Warren County R-III School District
Substitute Personnel Handbook
July 2016
1
Table of Contents
Page
District Mission
3
Contact Information
3
School Hours
3
Substitute Pay
4
How to Check In
4
Identification Badges/ Tags
4
Room Keys and Lesson Plans
4
How to Purchase Lunch
4
Workroom
4
When Do I Get Paid
5
Emergency Process
5
Substitute Expectations
6
Attitudes Are Contagious
6
Classroom Management
7
School Community Relations
8
Confidentiality
8
IEP’s and 504’s
8
Professional Dress
9
Change of Location
9
Cell Phone
9
Nurse’s Office
9
End of Day Note
9
Elementary Information
10
Secondary Information
11
Building Maps
12
Tips and Tricks
17
2
District Mission
The mission of Warren County R- III School District is to empower each child to
fully reach his or her potential as a life-long learner, a responsible adult and a
contributing member of a diverse society.
Contact Information
School Buildings
Administrator
Support
School Phone #
Central Office Administration
Dr. Jim Chandler
(636) 456 -6901
Daniel Boone Elementary
Warrior Ridge Elementary
Dr. Stacie Goldsmith
Janelle Stanek
Rhonda Woods
Lucy Swailes
Jessica Napier
Janet Duren
Rebecca Boone Elementary
Dr. Cheri Oliver
Crystal Hodgson
(636) 456 -6904
Black Hawk Middle School
Brad Ross
Lyndsay DeGraaf
(636) 456 -6903
Warrenton High School
Bobby Spoonster
Becky Toebben
(636) 456 -6902
(636) 456 -6905
(636) 456 -6906
School Hours
School
Grades
Daniel Boone Elementary
Warrior Ridge Elementary
Rebecca Boone Elementary
Black Hawk Middle School
Warrenton High School
K-5
K-5
K-5
6-8
9-12
Student Hours
7:45 – 2:35
7:45 – 2:35
7:45 – 2:35
7:35 – 2:35
7:45 – 2:35
Sub Teacher Hours
7:15 – 3:15
7:15 – 3:15
7:15 – 3:15
7:15 – 3:15
7:15 – 3:15
Substitute Pay
Position
Rate of Pay
Long Term Rate of Pay
(Begins on the ​1​0th​
​ consecutive day for the
same person.)
Para-Professional (Aide)
$85.00/day
Office Clerical
Bus Driver
Bus Monitor
Custodian
Food Service
Nurse
Teacher
$8/hour
$12.46/hour
$8/hour
$8/hour
$8/hour
$85.00/day for RN
$85.00/day
$95/day retired teacher
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$95/day
$105/day retired teacher
How to Check In
Upon arrival at your designated building for a sub assignment, please check in with the building
secretary. You will need to sign in on the building’s substitute log.
Please check out with the building secretary at the end of the day before departing the building.
You may be asked to cover another teacher’s class when it is your current assignment’s plan time.
Identification Badges/Tags
The building secretary will issue an identification badge to you upon arrival. The ID badge or
sticker should be worn in a visible place while you are in the building for the day. Please return the
ID badge to the secretary at the end of the day.
Room Keys & Lesson Plans
The secretary may also give you keys to the classroom, building instructions for the day, and/or a
substitute folder containing the teacher’s lesson plans and other pertinent classroom information.
Please return these items to the building secretary at the end of the day.
Please do your best to follow the lesson plans that have been given to you. If you have any
questions please ask your buddy teacher or a neighboring teacher.
If the lesson plans call for duty assignments, such as morning supervision, recess, hallway, bus or
lunch supervision the substitute is expected to supervise students during that time.
How to Purchase Lunch
The food services director has requested that subs pre-purchase lunch with cash on the morning of
the sub date. A substitute can put their money in a lunch envelope with their name on it. Then place
your money that is in the envelope in the manila envelope for the class. Of course, if all else fails,
the cashier will take your money at the register (exact change will help as cashiers do not deal with
money at lunch times.) Lunch is $2.85 and breakfast is $1.75 for adults.
Workroom
There is a workroom in all buildings. Every workroom has a refrigerator, coffee pot, microwave,
soda machine and snack machine. There is a copy machine in the workroom. If you need assistance
ask one of the secretaries. ​Students are not​ ​permitted in the workroom.
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When Do I Get Paid?
Substitutes are paid monthly from Sub Finder reports​.
Direct deposit is mandatory​. Pay stubs may be accessed thru the SISFin portal:
https://portal.warrencor3.k12.mo.us/sisfinportal/index.aspx​ ​.
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Emergency Procedures
All evacuation procedures are posted by all classroom doors, in all cafeterias, and office areas. They
include:
1. Crisis Response Information
2. Evacuation Map of School
3. Green, Yellow, and Red Cards
4. Drill Procedures that include: fire, tornado, earthquake procedures along with bomb
threat/explosion procedures, dangerous situation outside the school, and intruder
information.
