Tips For Teachers To Manage A Classroom

Posted by teacher on November 21, 2011

1. Bring a notebook to record ideas

One of the best things about substitute teaching is that you get to visit many different classrooms. This is a great opportunity to pick up different tricks that other teachers use that work By always having a notebook handy, you can record classroom decorating ideas, classroom management techniques and lesson ideas that you might like to use in your own classroom some day.

2. Get to school early

That way, you can look over plans and do any needed preparation for the day’s lessons (ex. photocopying, stapling, sorting. cutting, etc). Getting in early will also give you the chance to speak with administration and other staff members. They may be able to give you some valuable advice or information concerning your class. Some other things you can do if you get to the school early: put down chairs, read name tags on desks or look in each for something with a name on it and make a seating chart, look around the class to see where supplies are located, make sure you have the attendance sheet, locate the staff room and staff washrooms, and write your name and rules on the board.

3. Be Flexible

Most classroom teachers will leave detailed plans, but not all of them will all of the time. It is important to have some ideas floating around in your head, or supplies in your bag, for back-up activities incase of downtime or a complete lack of plans. If a planned activity is REALLY not working, soldering through is not always to best idea. If the class is getting out of hand, switch to a different activity – either something else planned for the day or a different game or activity.

4. Just get through the day

The most important thing is for the substitute teacher and the students to get through the day alive and in one piece. That is the ultimate goal! Do not be afraid to ask for assistance from neighbouring teachers or administration if there are serious problems in the classroom. Don’t be too concerned if all of the lessons are not totally completed according to the plans. Follow the plans as much as possible, but do not be afraid to make changes to them when needed to save your sanity, and that of the students.

5. Start with the subject you are strongest in

This is an option for substitutes when they do not feel confident in their abilities to teach the subject that is planned for first thing in the morning. It is important to show the students that you are a strong and confident teacher, and if that would be better conveyed by starting with a different subject, than that may be the best option.

6. Learn the students names

Students will respond much better when spoken to directly using their name. It is hard to get a specific students’ attention when all you can call them is “hey you!”. When you know the names, you can call out to students directly to get their attention more quickly. Also, if there is a problem, you need to know the students’ name in order to report back to the teacher or administration.