Get the class worksheets and lessons from the regular teacher, to keep the pack engaged. Completing worksheets is a great discipline technique, as it keeps these curious minds occupied; it also keeps the school day productive and organized. Earning trivial goodies, like pencils, erasers, or stickers, matter a lot to your elementary kids; you can use these goodies as rewards for completing the work.
Give extra attention to the troublemakers who get pleasure from distracting others; this has its roots in their innate wish to seek your attention. Engage these disruptive children and show them that you seek their help: Ask them to clean the blackboard or arrange books on the shelves. Positive reinforcement works magic, when it comes to disciplining elementary school kids. Give them instructions to follow and encourage them with praise and rewards for good behavior.
Rules are an absolute necessity, if you need to accomplish anything successfully with kids. Be familiar with the regular discipline techniques followed in the school and establish them in the classroom. Make use of the board to list the rules -- or as a follow-up technique -- you can write the names of the kids on the board and award them stars or points for following basic class rules; such as not disturbing others, raising their hand before speaking, not whispering and not speaking out-of-turn.
Children behave in an unruly way, when they don't know what’s expected of them. Take charge from the moment you step into the classroom, and give your students the feeling that you have planned the events of the day and are in control. Remember that as a substitute teacher, you first have to develop a good rapport with the students, and then enforce class discipline. Be firm, but lenient enough to gain the trust of your students. Remember that you are the adult and do not lose your temper at any point. Strike a balance between enjoying the kids and achieving the required results.