Taking Control

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Home : 2002 : September : 5

Taking Control
By Jim

I have found that unless you set the tone immediately it doesn't matter if you flick the lights, ring a bell, play music, whatever it is you do. If you set the stage properly, it doesn't matter if you're Billy Barty. The
kids will respect you and you'll be the one in control.
THE most important and the first thing I do is to spend a minimum of 15 minutes TEACHING the rules and making sure they understand them. I have 7 rules on a 10" x 15" board that I bring with me to each class and hang in the front of room. If you don't spend any time or just gloss over the rules the kids won't take you seriously

and then they're the ones in control. Equally important are the consequences which I also spend time with and write on the blackboard (they're different depending on the grade). I initially come across as a real tough guy. I come to class at least 1 hour before class starts. In that hour I review the lesson plans and memorize as many names as I can. If you spend the time up front and you enforce the rules fairly and you're consistent, the rest of the day can be a blast. You can have alot of fun with the kids. I usually try to squeeze in two games during the day (assuming you're on track with the lesson plans). I tell the kids jokes, I have a few magic tricks that I do. By the end of the day the kids love you and you walk away feeling wonderful about the job you've done.
I hope this wasn't too long, but I can tell you that subbing became much more enjoyable once I started doing this. I hope it helps you