A Packet For Substitute Teachers - 5

Tell a student, "I´d like to know you better. Please write a half page for me on this topic:
•If I won a million dollars, I would . . .
•The best time I ever had was . . .
•What I like most in a friend is . . .
•I would like to be an educated/uneducated person because . . .
•What worries me most in the world is . . .
•In my spare time I like to . .

Review The Curriculum

Review the curriculum. A good cooperating teacher should know what topics you will be responsible for and on or around you starting dates for these lessons. Ask for a teachers editions and workbooks to gather facts and ideas.

After You Sub...

Leave a note for the teacher telling them what you did while they were away.
•When subbing in a Middle or High School classroom, leave the teacher a list of who was absent from class that day.
•Close and lock windows and doors.
•Return any and all AV equipment to the proper place.
•If you have a bad day subbing sit quietly in the room until you feel better.
•Wait until after the students leave before leaving the teacher a note as to how the day went.

Substitute Self Preservation

When I gave my speech on what was expected, I gave it like a Drill Sergeant. I even had kids ask me if I had been in the service. Then later, when they were well behaved, I would loosen up and have fun with them.
I´ve never, ever, had it work when I went in as a loving, giving soul and then tried to get tough when things fell apart.

Relaxing!

A natural way to relax before tests and exams is to drink camomile tea.

Tips for Effective Student Teaching

Set aside time each day to plan for classes. Have a plan ready for your first day.

A Packet For Substitute Teachers -1

Keep a list of assignments that can be listed by number on the chalkboard. When a student is ready for something new, and the classroom teacher did not provide more work, turn his or her mind to one of the numbered items on the chalkboard.

Building Rapport With Students

•Get to know your students as soon as possible. This includes learning something about each student and learning to deal with various personalities.
•Enter the classroom with confidence. If you seem insecure, the students will realize it and you´ll never have control over the class.

Respect?

Show and require respect in the classroom at all times. Do not back down on this one.

Successful Student Teaching

Get to know your students as soon as possible. This includes learning something about each student and learning to deal with various personalities.

Need Financial Aid Help?

To get the Ambitious Student´s Guide to Financial Aid, write to:
PO Box 2748, Dept. P, Alexandria, VA 22301.

Saying No

Children don´t like to hear the word "No". Instead of saying "No", tell the child under what circumstances he can get a "Yes" answer. For example, your child wants to watch TV. The dishes and homework are still not done. Rather than say "No", you tell the child that he can watch TV after the dishes and his homework are done. It is now the child´s choice and not your decision.

Homeschool - Traditional Tradesman Crafts

Investigate or even try your hand at some of the traditional crafts and trades that might enhance a related history unit. Try candle-making, spinning, textile-dyeing, weaving, broom-making, rug-hooking, carving, etc. A good resource (though out-of-print) is Edward Tunis´ Colonial Craftsmen. Visit local artisans and tradesmen such as weavers, blacksmiths or potters. If possible, visit a historical village such as Williamsburg or Sturbridge.

Naming The Problem

Memorize students´ names right away. It shows respect and a sincere desire to reach them at their level.

Graduate School

If you don´t know exactly what graduate school to go or which discipline to study, pick up a job hunting guide (available at most libraries) and check the requirements for jobs you´re intersted in.

FinAid - Portfolio Tip #1

Be prepared for the merit based scholarship search by starting a portfolio, which documents your activities, interests, and successes. Keep a chart of all extra-curricular high school activities in which you participate and the positions of leadership you assume through these activities

Interviews

Read the brochures and other information you´ve been sent. Know the material well enough that you won´t ask questions that have already been answered in the material. Read them one at a time, at breakfast, before each interview.

Interviews

Sometimes college interviewers will quiz you on current events so read the newspaper.

Teaching Listening Skills

The best way to teach listening skills is to have young children repeat what you have just said. As they get older, having children write what you said teaches the skill as well. As a parent, be careful to state instructions to your children in language that they understand, then immediately ask them to repeat the instruction - in their own words. This is a key since it shows that not only did they hear the instruction, but they are synthesizing the material as well.