How To Have A Happy Day As A Substitute Teacher
Friday March 28, 2008
Who says subbing has to be a nightmarish 6-hour torture session? Sure, substitute teaching presents its own unique challenges, but it's nothing you can't handle - with a little planning and the right attitude.
Use this subbing strategy and watch everything fall into place.
What would be your best tip to substitute teachers?
Comments
My best tip for a substitute teacher is to get to the classroom at least 45 minutes before the students arrive. This allows time to get organized, look for materials that may be part of the lesson but perhaps the teacher forgot to leave it out, check with a teacher next door with any questions you may have, as well as figure out the daily routines, i.e., how and where to take attendance and lunch count, any morning work or morning message to set up for students when they come in. If I feel prepared I am that much better able to deal with the “unexpecteds” which will almost surely come your way as a substitute. Finally, relax and have fun– and be FIRM! Let them know early on who is in charge. It’s better for the kids to think you’re “mean” than to have them walk all over you!!
I agree 100% with Darlene. The only thing I would add is to have a grade appropriate activity sheet in your bag, something the kids can do, that is fun, should they get done with class work.
That’s a good idea on the activity sheet, although I would make sure that it’s OK with the regular teacher to have them work on that instead of, say, reading a book quietly at their desk. [I deviate from the teacher’s plans only as a last resort!]