How to Deal With Class Clowns: A Substitute Teacher’s Guide
Real strategies substitute teachers can use to redirect goofy, attention-seeking students.
If you’ve spent more than five minutes in a classroom, you’ve probably already met that student—the one who has a joke ready before you finish your sentence, the one who can turn any moment into a performance, the one who has the rest of the class in stitches while you’re trying to get through the directions.
Class clowns are a classic part of school life. They’re funny, charismatic, and often really likable, but they can also derail a lesson faster than you can say, “Alright everyone, eyes up here.” As a substitute teacher, managing that energy without shutting a student down (or embarrassing them in front of peers) can feel like a delicate balancing act.
But it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can redirect their humor, maintain control, and even build rapport — all while keeping the room focused.
Why Class Clowns Act Out (It’s Not Always About You)
One of the biggest mistakes subs make is taking clowning personally. In reality, class clown behavior often has very little to do with the substitute teacher in front of them.
Sometimes the student wants attention. Sometimes they’re bored. Sometimes humor is simply their way of feeling confident or fitting in socially. And in many cases, they don’t actually intend to be disruptive — they’re just trying to get a laugh without realizing the impact on the flow of the class.
When you understand the “why,” it becomes much easier to respond calmly and strategically instead of reacting in frustration.
Staying in Control Without Calling Them Out
The goal is simple: stop the disruption without humiliating the student. You can be firm without turning the moment into a power struggle.
A quiet walk toward the student while continuing instruction sends a stronger message than a public reprimand. So does pausing your sentence for a beat — not glaring, not lecturing, just waiting. The class will notice the shift, and so will the student.
Another powerful approach is private direction. On your way over to their desk, say quietly, “Hey, I need your help keeping the class on track today. Thanks.” You haven’t embarrassed them, but you’ve made expectations clear, and you’ve framed them as part of the solution—not the problem.
Most class clowns respond surprisingly well to this. They want attention, yes, but they don’t want negative attention. They don’t want to be shamed. They want connection.
And a substitute who treats them with respect earns something incredibly valuable: cooperation.
Channeling Their Humor Into Something Productive
A class clown’s biggest strength is also their biggest challenge — they can engage the room instantly. Instead of shutting that down completely, sometimes the smartest move is to redirect it.
Maybe you tell the class, “We’ll take a two-minute joke break at the end if we finish strong.” Or maybe you ask that student to help hand out materials so their energy has a place to go.
When you give them a role, a purpose, or a way to contribute, you turn their social influence into positive momentum. You’re showing them they matter — not just as entertainment, but as part of the classroom community.
This kind of redirection doesn’t just quiet the noise. It builds trust.
You Don’t Need to Be the Funniest Person in the Room
A lot of subs feel pressure to match the class clown’s energy or “out-funny” them. You don’t need to. You’re not competing with their jokes — you’re leading the room.
The most effective substitute teachers stay calm, steady and confident. They allow room for personality and laughter but keep the boundaries crystal clear. The class clown might still toss a one-liner here or there, but they won’t dominate the room because you’re already in control.
And once students see that you’re not rattled, not irritated, and not easily thrown off, they relax too. They realize the show is over — and class continues.
Your Goal Isn’t to Silence Them. It’s to Lead Them.
At the end of the day, dealing with class clowns isn’t about shutting down humor—it’s about steering it. The best substitute teachers don’t fight for control; they guide it. They recognize when a student is using humor to cope, connect or shine, and they respond in a way that protects the student’s dignity while protecting the flow of the lesson.
When you handle class clowns with confidence and respect, the classroom stays calm, the students stay focused, and you walk away knowing you managed the moment like a pro.
Want more classroom-ready strategies?
Check out The Ultimate Classroom Management Toolkit for Substitute Teachers
Inside, you’ll get:
✔ scripts for every behavior
✔ behavior systems that prevent chaos
✔ routines that make students listen the first time
✔ strategies for even the most challenging classes
✔ teacher-approved tools to get you requested again
➡️ Download the toolkit here: The Ultimate Classroom Management Toolkit for Substitute Teachers.