Review all emergency and evacuation procedures before the start of the day. Please become
familiar with what to do in an emergency and where you would exit the building. Please talk to
your buddy teacher or neighboring teacher about what to do in an emergency if you have any
questions. The office is always happy to answer any questions you may have about emergency
procedures.
Remember….
TEACHERS SET THE EXAMPLE FOR THE STUDENTS.
IN ALL EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REMAIN:
Calm
Informed
Alert
Responsive
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Policy Descriptor Code: GBCB
STAFF CONDUCT
The Board of Education expects that each professional and support staff member shall put forth every effort
to promote a quality instructional program in the school district. In building a quality program, employees
must meet certain expectations that include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Become familiar with, enforce and follow all Board policies, regulations, and administrative procedures,
other directions given by district administrators and state and federal laws as they affect the
performance of job duties.
2. Maintain courteous and professional relationships with pupils, parents/guardians, other employees of
the district and all patrons of the district.
3. Keep current on developments affecting the employee's area of expertise or position.
4. Transact all official business with the appropriate designated authority in the district in a timely manner.
5. Transmit constructive criticism of other staff members or of any department of the school district to the
particular school administrator who has the administrative responsibility for improving the situation.
6. Care for, properly use and protect school property.
7. Attend all required staff meetings called by district administration, unless excused.
8. Keep all student records, medical information and other sensitive information confidential as directed
by law, Board policy, district procedures and the employee's supervisor.
9. Immediately report all dangerous building conditions or situations to the building supervisor and take
action to rectify the situation and protect the safety of students and others if necessary.
10. Properly supervise all students. The Board expects all students to be under assigned adult supervision at
all times during school and during any school activity. Except in an emergency, no employee will leave an
assigned group unsupervised.
11. Obey all safety rules, including rules protecting the safety and welfare of students.
12. Submit all required reports or paperwork at the time requested. Employees will not falsify records
maintained by the school district.
13. Refrain from using profanity.
14. Dress professionally and in a manner that will not interfere with the educational environment.
15. Come to work and leave work at the time specified by the employee handbook or by the employee’s
supervisor. Employees who are late to work, stop working before the scheduled time or work beyond
the scheduled time without permission may be subject to discipline, including termination.
16. School employees, other than commissioned law enforcement officers, shall not strip search students,
as defined in state law, except in situations where an employee reasonably believes that the student
possesses a weapon, explosive or substance that poses an imminent threat of physical harm to the
student or others and a commissioned law enforcement officer is not immediately available.
17. School employees shall not direct a student to remove an emblem, insignia or garment, including a
religious emblem, insignia or garment, as long as such emblem, insignia or garment is worn in a manner
that does not promote disruptive behavior.
18. State law prohibits teachers from participating in the management of a campaign for the election or
defeat of a member of the Board of Education that employs such teacher.
19. Employees will not use district funds or resources to advocate, support or oppose any ballot measure or
candidate for public office.
20. Employees will not use any time during the working day for campaigning purposes, unless allowed by
law.
21. The Board of Education endeavors to be certain that the school environment is a safe, secure and
pleasant one for all staff. To this end, behavior involving the hazing of new staff members in any
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situation will not be tolerated. The Board considers this type of behavior to be inappropriate and
unwanted, and will not condone it in any form. Further, the Board instructs administrators to instate
disciplinary guidelines informing the school community of the prohibition of hazing and clearly
describing the consequences of such conduct.
*******
Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other
pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information.
Warren Co. R-III
Date Adopted: 10/12/2000
Last Revised:
6/9/2005
State ReferenceDescription
§115.646, RSMo.
State Statute
§167.166, RSMo
State Statute
§168.114, RSMo
State Statute
§168.130, RSMo
State Statute
§304.820, RSMo.
State Statute
Substitute Expectations
The job of the substitute teacher is an important one. Indeed, you are every bit as important as the
regular full-time classroom teacher. Remember, whenever you enter a classroom ​YOU ARE THE
TEACHER​. Accept the time you spend in the classroom as a real teaching experience.
Enter the classroom as a guest and an apprentice. Be understanding and considerate of the
students you will be working with. They will need a chance to adjust to you and your ways.
Enter the classroom prepared and with a positive attitude, and you will find that the time you spend
there pays off handsomely for you and your students.
You may be asked to cover another teacher’s class when it is your current assignment’s plan time.
Attitudes are Contagious
If you go into each new class with the feeling that you are going to give the class something of
value, whether academic or moral, and that you, in turn, will receive valuable experience and
insight into the exciting world of teaching children, there will be mutual respect and
understanding between you and your classes.
Children are masters at detecting when people are insecure, and they sometimes take advantage of
this knowledge. This is why a good attitude and a feeling of self-confidence are so essential from the
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beginning. If you do have a cheerful, confident feeling about substituting, your term as an interim
teacher can offer a refreshing interlude for a class and provide a rewarding experience for you.
