Teachers tips
Ask for help if you need it.
“If you don’t understand a lesson, ask one of the other teachers. Not all teachers leave enough material planned. Have some extra activities that you can use as fill in.” —Leah W.
Try collaborative art.
Get the entire class involved on the same project with one of these collaborative art ideas.
Draw boundaries.
“NEVER let students take anything off the teacher’s desk unless you know from the teacher what he or she allows, and ALWAYS leave a note for the classroom teacher!” —Laura R.
Try rewards for good behavior.
“I carry some small prizes. In middle school, I use mechanical pencils. When I ask for them to help clean up, the most helpful ones get a prize! They remember and will cooperate better the next time.” —Seorin Y.
Use the sub tub.
Many teachers leave a sub tub with emergency activities, lesson plans, outlines, student information, and more. Use it! Source: Wife Teacher Mommy
Assign classroom jobs to students.
“I always give the disruptive kids jobs! It helps them to focus.” —Jody H.
Try a team-building activity.
Team-building games and activities are a great tool for helping students learn to work together, listen carefully, communicate clearly, and think creatively. You can get to know them too with one of these team-building games.
Work the room.
“Being up and circulating always helps. Proximity is my best weapon for disarming mischief.” —Eloise P.
Try these sponge activities!
“Madeline Hunter created the term sponge activities to describe ‘learning activities that soak up precious time that would otherwise be lost.’ The best sponge activities are fun and engaging and have an academic component without seeming too ‘school-ish.’ That’s my favorite way to use an extra five minutes!”
Dress the part.
“I always try to dress professionally but comfortably. I like to be dressed as nicely as the best-dressed teacher.” —Lori Z.