Survival Tips for the Subs

• Don't expect perfection. Especially right now. Half compliance with an attitude is a small victory.
• Pick your battles. These kids are great at distraction, and can start a fight over anything. Let the little stuff go.
• Give them choices. They can do assignment A (the fun one) or assignment B (This one has lots of writing). Explain that their actions will determine what happens. (This only works for some kids, but it's worth a try)
• DON'T DO GROUPWORK. Screw what the lesson plan says. Groupwork is the death of all subs. These kids don't like you & want to mess with you, and can do so more effectively in a group. One class I had thought this meant play time, another refused to speak with each other.
• Don't show fear. Kids can smell fear, and will eat you alive.
• Don't allow seat changes. Any change in structure increases chaos, and gives your bratty kids more power.