The key to a good relationship with a class is never "talk down" to any child. Occasionally using
a word or phrase he does not understand is forgivable and is even good for the learning process,
but being condescending is an insult to any age.
Classroom Management
Probably the most difficult problem facing the substitute is classroom management, particularly if
you are new to the students. (At all grade levels the appearance of the substitute is cause for
jubilation.) At best, the students assume that they can play that day. At their worst, they will try to
drive you right up the wall. The best way to counter this attitude is to make clear from the beginning
that the day will be business as usual.
Remember your goal, be it for one day or for one week, is to TEACH in the absence of the
regular teacher. Be firm; the key to success is to maintain normal routine as much as
possible. I know of one teacher who asked the principal never to call a certain substitute
again because the substitute had allowed the students to play all day. Incidentally, the
teacher found out because students complained when she returned.
The students in your classroom are a source of information, use them. You will soon be able to tell on
whom you can readily rely. In fact, they will usually volunteer to help you. In your sub folder you
should find a place where the teacher has indicated who the reliable students are for that class or
period.
You may get tired of hearing, “But Mrs. Smith doesn’t do it that way”. Just remind them that you are
the teacher that day and that when Mrs. Smith returns they will do things her way again.
The following hints may help you to deal with potential problems;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Review classroom expectations.
Begin class promptly. Do not allow even the first three or four minutes of the period to be
wasted. Do not give “problems” a chance to develop.
Find the seating chart and use it to call students by name.
Take attendance at the start of the day or hour. Use a pencil to mark the attendance form.
Send the form to the office.
Do not allow students to rummage through the teacher’s desk, file cabinet, etc.
Allow sufficient time to distribute and collect materials in an orderly manner.
Move about the room. Do not remain seated at the teacher’s desk the whole time that you are
in the room.
Give clear directions. Be sure that students understand your directions.
Never ​leave your class unattended. If you need to be excused for any ​reason, please call the
office on the intercom or phone.
Use your voice to your advantage. Avoid yelling and shouting. Keep your voice orderly
and calm, confident and distinct.
Do not punish​ ​the entire class for the actions of a few.
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Do not push, shove or hit a student​ ​during a disciplinary​ ​confrontation. Such actions do little to
resolve disciplinary problems and may, in fact, cause further difficulty in terms of legal problems or
termination as a substitute.
School-Community Relations
As a substitute teacher you are in an excellent position to be an ambassador of good will for the
school. Please consider the following suggestions:
1. Your conversation out in the community can be positive for the school if, at the right time,
you are a good listener and a good advisor. You have a unique opportunity to spread “the
good word” about the school, its staff and its student body.
2. Speak well about the teachers, for whom you substitute, do not criticize them in your
conversation with friends and acquaintances. If you observe something that is in need of
correction talk with the teacher involved or with the principal.
3. Be aware that classroom teacher-pupil relationships are a professional relationship, and that
you must respect the professional confidence involved
What you observe in your classroom assignment is not material for conversation
outside of school.
4. Avoid making comparisons between teachers for whom you have substituted and between
schools where you have worked. You should be concerned with educational issues,
personalities are irrelevant to such considerations.
Confidentiality
Students and parents have a legal and ethical right to privacy. Consider what you would like to be
said about your own child. Consider what you would like to be said about yourself as a parent.
Confidentiality does not end when you leave the school building.
Do not share other students’ names or programming information with parents during staffing, IEP
meetings, conferences, or in emails. Information regarding specific students should not be discussed
in the workroom, hallways or in the community.
Confidential information should not be shared with co-workers. Remember, it’s on a need to know
basis!
I.E.P’s and 504
There will be students with 504 plans and I.E.P.’s. You are required by law to provide students
accommodations and modification that are written in their 504 plan or I.E.P. ​T​hese modifications
and accommodations will be included in the teachers substitute folders. If you have any questions
about an individual student’s accommodations or modifications please ask their case manager or
buddy teacher.
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Additionally, some students will have specific behavior intervention plans (BIPs) that, by law,
must be implemented by all staff working with the student. Please review the accommodation
plans and BIPs carefully and ask if you have any questions.
Professional Dress
Your appearance is very important. Clothing should be neat and tidy. Shoes should be
appropriate for school. Please avoid wearing flip flops or beach type shoes. Fridays are “casual
day”. Jeans are allowed on Friday with school related shirts and/or school colors.
Change of Location
Please contact the front office if you are not going to be in your assigned classroom. Anytime you
take a class somewhere that is not within their normal routine.
Cell Phone
Cell phones should be turned off during instructional time. Cell phones should only be used during
planning times or in the absence of students.
Nurse’s Office
Injuries or Illness: the student who becomes ill or who suffers a minor injury is to be sent to the
nurse’s office. In case of a serious injury, please note the following:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Apply first aid as needed.
