Any student who did not need to be reprimanded was able to put their name in the lottery jar. One to three names are pulled at the end of the day and the winner gets a prize. Students this age love cool pencils, or icecream or cookies for lunch. You can pay for the next day. Be create and have fun.

[Unregistered]

u ****************!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Unregistered]

u sOck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Unregistered]

It would be a really good idea for someone to print out all the responses to this forum and present it to the main substitute office in any school district...In fact, I might just try to forward it to our sub office.
Almost everything has been covered here....I only have a few bits of advice:
1) The advice to greet the students at the door, preferably with a hand-out of the first work to begin is the best way to get the first advantage.
2) Where you stand in the classroom is of major importance. If a group of students are continously talking during class, go over to them...don't say anything or stare at them, just wait....They will quiet down soon...they know why you are there .
3) If at the first of class, the students will not quiet down, say,loudly enough so that most hear...."It is MY turn now."......Students usually have been conditioned from their first years to obey this statement. It is wonderful how they will maybe smile...but will listen.
One other piece of advice....I thought I was retired, but at the age of 70, have returned to subbing...for some of us the first thing is to find out where the faculty restrooms are and if we have the necessary key for them.
Good Luck ..all of you.