Customer Reviews

Substitute Teaching: A Handbook for Hassle-Free Subbing

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this book looking for more easy activity ideas for subbing. I was quite dissappointed. There were only a few pages at the end devoted to activities. The remainder of the book consisted of general sub info, maybe of some worth to someone who is looking to get into the field, with no experience. I've only been subbing a few months and none of this info was helpful. The author conveyed the false sense that all you need to have a good day is a cheery attitude and a "bag of tricks." That may work in some classrooms, but not in many I've experienced. In 1983, when the book was published, classrooms were significantly different. Also, the salaries she quotes, after admitting she only polled a few schools to get an "average," were extremely outdated. I make twice the pay she quoted to be on the "high" end, and I am being paid low for a sub in my area. I will be returning this book promptly.

Most of the ideas are easy to implement with little or no preparation. Lots of good information in here, but be warned - it is definitely directed at K-6. There are about 8 pages of middle and high school related information.

I read this book before I spent one horrible, frustrating year substitute teaching. Not helpful; I believe this book assumes that everyone will teach in a school where kids are well-behaved most of the time and school administrations will acknowledge the subs whom they need desperately.

I found this the best source to accurately give an overview of the world of substitue teaching. Several other books deal more specifically with "time fillers" while this author describes the bare bones of what to expect when walking into the classroom for the first time as a sub and how to be prepared to face the challanges- big and small- of the day ahead. The only negative is the outdated earings charts, otherwise the information still holds true. Excellent reading for those considering a career in substitue teaching.

I first bought this book in 1988 when I had finished my education and was subbing for the first time. It got me over the jitters of what to expect in the classroom and gave me a lot of great ideas, things that I use now with my own classroom. Whenever I have a sub, I leave this as part of the daily plan because it is full of instant art activities, inside and outside games, instant language and math activities. The author's positive attitude is contagious. You will thoroughly enjoy this book!

I'm absolutely WOWed by this book! I've purchased several books on substitute teaching and general elementary teaching, and THIS book is, by far, the best I've read! Ms. Ronin has brilliantly, and eloquently incorporated a sense of humor and friend-to-friend style of writing to her wealth of experiences! This book is not only extremely helpful, but very easy and fun to read! BRAVO!!!

I just started substitute teaching and reading the first half of this book has really helped. Her four steps to success and other helpful insights are very memorable. This gives a positive but realistic view of a sub's day and ways to make it easier. The best piece of advice was the part about learning one or two names right away and calling on the kids by name. She has great ideas for fast and effective classroom management. I can't wait to finish it!

This book was really informative about the sub process. It talks about all the details a sub has to remember and includes tons of activities and ideas for mini-lessons. I feel a lot more confident about going into a classroom and being a successful sub now!

Very helpful. Glad I bought the book. I found some useful tips and tried it in the classroom. It has worked well for me. I also learned some information about ESE that I wouldn't have learned through substituting alone. It would help to know some of the disability to be able to understand your students. It'll help you how to work with different students.

Great book! It covered areas of discipline, activities, what's expected of a sub, etc. Very good book to have.