Effective Strategies for Handling Misbehaviour
Managing misbehaviour is one of the most challenging parts of substitute teaching—but it’s also one of the most important. Because substitutes step into unfamiliar environments with limited time to build rapport, having a calm, consistent, and proactive approach makes all the difference. These strategies will help you address misbehaviour confidently while keeping the learning environment positive, respectful, and productive.
Effective Misbehaviour Management Strategies
1. Use Calm, Clear Redirection
Address the student by name and briefly redirect them to the task:
“Emma, please focus on your assignment.”
Keep it short, neutral, and confident to avoid escalating the situation or rewarding the disruption with attention.
2. Use Proximity and Movement Proactively
Move around the classroom regularly. Your physical presence discourages off-task behaviour before it starts. When needed, simply standing near a student can redirect them without saying a word.
3. Apply Subtle Non-Verbal Cues
Nonverbal signals—eye contact, a head shake, a pause, or a gentle hand gesture—can correct behaviour quietly. This helps maintain momentum in your lesson and preserves the student’s dignity.
4. Praise Positive Behaviour Around the Disruption
Reinforce the behaviour you want to see:
“I really appreciate how focused this table is.”
This indirect approach often nudges the disruptive student back on track without calling them out publicly.
5. Use Humor Carefully
A light, well-timed joke or playful comment can defuse minor disruptions, reduce tension, and build rapport—as long as the humor is never at the student’s expense. Use sparingly and appropriately.
6. Give Private, Respectful Reminders
If behaviour continues, speak quietly to the student:
“We keep our hands to ourselves here. Let’s get back to work.”
Addressing the issue privately prevents embarrassment and reduces power struggles.
7. Offer Clear Choices with Logical Consequences
Choices give students agency while maintaining boundaries:
“You can work with the group, or you can move to a quiet seat. Your choice.”
This frames compliance as the student’s decision, not a confrontation.
8. Maintain Neutral Tone and Body Language
Students respond to your calmness. Avoid sarcasm or emotional reactions. Use steady eye contact, relaxed posture, and a clear, even tone to show confidence and control.
9. Offer Reset Opportunities
When emotions rise, allow a short break:
- A drink of water
- A brief hallway reset
- Moving to a quiet area
These small interventions can prevent escalation and help students self-regulate.
10. Reset the Whole Group if Needed
If multiple students are off-task, pause instruction and reset expectations:
“Let’s take 10 seconds to settle and start fresh.”
This avoids singling out one student and restores group focus.
11. Seek Support for Serious Misbehaviour
If behaviour escalates to aggression, threats, or unsafe actions, contact the office immediately. Substitutes are not expected to manage severe disruptions alone. Always prioritize safety.
12. Document Incidents and Patterns
Make brief notes about repeated misbehaviour or significant incidents: what happened, what you did, and the outcome. This helps the regular teacher support the student and ensures clarity if issues continue.
13. Follow Through Consistently
If you set a consequence, enact it. Consistency builds credibility. And when the student improves, make sure to recognize their effort—catching students “being good” reinforces lasting change.
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