Probably no occupation or profession contains more intensive and stressful work than substitute teaching. Moreover, few jobs usually pay less and accomplish less for the day's hard work. If the sub. is able to keep control and teach a little something, using customary management methods, he or she is considered successful. By using the Harrison System of self accountability for children, you can change all that. For proof, read all of this web site, copy it for YOUR future use, and above all - tell other subs. about it (they will thank you profusely - eventually). If you are unclear as to the complete workings of the Harrison System in an elementary school classroom for a full time teacher, please click on our ALLANHARRI web site and then hit the back button to return here.
First of all, we need to warn that what follows
may seem so vast and complicated that you are immediately turned off.
If so, Please DON'T BE! Start small and add things as needed or whenever
you feel comfortable in doing so. Always remember: Kids want to
earn what gratifies them. Something they can understand
and immediately use - wherever and whenever possible (not just
a friendly smile or pat on the head). This is especially so with substitute
teaching where the instructor is often with the pupils only one
day.
Only a few things to remember: The System will
properly operate as long as you are consistent and provide motivational
items for the grade level taught. The main thing to carry with you at all
times is an attitude that is conducive to the creation of self
accountability in pupils minds. Manage the pupils only when they force you
to do so.
The following outline for substitute teaching is designed for elementary schools with a self contained classroom. Middle schools & high schools (with a subject centered classroom) must have the System modified to accommodate older pupils and a more limited class time. Some or all of these self-management methods offered below have been used very successfully by substitute teachers who don't want their names mentioned to avoid standing out in a profession which too often values management methods rather than self-management techniques. However, don't ever be afraid to utilize self accountability methods. Ask yourself this: What manager anywhere can legitimately object to the creation of self managed individuals who are obviously self motivated and self disciplined? So, use whatever you want of what follows - but without trying to "blow your own horn" and upset the managing administrators. However, do tell other subs about this practical web site. They'll appreciate it immensely.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHING METHODS
A Substitute Teacher SHOULD Bring to Class these Things:
A. Bring one
three ring notebook with enough sheets for each class member plus a few
more.
B. Bring a hand
held calculator.
C. Get "Business
Freebies."
1. Visit various business
establishments (before teaching if you desire) to collect donations for your
students. For example, call on fast food places (McDonalds, etc.) and family
restaurants, clothing stores, toy stores, and every type of business for
"kids" free gift certificates. Movie theaters, miniature golf, amusement
parks, and etc. can and will donate tickets to your pupils.
First, sell the business
establishments on all of the good the self accountability program accomplishes
(it trains future businessmen and reduces welfare, crime, taxes, etc.). Next,
explain that the owner's business donation will be earned by a self responsible
"Super" student who will probably introduce other family members to that
business establishment for future purchases.
2. In addition (or as an alternative)
to business gifts, bring 5 to 7 one dollar bills with a small piece of paper
stapled to each with the following typed info on it: "To the parent
of (leave a space for pupil's name): Your child has earned a 'Scholar Dollar'
by becoming a self responsible 'Super Student' for a whole day. The child
will proudly explain to the you how it was scholastically earned inside the
classroom. Signed By: (The Substitute Teacher)."
3. As
an alternative to the "Scholar Dollars," bring a "Big" see-through jar filled
with pennies (also plastic bags to contain them for the kids) as described
below (Under "Usable Motivational Items). Instruct pupils to explain to parents
how they were earned.
D. Bring with you a
copy of these "Substitute Teaching Methods" with the necessary parts (unique
to the Sub. Teacher involved) rewritten for copying and posting so students
can always read them throughout the day as needed (e.g. classroom laws,
motivational items available, etc.).
E. Bring plenty
of "Easy to stick on" pieces of paper so that each student can boldly write
his or her first name and put it on their own chest for identification purposes.
Tell your class this helps you identify them by name and also it should give
your class pride in being part of a unique program where individual self
responsibility can be learned.
F. Bring three
colored cards for placement on the chalk tray for an obvious guide to
the student behavior the sub. teacher desires at the moment. A red card displayed
means "NO!" talking. A green card allows talking only in a low voice or whispers.
A yellow card glues pupils to their seat. Yellow and green or a yellow and
red card can be displayed at the same time.
SUGGESTIONS FOR STARTING A SUCCESSFUL SUBSTITUTION DAY IN THE CLASSROOM:
First: Explain
(in words the children can understand and to which they can relate) what
you propose to do and how it will be accomplished. Get the kids eager and
excited. State that self responsibility comes only to those who are
self accountable under the rule of "law." Reveal that such self responsible
humans automatically become self motivated, self disciplined, self reliant,
and self-managed. When kids of this class become so it permits the
classroom teacher to allow much more unsupervised freedom than
pupils needing management. Usually such well trained pupils eventually
are society's leaders in the future. They become wealthy businessmen,
doctors, lawyers, etc. Thus, it is necessary that students in this
classroom must learn to be properly self accountable today with
good habits and attitudes hopefully cemented into their character. All
humans should never forget: PROPER ATTITUDES REMAIN THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN A TRULY SUCCESSFUL LIFE OR LOTS OF MISERY IN THE FUTURE!
