Soon-to-be substitute teacher for children in the elementary grades and would like to know some effective classroom management strategies that are known to be effective in maintaining good student behavior and attentiveness in the classroom.
Thanks in advance.
#1 by tandrews on February 17th, 2011
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if they are bad yell at them!
#2 by Maggie F on February 17th, 2011
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The first thing that you need to do as a sub is establish that you are in charge. The kids will test you, but you have to stay on task and stay firm. In elementary, one of the easiest ways to maintain control is to tell them that if they do not behave, they cannot go to recess. Keep a total of the minutes they have to stay in on the board – 1 minute in for every minute off task. Then give them a chance to earn lost minutes back. GOOD LUCK!
#3 by Moniker on February 17th, 2011
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Something I find very effective is to appear very strict as first to give a tough-ish first impression.
Feel free to soften up afterwards, though, lol
#4 by Bear on February 17th, 2011
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I’m just a student, but I have observed that the teachers who try hardest to control a class have the least control.
I think relating to students and realizing that you’re all humans is key. It is probably easier to control younger kids than students my age, but still.
Humor is always a great way to communicate with children also.
#5 by Shaun on February 17th, 2011
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If you are talking about elementary school, one technique that has been very effective in my experience is “retraining”. If the students don’t walk down the hall as they should, they get to spend their play time marching back and forth quietly in the hallway, for example. Whatever behavior they did not do well, they must repeat many times for practice during their recess time. This makes a big impression on young children not only for the loss of their play time but for the repetition during that time. Young children learn by repetition.
Also, if you are a normal adult, you are much taller than them. I have found it helpful to get down closer to their level sometimes
But wait, I have saved of my best elementary school subbing tips for last…. always bring an age appropriate and exciting book to read! This is very helpful when the teacher has left inadequate plans (or no plans) but it can also be a fun activity, a motivator (work hard on your math and we will have extra story time!) and will leave the kids with a good impression of you. Trust me on this one. Sirus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent was a wild favorite around here, especially when I read it with a dramatic sea serpent voice!