The reality is... you are the substitute walking into a classroom full of students who are set in routines and procedures. Here are a few tips and tricks that I have used while being the 'sub'.
1) Remember that you are the guest in the classroom.
The moment the bell rings to begin the day, I introduce myself and begin to tell the students that I am a guest in their classroom. I also mention that they know how their day flows and what their teacher expects of them. I will need their help and they will need mine. Establishing this at the beginning of the day allows them to understand where you're coming from.
2) Establish clear expectations.I ensure that students know although I am a guest, I have expectations for how the day should flow. Often times I will explain a classroom management technique to the students. Something as simple as writing on the white board, Miss. Erbach on one side and students on the other; to create a game of Beat the Teacher. Each time the students are on task, following directions, keeping their voices low, I give them a tally. When the students are not doing any of those things, I receive a tally. A first-year teacher shared this with me and it really works! If the students "win" at the end of the day, I will either implement a whole class reward that the teacher already has, or I will give them the "glory" of beating me for the day. It is simple and it works.
3) Ask questions.
When I first began substituting, I often would hesitate to ask questions to the classroom teachers in the surrounding rooms. I then realized that to ensure the best flow of a day for the students is to ask questions to have a clear understanding. Thank goodness i'm not hesitant anymore because I have become such a better substitute by asking questions. Your day will be less chaotic if you know exactly what you need to be doing and when. ALSO, ask the students the questions!! Sometimes the teacher will leave a note about which students are helpful for questions. Use them! I have found more information about a schedule, a location, and a time because of a student. They are sponges and absorb their school days well.
4) Step back and take a DEEP breath.
You cannot assume that every day you substitute in a different classroom that it will be the same as the last. Each student is different and every classroom is different. When I have felt that I have lost a little control of the noise level in the classroom or the unfocused students, I take a step back and think that maybe it is something I am doing. You must take into account of Monday's and Fridays. Monday being the first day back after a weekend, a long break, or even a holiday. In addition, Friday's being the start of the weekend, a long break, etc. Step back and remind the students "Hey folks, I know it is FRIDAY and we are excited for the weekend, but your teacher has left a few more things to complete and I need your help. Let's get started on this!" Students are aware when the classroom is getting a little c r a z y. Most students will shush the others. Ultimately, as a substitute, take into account their feelings and behaviors and acknowledge them. This will go a long way.
5) They are children.
Remember, they are children. They laugh, they cry, they learn, they smile. They have personalities and emotions. I always tell students that I am willing to help them in any way that I can. I will go out of my way to make sure a child feels they are being heard or understood even just as a day to day substitute. They will test you, but will the experience you have, you can grow and reflect on things that have worked and recreate things to bring to the table.
Check out my Pinterest board for some of the things I have pinned and used in the classroom already!
Thanks for reading! From a wannabe full-time teacher,
- Logan
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