I have my first sub assignment tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it, but also at the same time a little nervous. It's for a middle school science classroom. Last spring I was student teaching in a middle school science classroom, so I do have some experience with this age group and subject, this will be the first time I'll be the responsible adult in the room though. Looking for any advice on how to have the best day possible.
This. Also, leave things where you found them, leave papers and work organized, and easy to read notes for the teacher. If the room is left in good condition and the sub followed my plans or I can tell he/she at least tried to follow them, I'll put that sub on my preferred list.
Be sure to know the grading policy of the school. Some places cannot give zeroes. If I was at a school like that, I couldn't back you up and the kids would soon learn the loophole.
I worked at a school that required us to give them a 50 even if they did diddly-squat. It was ridiculous. We now have a law protecting us from districts requiring us to give false grades, but that might not be the case where you live.
So zero effort (even an entirely blank paper) would get a 50, not a zero? UGHh . What a stupid system, and we wonder why kids are wimps when they become adults. LOL I'm in Texas, and we give zeros.
During one of my education classes I was at a school that had this policy. The reasoning behind this was to allow students who did poorly in the beginning of the year the ability to recover later in the year. The teacher showed me some of the grade reports that when home with the students, many of which had 50, but in the comments listed what it would have been without this policy. There were a few that were in the low teens.
I leave plans on my desk for the sub. I make sure the sub follows them or at least leaves a note explaining why they weren't followed. I like substitutes to keep my classroom the way it was before. I also have a few kids who "tell it like it is" because they don't know any better. I always tell the subs they can ask these kids for help, but really I just do that so I can ask those kids what the sub did after I return. Please try your best, get to know the atmosphere of the classroom, and keep the kids happy. As long as the kids aren't crying, shouting, or having a rough day, you've got this. I put subs on my preferred list if they can keep my kids engaged, happy, and working. Don't pick at the kids for every little thing too. They hate that.
Choose your battles wisely. You don't know how the regular teacher has them, so don't assume you can have them behave better for you than they do for their regular teacher. Keep them in their seats and from hitting each other. Don't let them wander around the class. Don't allow cell phones or eating. Try to build relationships with them because you might be back and if they like you that's useful. Good sense of humor is also helpful. These are my advice from my 1 year of subbing experience.
Make sure to follow the seating chart, if one is provided. You can also request one from the teacher, or if you sub for the class frequently create your own- if need be.
I highly suggest that your biggest turn-off to successful class management is writing a bunch of negative "don'ts" on the board.
My 2 cents (for any sub or teacher): The old adage works: "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" I think it is important for a new sub to practice positive classroom management. It is easier to develop rapport with a class with positive remarks rather than negative remarks.
