First day as Substitute Teacher, Need Advice

[Dillon]

Next Monday I will be starting my very first teaching position at one of the public school districts near my hometown. I am pretty excited in starting a new opportunity but quite nervous at the same time as I don’t know what to expect especially for a substitute teaching position. It’s a part time position but this is field experience for my alternative teaching certification.

I will be teaching next week 6-7 grade science students and science/biology is my strong suit so I’m not at all worried about relaying information and such, but my biggest thing is classroom management. I am trying to find way ways as a sub to make the classroom environment as enjoyable and exciting as possible prior to starting on my first day such as starting with introduction and ice breakers in the beginning of class followed by going over the lesson plan/assignment(s) the regular teacher has laid out or even bring candy as a reward for doing a fun activity/game that’s related to the assignment at hand. I on the other hand also don’t want the class to be over stimulated as in the fact these kids don’t even know me and I don’t want them to feel kind of awkward about how their day went especially myself feeling that way.

If anyone has any suggestions in how to make a class enjoyable for this first time teacher then I would like to hear it!

 

[Ella Spell]

Icebreakers? Why would an established class need icebreakers? I agree that giving candy is pretty odd too, especially as you'll be a stranger to them. I'd skip that and do your management by following your lesson plan and making it interesting.

I've taught middle school. I think most people expect the worst of kids that age and it's a shame. Be polite, firm, and interesting, and that's all they'll need. As the week goes on you'll get to know them more as individuals and you can earn their respect that way.

 

[Dillon]

Icebreakers? Why would an established class need icebreakers? I agree that giving candy is pretty odd too, especially as you'll be a stranger to them. I'd skip that and do your management by following your lesson plan and making it interesting.

I've taught middle school. I think most people expect the worst of kids that age and it's a shame. Be polite, firm, and interesting, and that's all they'll need. As the week goes on you'll get to know them more as individuals and you can earn their respect that way.

You’re right, doing ice breakers is doing a bit too much.
I didn’t realize my ideas were actually bad and now I realize they seem awkward from what you mentioned.

 

[Ella Spell]

Know the class and school rules. Learn the kids' names and treat them with respect. Have a sense of humour.
Be organised and prepared, but flexible.

You'll do just fine.

 

[Progster]

First, I would skip the candy, that isn't really appropiate. But for younger students, you could have a system of stars given to those who do well.

Kids need to have rules and know where the boundaries are. Have a list of dos and don'ts for them, and be prepared to enforce them. Rules need to be fair and unambiguous.

Always keep the students engaged. Don't spend too long on one activity. Make sure the activities are varied. Get them to do a few group or pair activities as well as individual ones. This is for you as well as them, as it's very tiring and you need a break from the constant interaction. And anyway, students don't want to have to listen to a teacher at the front of the class talking all the time - they quickly shut off and become distracted and that's when the trouble starts, you want to avoid that.

Be aware of your voice tone. You don't wat to sound like you're giving a lecture or sound monotone. Try to inject a bit of humour where possible.

As others have said, preparation is key, but also have some extra activities handy as fillers in case you finish early - although, I often found that I ran out of time. Always keep a close eye on the clock - micromanage if necessary. It's a great help that the regular teacher provides lesson plans.

Look on YouTube, there are quite a few class management videos giving tips that might be useful.

Good luck!

 

[Au Naturel]

starting with introduction and ice breakers in the beginning of class

Skip the icebreaker. You don't have time. Give them your name as how you want to be addressed. "I'm Mr. Sour. Mrs. Sweet is out for today, and I'm subbing for her." Do roll, then get into the class plan.

The most important thing is to learn their names quickly. Then, get through the day's assignment. It will take you much longer than it would the teacher. If teacher has given up on ever getting a sub to do their job, it will probably just be busy work. Still, treat it seriously.

A really good day is an excursion to a library. Or to a science lab where someone else will run the show. I try to be accessible but maintain a bit of distance. Respect them, but do not try to be on their level. You are in charge. Be very careful about adhering strictly to school policies and schedules.

 

[Rodafina]

You’re right, doing ice breakers is doing a bit too much.
I didn’t realize my ideas were actually bad and now I realize they seem awkward from what you mentioned.

That’s okay. That’s why it’s good to ask and get some feedback. Your intentions are good, but I agree with others and with you that the icebreakers and the candy aren’t really necessary and probably not allowed (candy).