Second: Outline
how the Self Accountability System works and what you propose to do today.
Namely, allow self-management within the "self-made" laws of the classroom.
Tell everyone that they are about to have a rewarding "fun" day which depends
entirely upon their own actions with advice from the teacher rather than
management. Have pupils print their names on the "stick-on" pieces of paper
before placing them on their chests.
Third: Begin
explaining in detail how the self accountability program works and then start
detailing the offered motivational items and how each can be acquired (see
the detailed description under "Usable Motivational Items below.").
The following is a suggested and usable outline to follow:
A. Ask the class
for the "Best" student and appoint him or her "Banker" with an explanation
of duties and salary earned (then provide a calculator and "Bank Book").
Tell the class each member now has 1000 points. They can spend it with
misbehaviors or they can earn more on test or in various other educational
ways (for example see Classroom Officers below).
B. Explain the
"Classroom President's" position and have class elect their choice (see Classroom
Officers below).
C. Next reveal
the fantastic "Donated Business Items" (if you have collected any) which
are available to all who care to earn them today. Then state the number (if
any) of the "Scholar Dollars" or pennies (in a big jar) which are available
at day's end, the purchase of which depends upon the pupils who have accumulated
and saved the most "Points" in the Bank Book. Explain that this will
occur 30 minutes before the end of the school day (see Usable
Motivational Items below).
D. Now describe
the "Vacations," "Rights to Move," and the "Line Leader Positions" (see Usable
Motivational Items below).
E. Explain how
you may need and may use "Assistant Teachers" in each major
subject and how they will earn Points and be paid for doing the job.
Also, if time permits sell miniature teaching contracts (see Usable Motivational
Items below).
F. Explain the
"Court System" (see "Court System" below).
G. Discuss and
post the "Classroom Laws" - which the pupils have helped you to make if there
is classtime to do so (see Classroom Laws below).
H. Reveal the
"Classroom Companies" available and how they work, and the income
possible for the buyer. Then auction them to the highest bidder and
have the Banker deduct the points from accounts as appropriate (see Classroom
Companies below).
After this, begin and operate your regular substitute teaching duties by using the instructions provided from the classroom's full time teacher who is now absent.
USABLE MOTIVATIONAL ITEMS:
1. Provide "Donated
Business Items" and/or 5 to 7 dollar bills with a sheet of paper attached
as described previously or as an alternative provide a large jar filled with
pennies. Allow seven of the highest bidders at auction (preferably
30 minutes before the end of the school day) to grab a handful of pennies
(hand must be facing down). For fairness, pick one student to do all of the
grabbing. Also provide seal-tight bags for the grabbed pennies.
2. Sell (throughout
the day as appropriate) a few rights to a half hour vacation to be taken
inside the classroom (kids usually work harder at this time doing extra credit
work).
3. Sell (throughout
the day as appropriate) a few rights to sit next to a friend for the remainder
of the school day (which can be revoked if abused). Caution buyers about
the risk they run of losing "Points" when improperly talking. Always remember,
misbehavior points lost merely earn that rascal a better education when he
must academically earn them back again. It's a System kid's choice and no
one elses. Thus, misbehavior in the System is no longer a refection
on the teacher's management abilities.
4. Sell or auction
off (before recesses, lunch period, and dismissal time) the right to be first,
second, third and fourth in line.
5. You can either
sell at auction or appoint with a salary up to one fifth of the class
as "Assistant Teachers" for each subject taught. Caution pupils that only
the best in the subject should consider the position. To do otherwise will
embarrass the Assistant Teacher. For a more detailed explanation on the subject,
click on our ALLANHARRI web site indicated above then hit the back button
to return here.
6. Sell at auction
(at the start of the school day) the "Companies" determined useful by the
substitute teacher. A few examples follow (but you will soon learn to dream
up more or perhaps not use some of those offered below.). See ALLANHARRI
web site for additional ideas):
a.
Bathroom Company: Company owner earns 10 Points
(deducted by signatures turned in to the Banker) from each user. At recess
it's free (or for medical reasons).
b. Water Company:
Owner earns 5 points for each drink taken and collects Points
any time or 30 minutes before day's end . At recess it's free (or for medical
reasons).
c.
Supply Company: Helps sub. teacher with
classroom supplies, passes out papers, books, etc. and rents playground
equipment (amount set by sub.teacher). Owner earns salary of 100 Points and
rental fees.
d.
Pencil Company: Rents pencils for 10
Points each (see ALLANHARRI).
e.
Clean-up and Inspection Company:
Responsible for classroom's cleanliness. After warning is given, the
Company owner collects a 25 Point fine from the pupil who has a dirty area
and a 50 Point salary for the day.
f.
Service Company: Helps sub. teacher as directed.
For example: runs errands, operates equipment, cleans chalkboard, greets
classroom visitors, inspects test scores, etc. Earns 100 points.
g.
Information Company: Charges inattentive
student 10 Points for repeating free info when it was first offered by the
sub. teacher. This idea keeps all pupils listening intently. Salary 50 points
plus collected points.
