Powers of Observation

Keeping Your Eyes Open is Essential

It is important for a teacher to have exemplary powers of observation. Substitute teachers more so, because you are entering unfamiliar territory. My rule is not to turn my back on the students for the first part of the day, which is why I have my name card and directions preprinted taped up before the students arrive. So at the beginning of the day, if I need something written on the board, I ask a student to help! As the day wears on and I get to know the students I am still careful. Generally, you should not turn your back on the class for more than a few seconds.

Your peripheral vision is really important and you must also listen and your head should be turning if you have the slightest suspicion something is amiss. You must be prepared to address behavior immediately and anticipate the escalation of a situation so you can squash it. Your want to give the students the impression that you have eyes in the back of your head. This makes them a little more careful about their choices. I have disarmed students many times by talking to one student and in mid sentence, whip my head around, give the offense student a "teacher look" (cold stare) or verbal redirection and then continue with my comment or query with the student I will initially speaking to. Psychological warfare is essential for substitute teacher survival.

Link to TPT page:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Rules-and-Procedures-with-PEC-1064236