Behaviour management is the single biggest concern for many people
Over the last 10 years, the role of the supply teacher and support worker has changed dramatically. Teachers working in a school on a temporary basis are far more common than in the past and the stereotype of the supply teacher being a 'soft touch' has largely disappeared. In spite of this, ensuring that all pupils get the most out of their day still requires considerable skill.
Below is a list of practical tips to ensure you succeed.
Teachers' tips - Things that do work!
- Separate behaviour from the person (i.e. talk about the behaviour as an object).
- Set clear expectations of behaviour during the lesson.
- Plan and prepare thoroughly for behaviour strategies as well as learning.
- Accept support - it’s a sign of strength not weakness.
- Ensure that you follow through with the stated consequences of
inappropriate behaviour and the benefits of compliance. - Apply positive reinforcement through positive language, direction, feedback, etc.
- Use creative activities that provide measurable results.
- Countdown to silence, hand clapping patterns for attention (primary).
- Don’t shout!
- Feel, think and then act.
- Get to know names and use them; ask a good student to draw up a seating plan.
- Don’t let a primary problem develop into a secondary problem.
- Follow through on discipline early to make it clear consequences are not idle threats.
- Find out the names of the senior management team and refer to them.
Teachers' tips - Things that don’t work!
- "I am only here today." If you remind students that you won't be in school tomorrow, they are likely to believe that their actions will have few follow on consequences.
- Losing your temper, appearing out of control.
- Being unprepared - physically and mentally.
- Complicated instructions.
- Keeping pupils on the mats or carpets for too long (primary).
- Negativity, whether through language, posture, tone or general approach.
- Focusing on bad behaviour over good.
- No clear ground rules or expectations.
- Poor planning and preparation.
- Bombarding your class with worksheets.
- Whole class detentions.
- Curing problems one by one rather than having a prevention strategy.
- Being inconsistent about discipline.