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Unproductive Students – Advice for Substitute Teachers

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)

How can I handle a student who won’t do his work?

Dear Barbara,

My problem is Jared. He’s a very bright third grader. Each time I sub for his class, I pull my hair out trying to get Jared to finish his work. Nothing I do seems to help. He sits at his desk all day and procrastinates.

I subbed in his room today. When I wrote the note to his teacher, I explained that Jared did not complete his Social Studies test, or any other work. I know I’m responsible for students completing their work. I feel as if Jared’s actions reflect badly on me.

Why is Jared like this? Am I doing something wrong?

Bryana from Chicago

Bryana,

The causes of Jared’s problems may be psychological, emotional, or learning based. He may have an autism spectrum disorder. As a Sub, we aren’t given all the information.

You say that he’s bright, but putting words on paper is a difficult skill for some, and he may be lacking in that area. Obviously he has a hard time focusing.

Here are some tips:

1. Prioritize the assignments. Tell Jared that he must complete the most important work (i.e. SS test). Offer a reward when the work is done, such as free time, an extra snack.

2. Break the assignment up into smaller parts. Have him complete one small part, then take a break.

3. Offer to let him work with a classmate. Choose someone who will coax him along, but be sure he/she doesn’t give the answers.

4. Don’t make yourself crazy. This Jared’s problem, not yours. Try your best to have him complete some of the work, but if he doesn’t, write your note of explanation to the teacher, and present the incomplete work.

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