Substitute teacher help needed...

[susy]

Hi all. Just finished my masters in elem ed. and will sub for the moment in K-3 classes in schools I was able to pick. Just had some ideas about classroom management that I need feedback on. I just completed my student teaching (first grade) and it was a huge success, so I am hoping that some of that was actually me and not just the fact that the kids were SO GREAT!!!!

Upon beginning my day (pre kids), I will make or locate a seating chart and materials for the day's lessons.

When the kids arrive I will show them how I will call their attention with a hand signal (and use of a bell, if needed). I will go over rules and my rewards system. When a student is doing what they should be doing,I pass out tickets that they write their names on. They are placed in a basket and at the end of the day I will have a drawing-3 for candy and 3 for treasure box. This worked well in my class and was very effective for use with teams (whether by rows or tables) or individuals. I may use a digital timer for transitions -"You will have ___ minutes to get out ( or pass out) such and such materials and be ready on page ___ to start lesson" and set timer. I will state what is expected at each transition as far as "raise your hand to speak", etc....

I will also have extra activities, books, and games ready to go and always let students know beforehand what they are to do when they finish an assignment and make a list of those things on the board.

I make it a habit to correct privately and very matter-of-factly and so far that has worked. I have no problem changing someone's seat for the day, either, if they are having trouble getting their work done where they are.

Please give me some suggestions!

 

[Kitty 34]

You have great ideas that should work.

Now....when you're ready to tackle Junior High, let me know.

 

[barkley]

the only concern i would have (from teaching many moons ago grades pre k up through 3rd) is that in these grades the regular teacher may have already invested a good deal of time in establishing a classroom routine and transitional mechanisms that work well with the kids and that they are used to.

would you be working in schools that do not have some type of substitute teacher packet for each classroom that details this and provides for a lesson plan in the event of a teacher's unplanned absence?

it seems it might take up valuable class time instituting new practices and procedures.

i (personaly) also have a problem with a rewards system for a group of students you are unfamiliar with-you may have a child with learning/behavioural issues that you are unaware of, and while they may not appear to be performing to your standards of the day-they may in actuality be handling the absence of their regular teacher very well (and be as deserving of anyone else of recognition). i think verbal praise is much better way to go with this age range.

this said-being a sub is a challenging job, and i think you will find it very different from your student teaching (or any form of long term teaching assignments).

you might want to see what the schools you plan to sub for have in place in the way of sub materials (do the teachers have to have a class overview with info. on any of their individual student's special needs/class habits available for a sub to review? a set lesson plan to be used in their absence?)-some schools are very particular about what a sub may and may not do, others are more freeform.

best of luck-these are great grades to work with.

 

[mickey65]

You have some good ideas, however I would not use food as a reward. There may be allergies that you are not aware of.
When I need a supply in for my class, I leave a detailed outline of the classroom managemnet routine. I always find it easiest on the students if the same type of routine is followed, especially my kindergaten students.

 

[Pinnie]

I am going to have to agree with what barkley has stated. I already have an incentive system in place and I expect the sub who takes my place to follow it. It is detailed in my folder. I always leave a sub folder on my desk and lesson plans readily available. I have a list of kids with allergies (peanuts, soy, etc.) and their pictures. In addition, I do have a few more 'challenging' students with mild disabilities who have a hard enough time with changes and transitions and those issues and how they are dealt with are detailed in my folder. I do expect the sub to read it before he/she starts the day.

I think your idea is noble, but having a new (sub) teacher in early el is sometimes hard enough for these kids to adjust to, let alone a whole new "system" that will be in place for only one or two days.

Best wishes to you and know that you perform a very valuable part in the educational system and we couldn't function without you!

pinnie

 

[figment52]

You have some good ideas, however I would not use food as a reward. There may be allergies that you are not aware of.
When I need a supply in for my class, I leave a detailed outline of the classroom managemnet routine. I always find it easiest on the students if the same type of routine is followed, especially my kindergaten students.

My niece has multiple food allergies and at 4 years old would not be able to complete distinguish all the good and bad food if they were put in front of her becaue most of her allergies are ingredient based (like soy and certain food colorings among other things- did you knw most marshmallow fluff has blue food coloring in it making Rice Krispies treats a threat to her). While I'm sure the regular teacher is informed about this and the remedies and treatments should something get past her, I'm sure my sister would not like a sub endangering her daughter's health because she was there for a day and didn't know.


Food as a reward is not safe anymore.

 

[susy]

Thanks so far for the replies. If the teacher leaves plans and details about behavior, of course, I'll follow that. My plan is "just in case", which seems to be the norm around here. I am also really big on allergies, special needs etc.

 

[disykat]

I am a substitute teacher as well. I'd like to challenge you to hold out on the reward systems and use them only as a last resort. In general, I think you have a really good plan. I find that kids respond really well if I lay out the expectations right off the bat and I rarely need to do any kind of tangible reward. I feel pretty strongly about this and don't even use tangible rewards the teacher leaves for me to use.

 

[daisyduck123]

You sound like you are really ready for your upcoming subbing assignments.

Just remember to be very firm from the beginning & try not to "be their pals".
If you start off too warm & friendly, some classes will eat you alive.

 

[momof2inPA]

I'll third the response of using caution with food based rewards. My kids have multiple food allergies and are to eat only food brought from home. It wouldn't be fair to him (and other such kids) to not be able to participate in the reward system. What do you mean you are "big on food allergies?"

Are you expecting a sub position for an extended period of time?

 

[Cindy B]

Thats a whole lot of work for a small assignment (week or less)

If its long term, follow what the kids know and have been established.

Don't use food either.

I've been subbing for a few months, and early elementary have a hard time trasnisitioning to someone new even for a day!

Middle and high schools are totally different as early elementary. Some middle schoolers will eat you alive if you are kind.

 

[Teacher03]

You sound like you are ready! I would have to agree with the rewards system, and maybe not use it on a daily basis. Hopefully, the teacher will have everything spelled out for you concerning rules, rewards, etc., but it is always nice to add your own ideas. I subbed for a while before I found my current position; most of the time it was a great learning experience and very rewarding. Good luck!

 

[golfgal]

I am going to have to agree with what barkley has stated. I already have an incentive system in place and I expect the sub who takes my place to follow it. It is detailed in my folder. I always leave a sub folder on my desk and lesson plans readily available. I have a list of kids with allergies (peanuts, soy, etc.) and their pictures. In addition, I do have a few more 'challenging' students with mild disabilities who have a hard enough time with changes and transitions and those issues and how they are dealt with are detailed in my folder. I do expect the sub to read it before he/she starts the day.

I think your idea is noble, but having a new (sub) teacher in early el is sometimes hard enough for these kids to adjust to, let alone a whole new "system" that will be in place for only one or two days.

Best wishes to you and know that you perform a very valuable part in the educational system and we couldn't function without you!

pinnie

I agree also. While I taught high school, my kids are still in elementary school and having a sub come in an change the "rules" would have been difficult for them in kindergarten and they are pretty easy going kids. If you are going to use a reward system for a day, you would probably be better off going with simple things like being able to wipe off the blackboard or getting to sit next to you during story time or what ever. Kids don't need physical rewards to behave and often the simple things work better then getting a toy at the end of the day. Also, you are also setting yourself up for a long year when you get a teaching job if you plan on giving out rewards every day for kids doing what is expected of them. It will get old to the kids and over time lose it's effectiveness. You will be better off using those sparingly and using praise as a reward.