| In the movie Kindergarten Cop Arnold | | | | So my 3 rules are: |
| Schwarzenegger is advise to not show any fear | | | | Rule 1. Don't wear hats in class (I start with this |
| when he enters a classroom of kindergarten | | | | one because it is a physical thing and easy to |
| students to teach them. That is key to substitute | | | | follow). |
| teaching. If the students see or smell fear you | | | | Rule 2. No one talks when I am, but in return if |
| are done for and it will be a long day. Here are a | | | | you are talking I will not talk and when a fellow |
| few helps that might make substitute teaching in | | | | students is talking to the class we will all listen. |
| an elementary school easier. | | | | This way they know when I am instructing and |
| Meet the students at the door as they line up to | | | | they start talking I stop immediately and wait until |
| come in. Get them quiet before they come in and | | | | it is quiet. |
| explain to them as they stand there that you are | | | | Rule 3 is I do not accept any rudeness towards |
| Mrs. So and So and that you will be their | | | | anyone. I expect them to use manners toward |
| substitute and that they will enter the classroom | | | | me and toward the rest of the class. |
| quietly and if they do not then they will practice. | | | | After I have told them my 3 rules then I tell |
| This sets the tone that you are in control and the | | | | them what they will get if they abide by them. If |
| teacher for the day. If they do not enter quietly | | | | we have accomplished most everything that the |
| then shoo them out and try it again and again if | | | | teacher has asked us to do that day then we will |
| needed. | | | | play a game at the end of the day. I usually |
| After the students have entered and put their | | | | choose the game, but you could let them choose |
| books, back packs and coats away and are | | | | it if you wish. I give them ten tally marks on the |
| settled in their desk introduce yourself and your | | | | board so that it is visual and if they break one of |
| rules. Explain that you know the teacher does it | | | | my three rules then I erase a mark. They need |
| one way, but this is the way it will be today. | | | | to have one mark at the end of the day to get |
| Explain that there are certain things that "bug" | | | | the game. I have only had one class in three |
| you and they will not be accepted in the | | | | years that did not earn their game. |
| classroom. Do not overwhelm them with a lot | | | | PS I am not afraid to have the principal intervene |
| because most teachers have set their discipline in | | | | with an unruly student either so use all the |
| motion and most students will be trained well. | | | | resources available to you. |