Tips needed from high school teachers...

[Cindy B]

I have worked in a middle school for the past three years.

However, I gave up that position and am now substituting throughout the district.

Today, I got an assignment next week for high school math. YIKES!

I know what is important in middle school may not necessarily be as important in high school. I know in my previous school attendance in class was important as well as good behavior. I could effectively control the classroom, but hey it was usually 6th graders and I was bigger/older!

However, in high school... they are bigger than me!

What tips can you give me to effectively manage a high school classroom? Math tips would especially be useful...

Thanks!

 

[WDWMom]

I am a sub too, and I find in our district, the high school teachers leave them lots of work to do on their own and for homework. They usually have the students read, take notes, and do assignment. Sometimes I have to correct (with class) and/or collect homework.

I am not a math teacher but I find I can usually walk into any classroom and fake it. But I am lucky, I live in a great community, with repectful students and an administration to back me up.

 

[swilphil]

Are you going to be there the whole week or just for one day? That may make a little bit of difference in how you approach it. It really depends on the kids you are teaching. I'd take your cues from the teacher's lesson plans. I'd think attendance would be as important in high school as it is in middle school, maybe more. One tip I can give you is only let one student out of the room at a time (let them know in advance that you will be doing this). So if one kid asks to go to the bathroom, his locker, etc., wait until he is back before letting another kid leave. You might want to bring a few word puzzles or something in case they get done with their work early. Also bring a good book for you to read. Chances are the teacher will leave them homework assignments and they will just work independently the entire time.

I'm only 5 foot 3 inches, and mostly taught students that were much bigger than me. They learned very quickly who was boss. It's about attitude and not size. That doesn't mean you have to be witch. Just be confident, while remaining friendly, and let them know they aren't going to pull anything over on you. If you have a chance, try to chat a little with them about what things they like, but don't let them get you too off topic.