Secrets of a Substitute- Week 2 & 3

Ahhhhh, where did July go?! I am officially turning off my summer brain and getting myself back on a schedule! I will do a couple of make up posts for the two Wednesdays that I missed and then I will post a new edition this Wednesday also.

Week 2- Steps to Having a Successful Day

There are a few key things that I did at the beginning of each day subbing no matter what school or grade I was in to start the day off right! 

•     The first thing that you say/do to the class sets the tone for the entire day. The kids are trying to figure out your personality, the type of teacher you are, and the kind of day they are about to have the second they walk in the door. Where you position yourself in the classroom as they walk in and what you say really matters. I always stood close to the door but was sure to not have my back to the classroom. I greeted the students each with a smile and good morning. Don't be over at the teacher's desk reading you lesson plans, that is meant to be done before the students arrive. 
• Make sure they know your name! It is just as important for the class to know your name as it is for you to know theirs. You are a teacher not just an adult standing there for the day, the class calling you by name and learning your name shows respect. However, there are many difficult to pronounce last names in the world! Make sure to clearly say your name and have them say it back. Most students really respond to the because they will not feel uncomfortable about asking you questions throughout the day because they know your name. This is a simple task that goes a long way! 
• Explain the schedule. Even if the schedule is the same as their normal schedule, go through it with them stating the expectations. They may have been shocked walking in the door and not seeing their regular teacher, knowing what is expected of them and what is coming throughout the day will ease that transition of a new teacher in the room. Answer any questions they might have about the day. 
• Find out classroom management systems! If the teacher did not leave specifics for management systems take initiative and find out yourself! This may look different in varying grade levels. In older classrooms, if the teacher has left names of reliable students use that to help you! Ask those students to explain the management systems in their classroom. There have been many times that I have gone through a difficult day and at the end someone mentions a management system I could have been using the entire time, UGH. So just ask them! Most kids do not think to just share that, some do though. In younger grades, they might not be aware of the management system so it is best look around the classroom to try to conclude what it could be or ask a neighboring grade level teacher if they can offer any insight. 
• Introduce yourself to grade level partners. Speaking of asking neighboring teachers, don't wait to introduce yourself until you need help from them. When you arrive in the morning just go in and say hello! Most teachers are happy to meet you and to offer any help that you might need. Also, they might like you and request you to sub for their classroom- you never know! 
• Establish clear expectations! This is a MUST. Whether there are classroom rules posted/ shared or not you need to explain how you run your classroom. If there is a quiet sign that you like to use, make sure that the class knows it and is comfortable with that. It is an unfortunate known event that kids like to push subs to see what they can get away with, stop that at the source and tell them what you expect and what the direct consequences will be. Be firm! 

I hope that these tidbits that I learned along the way can help you start off your day in any new classroom successfully! 

                     

Week 3- READ as Much as You Can!

Every time that you walk into a classroom it is a special opportunity to learn about the curriculum/ way of teaching. This is especially helpful if you are newly graduated from college and subbing while you wait for that amazing moment that you get your very on classroom!! 

My whole life there has been something special about balancing a huge spiral teacher's manual on my hip, it just feels right! 

It is inspiring that in the world of education there are so many methods to teach and engage students. Read the teacher's manuals, bulletin boards, supplemental reading materials, anything! It is really good to start to understand each school's grade level information and how to reach various learning styles. First day in 3rd grade? Maybe look at what math skills they are working on so you can better understand the lesson your are teaching. 

This might also be a good time to read up on some social studies information you may not have thought about too recently! I also found that Scholastic News and Time for Kids- interesting stuff in there!! 

Use your experience in the classroom to enhance your knowledge, teachers should always be learning like we expect our students to be doing! :) 

I hope that this wasn't information overload! Check back this Wednesday (I PROMISE!) for what to leave in your note to the teacher about how the day went. 

Enjoy the summer sunshine! :) 

Becky