I think at this point, it could be helpful to focus on relaxing. Children in that age group will appreciate authenticity and many of them may not respond well to a teacher who is trying to hard. They have a routine that they are used to and the more you can learn their usual routine and stick to that, the better. Be confident, consistent, and clear with your rules. Keep breathing and try to relax a little.

 

[kenaij]

I work at a school. I`m not a teacher but I`m kind of a mix between a janitor, TA and Social worker. As far as I know my job is not present in a lot of other schools in this combination.
There are a couple of things to really go by in my opinion.
Be real with these kids. For young people these days it is really important to have mutual respect. Unlike in the old days where you just had respect for the adults as a kid. So when introducing yourself. Be real and open with something like. "You would like to be treated respectfully, and I ask the same of you." You do not however put yourself at the same level. Don`t try to be their friend. In the long run, this simply does not work.
Lay out some basic rules in your classroom, and when finishing your introduction say something like. "With that out of the way, let's hope that is the most firm talk we will have all year."
Make sure your explanations are interesting since your subject is one not many young children find exciting.
The very best of luck to you.

 

[kenaij]

However, the very very best advice you will are get when working with/teaching children and young adults.
ALWAYS BE YOURSELF! And never copy anyone else or 'fake' it.

No matter how good a method works for some other teacher. If it does not feel like you, if it feels like an act or something you need to do forcefully. Don`t do it. They will pick up on it and they will not listen or respect you no matter how hard you try.

Me and my direct colleage do the same job, we have the same base rules and direction we want to go in. But we both do it in completely different ways, that are authentic to us. He is an ADHD, extraverted person who likes confrontation. I`m a (most likely) autistic introvert. If we would do the same thing and copy eachother it would not work. The young adults accept our different approaches because they know we are us. And not acting like someone we are not.

 

[lovely_darlingprettybaby]

Next Monday I will be starting my very first teaching position at one of the public school districts near my hometown. I am pretty excited in starting a new opportunity but quite nervous at the same time as I don’t know what to expect especially for a substitute teaching position. It’s a part time position but this is field experience for my alternative teaching certification.
I will be teaching next week 6-7 grade science students and science/biology is my strong suite so I’m not at all worried about relaying information and such, but my biggest thing is classroom management. I am trying to find way ways as a sub to make the classroom environment as enjoyable and exciting as possible prior to starting on my first day such as starting with introduction and ice breakers in the beginning of class followed by going over the lesson plan/assignment(s) the regular teacher has laid out or even bring candy as a reward for doing a fun activity/game that’s related to the assignment at hand. I on the other hand also don’t want the class to be over stimulated as in the fact these kids don’t even know me and I don’t want them to feel kind of awkward about how their day went especially myself feeling that way.
If anyone has any suggestions in how to make a class enjoyable for this first time teacher then I would like to hear it!

I think you should write a poem or just a small rhyme introducing yourself or wear a science tie.
It maybe you could draw a science picture in the back or whiteboard with your name
And you could ask them what interests them about science and what they'd like to learn.
And I think like candy is a good incentive for a good job also maybe since they are only 6th and 7th grade you should look for science stickers that are a bit more mature and cool for assessments.
Just keep it cool you know obviously there is work but science can be fun and hands on.
And experiments can be fun.
Kids like to have fun when they learn so if it is boring they will get restless fast and create more trouble in class. So it cannot be boring and slow paced all the time. It has to be something sometimes that grabs them to want to learn. Sometimes there may be more boring and serious classes it happens but try to be something they can approach and feel comfortable with.
Autism and social careers not easy, of course you should be yourself

 

[lovely_darlingprettybaby]

You’re right, doing ice breakers is doing a bit too much.
I didn’t realize my ideas were actually bad and now I realize they seem awkward from what you mentioned.

It is not bad at all.
Maybe you are supposed to be this as a teacher.
You wanted to be a teacher and people say be yourself on here so..
I think if you want to create a fun atmosphere you can. School is supposed to be fun sometimes not a chore each day for kids they is how they get bored and become deviants.
You could do candy but ask the principal first because you do not want to get in trouble maybe just a small bag
I think you are right, you should do a quiz or fun game or ask them what they know about science and give the candy for prizes if allowed as an ice breaker