Subbing

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Subbing
By AM

You should definitely read old posts from people on this topic. I sub in K-6 classes in several districts and I have been loving it! Here are a few tips: 1. Relax. I know it is hard when you are new to a room and the
kids but you must breathe and you must relax. I have come to terms with the fact that things will not go perfectly when I am a sub and I am ok with that. 2. Pick out the trouble makers as they come in the door. You can tell who they are. Choose them to be special helpers. Call on them when they raise their hand. I have had great success with this positive reinforcement. 3. I bring

treats and an award for the class's good behavior. I tell them right away that they can earn points for good behavior. I tell them how many points they need to earn and that they should not ask for points or ask about the treat. I also try to give them a point right away so they see what kind of behavior I am looking for, even if they are only quiet for a second. I have to catch them being good right away in order to keep things positive.

I don't like to use consequences or negative reinforcement as a sub. It just seems to get the day off to a bad start. The kids end up testing me all day instead of doing their work. So far the points for good behavior have worked very well. With the older grades I really stress that I have to leave a note for the teacher and there is a spot for helpers and behavior problems. Even when there is a big problem I tell kids that even though I have to tell the teacher about the problem I can leave a note about the fact that the rest of the day went very well.

This positive attitude works very well with students. I think they are not used to subs who can keep their cool. I always like to bond with the biggest trouble makers in the class. When I see in their eyes that they trust me and respect me after only one day, I feel that I did a good job.