Don’t hesitate to call 911 if necessary.
The office is to be notified, use the intercom, send a runner, or call.
Do not leave the seriously injured student.
A student accident report is to be completed before the end of the day.
If you are injured please see the nurse and complete an incident report.
Never distribute aspirin or any other kind of medication to students.
End of the Day Note
Please leave notes to advise the teacher of any problems in the classroom and any vital information
she/he may need to be aware of for the next day. Teachers and students always appreciate a good
report. Please remember to include positive comments about your day.
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Elementary Information
Attendance
Each teacher is required to report all student absences each day. Please make the attendance as
accurate as possible. You will take attendance at the beginning of the day. Please include the
students first and last name when completing the attendance. Please send your attendance to the
office by 8:30.
Notes
Always ask the students to turn in their notes from home. All notes from home MUST be sent to the
office. Please make sure the teacher’s name, the date and the child’s first and last name are on the
note. Please turn them into the office with your attendance by 8:30.
Lunch
Please collect all lunch money at the beginning of the day. Please make sure that the money in an
envelope with the date, student’s name, and amount on the front of the envelope. The money should
be placed in the lunch money manila envelope and place outside the door. Please record the amount
by the student’s name with the date on the front of the envelope for recording keeping.
You are responsible for the orderly conduct of your class
1.
2.
Walk student to and from special classes, recess and lunch.
Take students to the restroom as a class when restroom breaks are scheduled.
Line them up outside the restroom after they are finished and return to the classroom
with the entire class. Staff members are united in their effort to maintain a general air
of neatness about the building.
All staff members expect that students put away books and equipment, pick up papers from the
floor, etc. at the end of the period, and to make sure that the classroom is left in good order.
Again, you have a responsibility in this regard.
If you are the last teacher to use a room please be sure that the windows are closed and locked, that
the lights are turned off and the door is locked.
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Secondary Information
Attendance
You should receive a sub account from the office in the morning to take attendance and access
school resources
Attendance will be taken on an attendance sheet. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of
each class period. Please send your attendance to the office at the beginning of each class period.
Lunch
Lunch money is collected at the beginning of the day. Please make sure each student puts their
money in an envelope with the date, their name, and the amount enclosed. Please make sure to
record the student who turned in lunch money and the amount turned in with the date.
Notes
Students usually turn notes into the office. However if a student gives you a note please make
sure it gets to the office.
Leaving Class
Students should remain in your classroom. They should not be allowed to leave the classroom unless
it is a true emergency. If a student needs to leave class they should have a pass with the student’s
name, date, time, and teacher signature.
Wrapping Up
All staff members expect that students put away books and equipment, pick up papers from the
floor, etc. at the end of the period, and to make sure that the classroom is left in good order.
Again, you have a responsibility in this regard.
If you are the last teacher to use a room please be sure that the windows are closed and locked, that
the lights are turned off and the door is locked.
Warren Co-RIII would like to thank you for substituting in our
district. We hope that your association with our school is a
pleasant one. We appreciate you being a part of our educational
community.
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Daniel Boone Elementray Floor Plan
14
Rebecca Boone Elementary Floor Plan
15
Warrior Ridge Elementary Floor Plan
16
Black Hawk Middle School
17
High School Floor Plan
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TIPS and TRICKS!
How to be a Great Substitute Teacher YouTube Channel
https://goo.gl/i3Ssq7
7 Tips for Substitute Teacher Survival by ​Rachel Friedrich
Let’s face it. Subbing is not easy. Even if you are an experienced, certified teacher, it
can be difficult to step into a strange classroom and expect to have a smooth day. And
if the groundwork has not been laid for you to be there, it can be darn near impossible.
However, there are some strategies you can use to be successful.
1) Arrive early​. This gives you time to find the classroom, locate the lesson plans and
materials, and introduce yourself to a neighboring teacher. It is vital to know an ally
who is nearby.
2) Chunk the day.​ I always start by reading through all of the lesson plans. Then I
look for where breaks are (lunch, specials, recess, etc.). I go back and closely study
the lessons for the first chunk of the day, looking over teacher materials and asking
that ally any questions I might have. At the breaks, I will do the same for the next
chunk of the day and so on.
3) Don’t assume anything.​ First thing in the morning, you need to introduce
yourself, making sure the students know your name and expectations. And be sure to
word those expectations in a Love and Logic style by making them enforceable
statements you know you can control. “I listen to one student at a time.” “I call on
students who raise their hand.” “I teach when I have your attention.” “I take quite
classes to recess.” Those are all favorites of mine.
4) Have a reward system.​ I always carry my own reward system, but I don’t always
use it. It truly depends on the class. I use a punch system, but you can use anything
you find convenient. I hand out sticky notes to each student. Then when I see students
on task, I use my cute little frog hole puncher to give a punch to their note. At the end
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of the day, I reward the top group of students with the most punches by letting them
choose from my treasure box.
5) Come prepared for the just-in-case.​ It happens plenty. Either the lesson plans
don’t take up the whole time allotted, or you discover there are no lesson plans. Come
prepared with a few things of your own. I always have at least one picture book that I
know I could do a reading or language arts activity with. I also tend to carry graphic
organizers since they can be adapted to any grade and subject. Busy students cause
much fewer problems.
6) Use your allies.​ Remember that teacher you introduced yourself to at the
beginning of the day? Don’t forget about her if you have an overly disruptive student.
Clear with the ally ahead of time that you could send a student to her room to cool off
if need be. Then you have a place for that disruptive student to get control of
themselves.
7) Use interesting teaching strategies.​ Even the best lessons and classroom
management will go awry if all you do is drone at the front of the class. Using
interesting teaching strategies such as cooperative learning, hands-on learning, and
engaged storytelling as much as you can will keep teaching interesting and students
paying attention.
Remember, you are often times only in the class for a day. You are not going to make
earth-shattering breakthroughs with the students. But you can follow these tips and
make the most of a challenging profession.
Management techniques
* The 15 Point Method*
Before the start of class, write and underline the word ​CLASS on the chalkboard.
Explain to the students first thing in the morning that they will be working together as
a class to try and collect 15 points by the end of the day. They receive points for good
behaviour, attentive listening, hard work, acts of kindness etc. However, they can also
lose points for bad behaviour, distracting others, talking out of turn, etc. If they
manage to collect 15 points (or more) by the ends of the day, the receive a reward.
This can be a treat, a small prize, free time, play time outside, a game etc. Remind
them throughout the day that you are looking for opportunities to add to their points.
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Use tally marks to record the points so they can be easily added and taken away. This
works great for primary and junior grade levels.
*"Game" and "Stay"*
Write the words "Game" and "Stay" with 4 dashes beside them on the board. Ex. GAME
_ _ _ _ and STAY _ _ _ _. Let the students know that good behaviour throughout the
day will earn "Game" letters, or erase "Stay" letters. Poor behaviour will earn "Stay"
letters, or erase "Game" letters. At the end of the day, if they have a full "GAME", then
they get to play a game for the last 10-20 minutes of class. If they have a full "STAY",
they receive a 10 minute detention. This technique requires a supportive and
cooperative teacher who will enforce detention at lunch the next day for students who
need to catch the bus.
*Filler Activities*
To keep those students who always finish their work early on task, make sure to have
a selection of fun and challenging work sheets available for them to try. Good options
are word searches, crossword puzzles, hidden picture puzzles, math sheets that lead to
a hidden message, etc.
*Riddles and Puzzles*
Posting riddles and word puzzles on the board, or somewhere else in the classroom
that is easy to access and see, is a good way to provide students with something to
keep the occupied if they finish their word early. Offer a reward or prize for the first
one to figure out the riddles. Here are a couple examples:
"You throw away the outside, and then cook the inside. Then, you eat the outside, and
throw away the inside. What is it?" Answer: Corn on the cob.
"The maker doesn't want it. The buyer doesn't use it. The user doesn't see it. What is
it?" Answer: A coffin.
A great place to find riddles is in the game MindTrap.
*Use your talents!*
If you have special kid friendly talents, sometimes these can be used as great
classroom management techniques! If you can play the guitar, bring that in with you
and play for them when they are working quietly. Or, you can use it as a reward if they
get their work done or at the end of the day. Take requests from the kids! This works
extremely well with all age groups! Other instruments work too. If you know some
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magic tricks, that works well in the same way. Show them one at the beginning of
class, and then offer to show them more as rewards. Juggling can be used in the same
way, if this is something you are capable of doing.
*Post Rules*
Have a sheet that outlines 4 or 5 classroom rules that you put up at the front of the
class before school starts. Go over these rules with the class immediately. It is a good
idea to have different sheets already made up for different grade levels. Some possible
rules: Don't talk out of turn - put up your hand. Please do not speak when I am
speaking. Please do not leave your chair during lessons without permission. Respect
each other. Respect me and be truthful about classroom procedures.
*Use Physical Proximity*
Making sure to circulate around the classroom will help to keep students on task.
Students are less likely to act up when the teacher is right over their shoulder!
PRIMARY/JUNIOR
*Magic Piece of Garbage - Classroom Clean up Technique*
Tell the class that you have scanned the ground and have dubbed a specific piece of
garbage the "magic" piece of garbage. Whoever picks up the magic piece of garbage
gets a prize. You stand by the garbage pail and each student shows you their garbage
as they toss it into to bin. Let them know you won't tell them who has won until the
floor is clean. Give them a specific start time (ex. they can't start until you say "go!").
This works with all age groups, and really gets the room clean in a hurry!
*Class in Teams*
Split the class into teams first thing in the morning. This works best if you draw
imaginary lines or somehow separate the class without actually moving their desks. Let
them know that they are competing with the other groups for the ability to chose any
desired activity or game for the end of the day. Keep score on the board where they
can see, in the form of points. Once the points have been given, they cannot be taken
away, so they are simply being rewarded for good behaviour. This method works best
with junior and intermediate grade levels.
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*Establishing an action or noise that means "Stop, Look and Listen!"*
At the beginning of class, show them that when you want them to stop, look and listen
in a hurry, you will do a certain action or make a certain noise. For example, every
time they see you put a finger on your lip and a hand in the air, they will know to
immediately do the same. You can also do a clapping rhythm with them that they are
expected to repeat every time they hear it (as well as stop, look and listen). This is
easier and usually more effective than raising your voice or trying to talk over the
crowd when they are busy or off-task. You can also bring in a rain stick or a small
instrument like a harmonica that can be used in this way.
*The whisper technique*
When the classroom noise level is getting out of control, whisper something along the
lines of "If you can hear my voice, raise your hand, because you will be getting 5
minutes of free time at the end of the day". That way, anyone who is listening will hear
and will get the reward, but those who were not listening and did not raise their hands
will not.
*GREAT JOB*
Tell the students at the beginning of class that every time they are listening
attentively, staying on task etc. they will get one letter of GREAT JOB written on the
board. If they get all of the letters by the end of the day, they get a reward.
*Recording Behaviour*
Let the students know first thing in the morning that you will be recording both positive
and negative behaviour from each student in the classroom that you will be reporting
back to their regular teacher. Keep a clipboard with you to record behaviour, and make
sure to point out good behaviour as you are recording. This technique works especially
well with a class that you tend to see fairly regularly, and with a teacher who is
supportive of the technique and who follows up on the behaviour report with discipline
and rewards.
Class Time Fillers
ALL GRADE LEVELS
*Riddles and Brain Teasers*
It is great to have an assortment of riddles, word or number problems, and brain
teasers on hand that you can give to the class. You can use these during snack time to
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keep everyone quietly seated, during small breaks during the day, and even at the end
of the day to wind down. You can also write some on the board (more difficult ones) at
the beginning of the day, and let the students know that they can think about them
throughout the day, and the first to come up with the correct answer will get a prize.
*Pictionary*
This is great game to purchase so that you can use the cards for a game in class. You
can also make your own homemade Pictionary cards. Split the class into teams (boys
vs. girls, one side of the class vs. the other) and have them compete in a game, using
the chalkboard to draw on. Rewards and prizes can be used. This can get noisy to
make the appropriate noise level very clear before beginning.
*Draw a Picture On The Board*
Draw a simple picture on the board (a square, a circle, a straight line). Tell students to
come up one at a time and add something small to the picture to make it into a
different object (ex. add a roof to a square to make a house). Each student coming up
should add something different to make it into a completely different object (ex. to the
house, someone could add a line at the bottom to make it into a spinning top).
*Extra Worksheets*
Have puzzles, colouring sheets, word searches, crosswords and find the hidden picture
sheets available for students to do when they finish their assigned work.
*Check For Computer Lab Time*
The computer lab is usually booked solid throughout the week as each class will have
its own designated times. If you have a period that you don't know what to do with,
you could check to see if the regularly scheduled class will indeed be using their
scheduled computer time. Just because a class is scheduled, doesn't mean they will
always use that time. Often teachers will have something else they are in the middle
of, and will not take advantage of their computer time every week. You can always
ask!
*Create a Scavenger Hunt*
Take a few minutes during recess or prep time to create a scavenger hunt that
students can do around the classroom, or outside of the school if the weather is nice.
These are always a big hit and can be very easy to create. They can contain
instructions like "Find the word "scruples" in the dictionary and write down its'
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meaning", or "Find an article of clothing or a play thing left by someone on the
playground".
*BINGO*
There are great classroom friendly BINGO sets you can buy out there, but you can also
very easily make your own versatile BINGO sheets to carry around. They should be
blank BINGO cards that can be filled in by the student. Chose math equations or
vocabulary words. For French or Spanish, have a list of words and their English
translation on a sheet of paper and have them pick and choose which words to fill in
each box with. They can use their pencils to mark the corner of the boxes if there are
not any options for BINGO chips nearby.
PRIMARY/JUNIOR
*Higher or Lower*
A great and easy game that involves math, and works best with late primary and
junior grade levels. Tell the class you are going to think of a number between 1 and
100, and their job is the figure out what that number is. They take turns guessing
numbers, and you tell them whether your number is higher or lower than the number
they guess. You keep going until they have figured out the number. Tell them the goal
is to see if they can get the number in under 6 (or pick an appropriate number) of
guesses. If using a classroom management strategy that involves points, you can also
use this opportunity to give them points if they can figure out the number in under a
certain amount of guessing.
*Show and Tell*
For the younger grades, this is always a hit. Chose a few students to go up and share a
story with the class, or show off something they are wearing or brought with them that
day. They really enjoy this, and it can be pretty amusing at times!
*Always Have BOOKS!*
For the primary grades, bringing a selection of books with you is a must! Usually
classrooms have a selection of books in them already, but it may be hard to find
something they haven't read yet as a class, especially if it close to the end of the year.
By bringing 3 or 4 of your own books, you can usually be certain that you'll have
something new to read to them. Reading is a book is a great time filler, the kids love
it, and it is educational!
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*I Am Going On a Picnic...*
You tell the class that you are going on a picnic and you are bringing a... (chose
something that begins with the first letter of your name, but don't tell them this is
what you are doing. For example, someone named Sarah might bring Sandwiches).
Tell the class that you would like them to come on the picnic, but they can only come if
they bring the right thing. Let them ask if they can bring this and that, and tell them
that there is a secret trick/pattern to the game that they need to figure out. For
example, if Freddy asks if he can come and bring Oranges, you say "Sorry, but no".
However, if Jennifer asks if she can bring Jellybeans, you would say "Why yes you can
come and bring Jellybeans, Jennifer". Keep going in this manner until someone many
people are coming on the picnic, and people are starting to figure it out. You can
switch up the game by then making it so that people can bring things in alphabetical
order, or only things in one particular food group, etc.
*Play Favourite Classroom Games*
Play Heads up Seven up, Duck Duck Goose, or other games that the class enjoys
playing to fill in extra time. If it something that the class already knows and enjoys,
they are likely to participate fully and have fun without getting disruptive.
*Who Is Missing?*
One student is "it" and they must hide their eyes of leave the room. The class silently
then picks another student to hide, somewhere out of view. When that student has
hidden, the person who is "it" has to look around the room and figure out who is
missing. This game works best when the class is sitting on a carpet, or when people
are allowed to switch seats. That way, the person who is "it" can't just look at the
empty desk to see who is missing.
*Super Silent Seat Ball*
Students beg to play this game! Students all sit on their desks and they gently toss a
soft ball around the classroom. If someone talks, they are out and must sit down in
their chairs. If someone misses the ball or makes a bad toss, they are also out and
must sit down.
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*Math Flash Card Competition*
You can buy flashcards with math equations on them, or you can make your own using
cue cards. Use the cards to quiz the students and give them points. You can split them
into teams and have one student from each team attempt to answer the question
before the other team for a point. Or, you can have the whole class get into a line.
When they get to the front of the line they have to answer a question, and then go to
the back of the line. Time how long it takes to get through the whole pack or cards,
and then try to beat the time.
*Write a Letter To Their Teacher*
This works especially well if the teacher is ill. Have the students write their regular
homeroom teacher a letter about how they miss them, and what they have been up to
today or since they have been gone. They really enjoy doing this!
JUNIOR/INTERMEDIATE
*Trivia Game*
Brain Quest(R) ​makes some amazing trivia card decks for different grade levels and
different subjects. The Canadian Trivia deck is a favourite. If there is extra time to fill,
divide the class into teams and have them compete against each other to answer trivia
questions. Record points. Often, the game is enough fun for the them, but prizes and
rewards can be used.
​*Interesting Facts About Yourself...*
A fun game to play with late junior and intermediate grade levels. Give each student a
piece of paper and tell them to write down something about themselves that most
people may not know. Tell them it needs to be appropriate for the classroom, of
course. Take the pieces of paper and put them all into a bin. Have students get out a
pencil and a blank piece of paper. Tell them that you will read the stories one by one,
without divulging the names, they are to write down who they think wrote each one.
Compare what the class thought to the actual answers for each one at the end. This
can be lots of fun, but it really depends on the class. If the class is very challenging
and one that tends to get inappropriate, it may not be the best option for them.
*Paper Airplane Competition*
This game is good if the class has a lot of energy, and so do you! Have the students
get into pairs and make a paper airplane. Once they are finished, have them line up.
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Each group has to answer a question (math, trivia, anything), and if they answer it
correctly, they get to fly their plane. Give them points depending on how fair it goes.
*Taboo! With a Twist*
Split the class into two teams. Have one member from each team come up to the
board and face out towards the classroom. Then, draw a different picture behind each
of them on the board behind them. Then, when you say "Go!", each team has to try
and explain to their teammate what is on the board without using the actual word. For
example, if the drawing is a flower, you might say things like "It grows in the ground.
It smells pretty. People give them to others on special occasions". This game can be
made easy or more difficult.
INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR
*Two Truths and a Lie*
Students each come up with two interesting truths about themselves, and a believable
lie. One student at a time tells all three stories, and the other students try and guess
which one was the lie. Students can vote on which one they believe to be the lie using
a show of hands. Remind students that the stories must be classroom appropriate. Can
be used just for fun, or points can be given. Each student gives themselves a point
each time they guess the right story to be the lie.
