Tips

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2002 : October : 16

Tips
By Heather

I hope that I am not repeating anything that the others have told you, but in my experience, as far as the lesson plans go I have had teachers leave excellent plans, poor plans, and no plans at all. Here's what I do:

*
have a folder with worksheets for each grade level. I carry about 3 per grade level, grades
K-5.
* I also have writing assignments for them to do. I have several topics that they can write on that will keep them busy for at least 30 minutes.
* I take a book along with me as well, so if there is a gap in assignments, I can pick a student to read it (on their level)
I do a few

other things as well, but those are the ones that work great with me. I carry all these in a small bag that I take to every school. and class that I am called to.

As far as the behavior goes, even after years of subbing you are always gonna run into a few that have behavior problems, and are totally disrespectful. The schools where I sub at, the kids pretty much know me and how I am about defiance. I had to of coarse establish my ground in every class/grade for them to know how I am.

At first I had to step back and say "Do I need to draw more attention to this problem or should I let it go" "Is this something that I need to raise my voice to?" Basically what I did is tell them that I am here to help you learn, and if you choose to not let me, I don't care, but you WILL sit quietly all day, and also you will write a letter to the teacher explaining why you chose not to learn today, and if you cause a disruption , any whatsoever, you will be sitting in the office all day. ALso when they are talking while you are trying to explain something, I read in a book that instead of yelling at the top of your lungs try and say this " I will begin ******** as soon as all of you are quiet." OR "I have something important to say, but I am not saying it until there is complete silence." Say it with a normal tone of voice, if 3 kids hear you, they will quiet down, then others will catch on. usually the last one talking is the one who has given you problems all day, and that kid should be dealt with. Thank God that that has worked for me so far! I have had to make believers out of a few kids, but they know the difference in me when I am mad or happy. I try to be cool but at the same time I let them know that top priority is to get the work done.

BUT, what works for me may not work for you. Just give it some time, and you'll find your own ways to get their attention, and behave.