supply teaching

[robunibumuk]

after gaining a degree, i start a new job as a supply teacher on friday this week. im a little nervous as i very little classroom experience apart from being at school. can anybody help me with any hints or tips please? thanks in advance.......

[Harry Nuttal]

I can't believe that you're off to do supply teaching and you haven't had any classroom experience of handling the little b*stards. You might be lucky and they might be a decent bunch. And you don't say whether you will be at a primary school or a secondary. There is a big difference. In primary school you just need a baseball bat; for secondary you'll need a uzi. Only joking. I read somewhere that a week of teaching involves about three hours of actual teaching; the rest is crowd control. Persistent yobs? I'd get them in front of the class, invite them to pick a subject from the hat - knitting, making soup, my pet, etc - and watch 'em squirm. Next one to muck about gets the next pick. And the next chance to look a prat. It might slow 'em down a bit. But I'd have that bat ready just in case. By the way, doesn't your keyboard have a Cap facility?

[harper]

What has happened to teaching practice? Thing have certainly changed from my day!

My best advice is to plan, plan and plan again.Have all equipment ready and easily to hand. While you are fumbling around, I can guarantee the little dears will be up to no good.Try to be prepared for every eventuality i.e. if some finish before others (they will talk ) If you say that you are going to do something,you must do it.Remember every little weakness will be exploited.Heaven help you if they realise you are nervous.Even if you are terrified,put on an oscar winning performance.Do not tell them that this is your first job. Fatal.Do not try to be their friend:you are their teacher.