7. If time permits,
sell at auction a substitute-teacher-devised, miniature "Teaching Contract."
The contract contains a miniature lesson plan, a test for the whole
class on the info presented, and, finally, test papers are exchanged
and corrected inside the classroom before being handed to the Banker for
recording. (See details at ALLANHARRI web site for full time teachers.)
CLASSROOM OFFICERS:
BANKER: Picked by Sub.
Teacher for being the "Best Student" at almost everything academic in the
classroom (ask classroom pupils who is the Best or get the info from other
sources). Also, that Best Student will need to volunteer or else select the
2nd best. Salary is 1000 Points or more.
DUTIES: Banker
is furnished a hand held calculator. He or she uses a 3 ring notebook for
a Bank Book with a sheet in it for each student's name. Accounts are
debited or credited accordingly.
A.
A current running total is maintained at all times with
the supplied calculator.
B. All test papers (with grade scores
in percentage points rather than letter grades) are forwarded to the Banker
for recording. Company owners, the Classroom President (see below), and the
adult sub. teacher also forward signature sheets for debiting and
crediting.
C. The Banker (the best pupil
academically) won't be hurt by being allowed extra class time and recess
time for recording purposes. Moreover, if the load gets too heavy, he or
she should be permitted to hire help (the 2nd best pupil, etc.).
CLASSROOM PRESIDENT: This pupil
is elected by the class at the start of the school day. He or she may be
impeached at any time by a 2/3rds vote of the class if duty is neglected
or authority abused.
DUTIES: The
"President" is the classroom's "Policeman." A fine of 10 Points is
deducted from the Bank Accounts for each talking offense (the pupil merely
signs the "Fine Sheet"). Other fines (or awards in "Lawsuits) are collected
as directed by the Sub. Teacher in accordance with the laws of the classroom.
CLASSROOM LAWS:
1. Loud talking
(talking above a whisper or so as to disturb the class) or talking when the
card on the chalk tray is red or when moving from the pupil's seat if the
card is yellow. The fine is 10 Points.
2. Disrespect for
Substitute Teacher. Fine is 300 Points plus detention. (Always remember to
try to prevent making the pupil "bankrupt" with "fines" because this means
that this pupil MUST BE MANAGED once again.)
3. Disrespect for
"Student Teacher" as determined by the Substitute Teacher. Fine is 25
Points.
4. Disobeying the
direct order of any adult teacher. Fine is 200 Points or more depending
upon the circumstance.
5. Entertaining
the class (being funny or foolish). Fine 25 Points. More the 2nd time.
6. Fighting. Fine
200 Points or more.
7. Cussing or using
foul language. Fine 50 Points. More the 2nd time.
8. Disgracing the
class. Fine 200 Points.
9. Chewing gum
when not allowed (this could become a motivational item if permitted). Fine
20 Points.
10.
11.
12.
Use imagination, inclination, pupil help and the ALLANHARR
web site to list more laws.
COURT SYSTEM:
The Substitute Teacher is the Judge and Jury (as the
only unconcerned person in the classroom) to hear and decide the evidence
and penalties (in points or consequences) for the following "Court Cases."
"Civil Lawsuit:" One
pupil sues another for "damages." The requirements are: (a). The child
bringing the Lawsuit (the "Claimant") must not have instigated the action
for which he or she is suing (Must have what is called "Clean Hands.")
(b). The "Claimant" must have a witness or proof. (c). Claimant
must have actual "damage" that is assessable in Points.
"Criminal Lawsuit:"
Procedure is the same as Civil Lawsuit except that violations of the
law come with a fine and/or "personal detention." Detention at recess
usually requires productive academic work or pages copied from the dictionary
(thus learning takes place at the same time as detention).
WANT A GREAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY AS WELL?
After you become proficient as a System Substitute
Teacher, why don't you start your own business by supplying substitute teachers
to all of the public and private schools in your area? The profit, prestige,
and satisfaction for you could be enormous and the service for substitute
teachers and schools would be greatly appreciated. The following suggestions
are offered to quickly and properly accomplish the task:
First: Advertise and round
up a sufficiently large stable of substitute teachers with the promise of
teaching the System to them , answering future questions, and solving any
problems they may have. Also agree to provide some motivational items
and suggestions for their use. Moreover, when they sign up with you, promise
to act similar to a union in protecting them from abuse by any pupil, school
district, parent, or school administrator.
Second: Visit as many businesses
as possible to collect "Freebies" for your substitute teachers.
Third (or perhaps this might be the
first thing you do if you are certain you have subs.): Call on the
person in charge of acquiring substitute teachers in each school district
or private school in your area to inform them that soon they can probably
get all of the substitutes they need each day by merely making one
call to your office. This will be a greatly valued service.
Fourth: Constantly train,
cull, and specialize your substitute teachers to improve the service
you are offering. Charge your substitute teachers a set percentage of their
earnings.
REMEMBER: Tell others about our free web sites. Eventually,
society will be grateful you did your part in helping to create as many self
accountable citizens as you could!