Substitute Teacher Tips Classroom Discipline

At the top of the list of concerns for new and experienced substitute teachers is “classroom discipline.”

At the top of the list of concerns for new and experienced substitute teachers is “classroom discipline.”

In this article review some tips and techniques other substitute teachers found helpful.  As you approach each class:

• Try to approach each class with a positive and assertive attitude
• Keep in mind that you are the adult
• Managing classrooms is a skill that can be learned and practiced daily
• Remember to start out each day as a fresh, new day

Start the school year as a substitute teacher with a discipline plan and stick with it.  Although students have not crossed over the miles you have, they still are very capable of quickly assessing the situation in each class.  Students realize fairly early on what they will be allowed to get away with.  If you start allowing a lot of disruptions, it is more difficult to gain control.  By contrast, it is not difficult to get easier as the year goes on.  There is a saying that goes like this:  “Never smile until Christmas.”  This saying usually applies to the permanent teacher; however, a substitute teacher can earn the same type of reputation in all the classrooms he or she maintains while the permanent teacher is away.

Students have an uncanny way of sensing what is and what is not fair in the classroom.  Make it a consistent point to act fairly for all students.  This is a must if you want to be respected by your students.  If you play favorites, the students who know they are not your favorite will label you as being unfair and will not want to follow your rules.  This will most likely lead to disruptive behaviors in the classroom.  Remain fair to all students and do not play favorites.  Be sure even your best students are punished for things done wrong.

If you have a disruption, deal with it immediately and with as little interruption of the class as possible.  When you stop the momentum of teaching to tend to a disruption you interrupt the students who are most sincere about learning.  If you have a pair or group of students not paying attention to class subjects, ask one of them a question about the subject, and try to get them back on track with the rest of the class.
 
It is always better to deal with discipline issues privately.  Never cause a student to lose face in front of their friends.
 
Try to keep a little humor in the classroom.  This is especially important sometimes when a disruption occurs.  The appropriate type of humor can quickly re-direct a disruption.  Remember that sarcasm may harm your relationship with the students involved.  Avoid sarcastic remarks.  Sarcastic remarks are also disrespectful to students and totally out of context in a classroom.  You will also need to carefully sort out the differences between what is funny and what might be offensive to someone else in the classroom.  A good laugh, however, when created appropriately, eases tension in the classroom and can oftentimes get things back on track.

Always have plenty of activities for students.  Do not allow students time just to talk to each other during the day.  Fill up left over time with mini-lessons you prepare long before entering the classroom.
 
Begin your day by announcing your expectations to the students.  For example, throughout the day, I expect you to raise your hand and be recognized before you start speaking.”  Be prepared with all your student expectations before entering the classroom.  If you have students who do not remember what you expect, get the list out again, and repeat exactly what you expect during the school day.  You might even point out what the alternative is for students who do not meet your expectations.
Reinforce your rules consistently.  Do not ignore misbehavior one day and the next day use a consequence for misbehavior.
Be sure your students understand your rules.  All students need to understand what is and what is not acceptable and what the consequences are for breaking your rules.

Start each day fresh.  This only means to start teaching each day with the expectation that all students will behave.  Just because little Johnny acted up yesterday, does not mean he will do the same today.  Be forgiving and forgetful of what happened yesterday.  Each day is a new day and a day everyone has the opportunity to perform adequately within the classroom. 
 
Written by:  Connie Limon  For more information about the career of Substitute Teacher visit http://smalldogs2.com/SubstituteTeacherTips  For a variety of FREE reprint articles and special topic articles visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

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© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved