Chatter

I am a substitute teacher and would like to know how to stop chatter in the classroom along with how to handle disrespectful students.
J. in Connecticut

Hi J.
The first thing that you have to do as a substitute is take charge of the classroom. Students will try and get away with inappropriate behavior when there is a substitute. I recommend that you develop a "strategy" for every time you go into a new classroom. For example, carry a bright colored poster that says, "Silence." Tell the student that when you hold up the sign, they are to all become silent. Use the 2-hand rule. Anytime a student wants to answer a question, they raise one hand, and put several fingers over their lips at the same time as a reminder to not blurt out while waiting for you to call on them. Above all, have fun. Your enthusiasm is more contagious than a cold.
I have a whole chapter in the book, How to Handle Hard to Handle Students on students who are disruptive. You can go to our web site to order this book, http://lintel.atiseminars.org/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=551&myrand=45011
Have a great day. And don't give up.
Maryln