Subbing for the First Time

I'm a 4th grade teacher and focusing on the positive has always worked well for me. Find the one or two kids in the class that are doing exactaly what you want, and comment on them. This is effective and easy to do in the spur of the moment. I've also found my kids really enjoy it when subs give them something to work towards. For example if they earn a certain amount of points, they can play a fun 10 minute game at the end of the day. Just some ideas. Good luck, subbing can be fun, but also very trying! :)

I sub for elementary grades. It's funny, I find the younger ones easier!

First of all, most teachers already have a discipline method already in place: clothespins by their name, name on board, etc. You can always ask a neighboring teacher what they normally do. I always try to befriend the teacher next door!

If there is no discipline method in place, you need to commit to one and nicely, but clearly explain it, and your expectations (raise your hand to talk, stay at your desk, hands to yourself are usually the 3 main things) to the kids when you first begin the class. Also, make sure they know that you will be leaving a note for their teacher telling her who acted up and who was good:
1) Name on board: 1st infraction - name on board, 2nd - X by name means no recess or at our school they walk laps during recess, 3rd - remove from room (this can be to another teacher's room or the principal although I hesitate to send there unless it was really bad) or lose recess the next day (yes, you can do that)
2) along with the discipline plan, have a positive praise plan for those who are good so you're recognizing both good and bad behavior. When someone raises their hand before talking or whatever, say Thank you for raising your hands and following the rules. Offer extended recess to those who don't get in trouble. Let them play a fun game if they behave for a certain period of time. Bring in a bag of goofy toys (dollar store) and let them choose one at the end of the day for good behavior. Offer incentives for positive behavior!
Just make sure they know up front what is expected and what the consequences are (good and bad).

C., first of all God Bless you!!! I'm a nurse and refuse to work with children except in an outpatient method! I truly do not know how you manage to handle the smart mouths! I cringe at my children's friends for the way they speak to me and my children! That being said, the only advice I can give you is to redirect. That seems to work best for the younger children. As for discipline...my 5th grader really does not like it when she gets her name on the board, if it stays there, nothing positive to correct it, then she loses her recess privilege. Really seems to upset her. Lets see, for my son, they have a cute thing...he's in Kindergarten and the teacher has 3 colored clothespins that they each have. If they break a "rule" then they lose a pin...after 3 days, if they still have all 3 they get a treasure from the treasure box. My son loves it! I'm sure that would be difficult for you since you are a substitute, but it's the best I can offer!!! Again, my thanks and best to you! I sub at hospitals and as long as everyone is still breathing at the end of the day....and I know I don't have to go back to that floor....I feel better!!! Take care and good luck!

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