When students are stir crazy because they’ve eaten too much sugar over the holidays and can’t sit still for 1.5 seconds, it may be time to put on boots and coats and head outside for an exercise...
Blog
When You Call the Office and No Help Comes
Sometimes you send a student to the office because of (insert descriptive language here) behavior and they send the student right back. Sometimes the student refuses to go to the office and you call...
What do you Buy the Teacher for Christmas? (NOT a Puppy!)
Parents often ask this, so here are some answers from my very unofficial survey. 1. Gift Cards – far and away the favourite – to book stores, coffee shops, craft stores, malls, spas… anything...
Students Will Do Work If You…
When students are just not settling down to do their work, just before you go crazy, here are a few ideas to try out… 1.Have a race (this really only works with primary grades). 2. Offer incentives...
Who’s the Boss? (Not Tony Danza)
Who is my boss? (Tony Danza was the lead actor in an 80’s TV show called “Who’s the Boss” – showing my age, I know, I know). This is often unclear for Substitute Teachers and it’s a good question....
Hilarious “Are you married?” Conversations with Students
Sometimes my attempts to be funny are overshadowed by the student’s response. The often ask: Ms. Yuill, are you married? I usually respond: No – why do you know someone for me? And one day, a grade...
What to do When a Student gets Violent
Unfortunately, violence does happen in the classroom and you will probably come across at least one incident in your teaching career. It is good to have a plan in advance because it is usually...
Games for the Classroom
The teacher didn’t leave enough work and there’s 2 hours of school left! Ok, I’m exaggerating – but only slightly! You need an incentive or the students need a break or you need a break from gr. 8...