High School Substituting

Hello, its been such a busy few weeks, but I have learned a great deal about substituting.  I am so glad I get to share it with you!  
       First:  Have you ever had a child have a melt down because you disciplined them?  Well, it does not work for everyone, but at a drop of a hat, I decided to give the angry child 3 sheets of paper to rip up.  He looked at me puzzled, and then just started ripping.  When he stated that he was done, I suggested there were still  bigger pieces left and to rip them into little pieces.  By the time he was done, his he had forgotten about his anger, and did his work, without anymore issues the rest of the day. 
      Second:  High School Students hold grudges when you have to write a referral on them.   One student, every time she saw me, she would make a rude comment.   It was then I decided to choose my battles.   Finally, I had her in one of the classes, and she announced to the class that I write anyone for a referral so they better watch out!  One of the other students asked, "Do you get a referral, and she said with a smirk,  " I sure did!"  Well I interjected and said, "I did?" I don't remember because I substitute many students every day, and cannot remember them all.   So I told her it was a new day, and the slate is clean.   Because I  decided to act like I didn't remember(although I did remember her), it helped her to understand it was what she did that she had the referral and not herself personally.  
      Sometimes as substitutes we should pick our battles.   Know what's important, and make sure they earn our respect through guided discipline.
      I searched on the internet and found a Jeopardy game that we can use for a Smart Board, and a Trivia game.   This is a way you can incorporate when there is a lull in the high school classroom or have very little assignments for your students.  

   I have been doing some extensive research lately, and busy substituting the past two weeks.   My day has been full with high school students.   They are definitely a different breed, but if you use a different tone of authority, than you know you're the boss, your life can be much easier.   Explanations are to follow in the next few days, since we have Easter break off.   So continue to follow my blog.  
   I hope everyone has an excellant Easter/Passover and has the rest they need for the next week.  
              Deb

Begin Your Day # 2

     I have realized that guest teachers as well as teachers have different styles and methods to their teaching.  So I have decided to give more options and you can choose which way you like to begin your day.   So throughout the next two weeks, I will be giving different tips to begin your day with the students who you do not know.

To be a successful guest teacher maintaining control of the class is the main importance.

    Too many times, the guest teacher enters a classroom, and the discipline the teacher has may be too complicated or too detailed for you to get acquainted for one day.   Students do need a change once in a while.
   What we need to do is have a plan in place for discipline throughout the day, and use it every time in your classroom.    Take time at the beginning of the class to explain your plan, the consequences, and the reward.  For example:  You could put ten tally marks  on the board or change it up to something fun like drawing 10 apples, dogs, or cats and explain that you expect them to be the best students they can be.  I am printing the picture above and using them for my discipline marks. If they shout, interrupt or break the classroom rules you will erase a mark for each time.  If they are rude to you or another class member you can erase two marks. 
    Explain they are on a team and we are all on the same team.  Let them know they can "WIN" or "lose", it is up to the.  Let them know that no one is perfect and they may lose some points, but if there are any points at the end of the day left on the board they get to play a game if nearly everything is accomplished.  
    Important: Quick reminders are needed through the day of what you expect, especially when they have come back from specials or lunch.   So they can be on task for you.