What are some management strategies I can use as a substitute teacher?

I'm now ready to start substituting. In order to prepare myself and earn student respect from the very start, I've been putting lots of thought into this matter. Since I got lots of good answers for my last problem, I thought I'd try here again.



I would like to know some classroom management strategies I can use when I'm in one of "those" situations when the students are trying to make the sub cry. My biggest fear is losing control and not ever getting it back.What are some management strategies I can use as a substitute teacher?
Just make sure the kids don't kill each other.

Never send a kid to the nurse.

Don't let them back talk you.

Stay up walking around the room and don't sit down!

Learn what the classroom disciplinary method is %26amp; enforce that.



Don't expect help from the staff either. Some staff members are very helpful and some ignore you.
You have to make sure they know you have power over them and you know what's going on. When you first come to the school ask questions about where you can send misbehaving children, or what the principals name is. If you know about the school, then the kids will actually believe you will do something to them if the mis behave. Also, the kids who like to be funny, let them be funny. If they make fun of you, joke around with them. They will think you are cool. Reward them easy, like if they all put their books away and get quiet before you count to 10, then they can sit with their friends.

You can only loose control if you are nervous. Students will know a teacher who doesn't know what's going on. For that problem, just talk to other teachers and the office people to find out how the school works.

hope this helps!What are some management strategies I can use as a substitute teacher?
People may be able to help more if they knew what groups you would be substituting for.
I use this often in the elementary and middle grades:



When i go in in the morning, I write the phrase "free time" or "extra recess" on the board. When the students come in (excited to see it) I firmly explain that if they can get me to erase the whole thing I will give them this extra recess. I erase letters when I catch the class "being good" (on task, no behavior problems). However, if they are not "good" I add letters, even if I have to make the phrase longer.



Often, all you have to do is pick up the eraser or make a general statement such as "I think I might need to add a letter or two" to whip them into shape. Erasing the letters also give positive reinforcement to good behaviors. And this also helps the class to self-regulate themselves and their classmates in terms of behavior (I've seen students tell others to "stop talking or she'll add a letter!")



I also make sure to tailor the days lesson plans to include a 10-15 minutes or recess at the end of the day by finishing everything a bit early. I often take the students outside or let them have free choice inside. In middle school they get a few minutes time to hang out with their friends, and I sometimes pass out treats too.



This doens't always work, but has helped me through many a rough class!What are some management strategies I can use as a substitute teacher?
I recently started substiting and I'm learning new things all the time. You will to. Use proximity in the classroom. When the students are talking, walk over to their desk and lay your hand on the desk, but don't touch the student. Feel free to move students (switch desks) for those who are disruptive. or tell them to sit somewhere else. Warn them and if they continue getting out of their seat or talking, then write their name on the board. Write a note home if they still continue and have parents sign it. Be courteous and kind in the note.



Before you even start class be sure to tell them what you expect and the consequences of their actions. You have to figure out how you will disipline them beforehand. Ask them what they should and shouldn't do in class. Students can always add something to this. You can even write a list of do's and don't do's on the chalk board so they can actually SEE the rules. (raise hand before talking, keep quite, don't throw stuff, etc)



There will be days when the class behaves and you actually enjoy yourself and other days where you go home from school with a headache. That's typical. Don't let the kids get to you. Try to put into use those strategies that you've learned in college. I sometimes turn the lights off when the kids continue talking. Sometimes it works but not always...I have forgotten a lot of what I've learned during my university days unfortunately.



Call the parents themselves for extreme cases. Set kids in the hall but where you can see them thru the window if necessary.



Another thing is to get the kids to help you during the day by passing out papers or collecting papers or any other job you think needs done. That keeps them busy and makes them feel important.



Update:

When I was a student teacher, my coopertating teacher once told me, *Never let them see you cry*. If you do that then you loose the upperhand and authority that you have in the classroom.