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Turn “Busy Work” into Real Instruction & Make Directions “Stick”

By Barbara PressmancloseAuthor: Barbara Pressman Name: Barbara Pressman
Site: http://www.substituteteachingatoz.com
About: Barbara Pressman is an adjunct professor at the College of Education, Florida Atlantic University. She has been a classroom teacher for more than 20 years, and a supervisor for student teachers for 10 years. She currently mentors Substitute Teachers as well. When asked how she came to be interested in writing for substitute teachers she responded: I have subbed for many years during my teaching career. When my children were small, I found subbing to be a wonderful "free lance" job. At that time, I took on a 6th grade long term subbing assignment, which led me back to full time teaching. Upon retirement, I went back to subbing once again. Barbara is the author of book Substitute Teaching from A to Z (McGraw-Hill, 2008), available in all major bookstores and Amazon.com. To find out more, visit: www.substituteteachingatoz.comSee Authors Posts (32)

Advice for Substitute Teachers

How Can I avoid “busy work”?

Dear Barbara,

Very often, I am given a set of worksheets for students to complete. I know that most classroom teachers expect subs to pass out the papers and have the students do their work. But it feels like “busy work” to me. I want to teach. I don’t want to baby sit. I would like to practice my teaching skills so that when I get a permanent position, I will be prepared.

Please help me find a way to avoid being a “baby sitter”!

Lily from Los Angeles

Dear Lily,

Good teachers know how to stretch a lesson. Read the worksheet before the students enter the class. Be sure you understand the material. Find the chapter in the text that the worksheet relates to. Do some background research on your own.

When the students come in, you are one step ahead of them. Before handing the worksheet to the students, tell them what to expect today. You can say,”I understand that you have been studying the parts of a plant cell. Who can name one part for me?” Ask what purpose that part plays in the life of the cell. Introduce some vocabulary words from the worksheet. Ask students give you definitions orally.

Once the class is focused on the work to be presented, pass out the worksheets. Ask a student to read the directions aloud. Do the first question together as a group. Then ask students to begin their independent work. Tell them that you will be walking around so that you can help when needed. Even if the material is new to you, you can help students find answers in the text.

Students will appreciate your professionalism. They see that you care about them and you care about the subject matter. I am sure that you’ll have a good day, because you will have used good solid teaching techniques.

What should I go when a student says, “I don’t get it”?

Dear Barbara,

I find it very frustrating to have to repeat directions over and over again. No matter how clearly I explain things, there are always a handful of students who never pay attention. They expect me to repeat the directions just for them. I am tried of the dreaded words, “I don’t get it”!

I tell them to ask a neighbor, but this causes talking and disruption for the others. Frankly, it’s also unfair to the helping neighbor.

Any ideas for me?

Carolyn in New Hampshire

Dear Carolyn,

There is a clear strategy for giving directions. Effective teachers use the following steps:

1. Wait until you have the attention of the entire class.
2. Pause dramatically and state the directions clearly, one time only.
3. Then check for understanding by having a student repeat the directions.
4. Write the directions on the board, including page numbers and all-important details, including the assignment due date.

If someone says, “I don’t get it,” point to the board. Do not repeat directions. Stating directions just one time clearly and simply, is the best way to have students focus. If they know you’ll repeat things, they won’t feel the need to listen the first time. If there is still confusion, give one on one help, rather than disrupting the whole group.

When you are clear and firm, everyone benefits!