1. Know the Plan - The first step in making sure you have control of the behavior in the classroom is to know the plan for the day.

2. Make your presence known  - Travel the room, encouraging students by showing interest in their work.  Be confident and show your genuine interest in their success.

3. Positive tone - Keep the tone positive while insisting work be completed.  This is a thin line every teacher walks - when to push, how to push, how hard to push.  The best approach is to try and keep it positive and at a fast pace.

4. Introductions - Some substitute teachers find that introducing themselves and sharing a few details of their life helps relieve any tension in the classroom.

5. Going Home - For grades K-2, be sure to ask the teacher next door or the school secretary about bus schedules - who goes on what bus, who gets picked up by parents, and so on.

*Note--Look for notes that come in the morning that may pertain to a change in a students normal after-school routine.

6. Suggestions - At times students may challenge you.  The challenges may range from dozing off to blatantly mouthing off in class.

    Below are some thoughts you may want to remember in difficult situations:

• You are the professional - Refer to the school policies you have reviewed, then choose your course of action.

• You are the adult - Even though your natural reaction may be to raise your voice (defensive reflex), remember you have an audience. They are looking to you to set a good example.

• Diffuse the situation - Option A--Ask the class to resume working, while you take the problem student aside to talk to him/her calmly. Option B—Choose your Battle. When the offense is minor, you may ignore the behavior for the time being, at the same time watching closely for a repeat offense.

• External influences - You may feel as if you are the object of a student’s frustration,  but remember there are lots of things that you do not know about their lives: girl/boy friend, parents, friends, work.