You want to be a classroom manager, not a disciplinarian. Being a disciplinarian implies that you deal with situations once they have gone out of control. When you practice classroom management techniques, you prevent many discipline problems. Begin class by going over five simple rules for the class. Make sure students understand your expectations and know the consequences of misbehavior. Discipline should be consistent, so address any misbehavior directly and immediately. If possible, disciplinary consequences should mirror that of the regular classroom teacher. Take a little time at the beginning of the day to quickly review procedures to stave off many behavioral issues later.
If you would like to substitute for a variety of grade levels, you need to be somewhat familiar with the subject matter. Generally, for grades 1 through 6, a substitute is expected to know a smattering of every subject, ranging from math and language arts to science and social studies. Students will undoubtedly have questions on certain parts of their assignments, so you will need to have a working knowledge of any subject for which you substitute to establish your credibility as a teacher. Being able to answer students’ questions confidently will save frustration and establish trust and respect. Use your nights and weekends to read up on and review the subject matter of your next assignment.
Although a teacher generally leaves plenty of work for students in her absence, make sure you have your own activities that students who finish their work quickly can complete. These filler activities could be educational math and reading comprehension worksheets or cognitive activities such as crossword puzzles. Have a folder for each grade level and each subject for which you plan to substitute. Lower-level students may benefit from working on language arts and math skills. Older students enjoy brain teasers, word puzzles and math riddles. Let students know that they should pick up these activities after finishing and turning in the assigned work.
Positive reinforcement goes a longer way toward motivating students than punishment and threats. Students of all ages appreciate a little free time or a bit of fun at the end of the day. Announce to students at the beginning of the day or period that if they complete a certain amount of work and use class time wisely, they will be allowed 15 or 20 minutes at the end of the day to engage in entertaining, educational activities, such as a class game of Bingo, Around the World, crossword puzzles or computer time. If students know that at the end of the period or day, a reward awaits them, they will put more effort into their work and keep misbehavior to a minimum.
No substitute teacher is expected to know the individual procedures or quirks for each school for which she substitutes. Get to know the secretary well. She usually can tell you about how each school operates and probably has inside information on individual teachers and students. Don’t be afraid to ask neighboring teachers or those teaching the same grade level if you are confused about the lesson plans the teacher has left. Students in the class can be another reliable source of information. Choose a few trustworthy students to aid you throughout the day. An organized classroom teacher usually will leave you a list of the most responsible students in her class.