More activities
ALL GRADE LEVELS
*Word Searches and Crossword Puzzles*
It helps to have a selection of word searches and crossword puzzles on hand that
relate to different subjects. For example, one with math vocabulary, one with animal
names, one with science vocabulary, one with French or Spanish vocabulary etc. This
way, you can pull one out to photocopy when a curriculum based activity is needed.
​*Math Cue Card Game*
Each student is given a cue card. A math equation is written on one side of the cue
card, and its answer is written on one side of a DIFFERENT cue card. So, each cue card
has an math equation on one side, and the answer to a different math equation on the
other side. One card has "START" written on one side, and a math equation written on
the other side. The person with this card starts the game by standing up and saying
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"start", and then reading out the equation written on their card. Whoever has the
answer to that equation written on one side of their card then stands up and reads out
the answer, and then the equation they have written on the other side of their card.
Whoever has the answer to that equation stands up next. The game continues on until
the end when everyone has read their cue cards. They can race to try and finish the
activity in a certain amount of time, and reward can be given. The cards can be mixed
up and redistributed for more games.
*BINGO for any subject*
Carry blank homemade Bingo sheets around, and they can used for any subject at any
grade level. They blank squares can be filled in with numbers up to 30 (you read math
equations equally numbers up to 30) or French vocabulary (you keep a master list to
read from, they use the same list to pick and choose words from and place them where
they like on the card). They can be filled in with lots of other things as well including
spelling words, science vocabulary words, upper and lower case letters etc. Students
use small objects like counting blocks or bingo chips to cover the spaces, or they can
place a checkmark in the corner of each box with erasable pencil.
*Videos*
There are plenty of curriculum-related videos out there that can be brought to schools
and used in a pinch, assuming that a television and VCR or DVD player are available.
Great ones are the Magic School Bus videos. These can be found in bookstores and toy
stores, as well as many teaching stores. They can also sometimes be found at yard
sales!
PRIMARY/JUNIOR
*Read a Book and Write About it*
With the primary grades, you can read a book to them, and then have them complete
a simple activity to go along with it. For example, after reading "The Balloon Tree" by
Phoebe Gilman, have the students write a few sentences about what they would like to
have growing on a tree in their backyard, and then illustrate it. Or, read "The True
Story of the 3 Little Pigs" by Jon Scieszka, and then have students write a new ending
to their own favourite fairy tale.
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*Mooooooo*
Students sit in a circle and a ball is passed around the circle. You pick a magic number,
like 9 for instance. As they receive the ball, students say a number, counting up from
1. Any time a student must say a number that has a 9 in it, they must say "Mooooo"
instead. So for instance, students who receive the ball for the numbers 9, 19, 29, 39
etc. must say "Mooooo" instead of the number. This game can be made even more
complicated by requiring that students say "Mooooo" at numbers that are a multiple of
9 as well (ie. 18, 27, 36, 45 etc.).
JUNIOR/INTERMEDIATE
*Vocabulary Game with Teams*
Divide the class into a couple of teams (girls vs boys works). Have one student from
each team come up to the board and grab some chalk. You then give them a word to
spell, or an English word they need to translate into French/Spanish. As soon as you
say it, the first person to spell it correctly on the board wins a point for their team. For
example, for French class, while each team member stands at the board with chalk,
ready to go, you might say "Monday", and the first person to correctly write and spell
"Lundi" on the board wins a point.
*Commercials*
This is a drama game that is fun and requires minimal setup. Put the class into groups
of 3 or 4. Give each group an object from around the classroom (ex. a stapler, a
chalkboard eraser, a ruler etc.). The students have to use that object to make a
commercial, but they have to pretend that the object is something else. For example,
perhaps the ruler is not a ruler at all, but a back scratcher. The more creative they can
be, the better.
*Have a Debate*
Are they learning about current events? Have a debate about something that has
happened recently in the news. Are they learning about habitats? Have a debate about
which animal has the most luxurious home. For health class, have a class debate about
healthy eating and exercise. There are an infinite number of topics that you can have
class debates on. Debates work best with the intermediate and senior grade levels.
Some possible debate topics are: Is Global Warming actually occurring? Why is obesity
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becoming more of a problem with today's youth? Should hockey really be Canada's
national sport? What are the pros and cons of smoking?
*The game of DIX*
Great for math in early primary grades, or for learning French or Spanish number
vocabulary. The class stands in a circle and they must count to 10. Each student can
say either 1 or 3 numbers at a time, but they must count up in order. For example,
student one says "1, 2", student two says "3", student three says "4", and so on. The
person who is forced to say "10" is out and then must then sit down. This game can
also be played up to 20 or 30, depending on the desired level of difficulty.
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