Here are some suggestions by experienced substitute teachers for maintaining discipline in your classroom. Find a unique way of communicating your acceptable noise level. Raise your eyebrows, whisper until the students can hear you, flick the lights or just say, "Quiet, please" as quieting techniques. Create a warning system with built-in rewards. For example, draw 3 Xs on the board telling the class that each one represents 3 minutes of bonus time at the end of the period or day. If students ignore the rules, quietly erase one X. This works best if you have a fun, yet educational, activity for the bonus time rather than unstructured free time. Keep moving. When you walk around the classroom you are demonstrating your involvement with the students and establishing that you are part of the classroom today. Talk to individual students before the class begins. If you are standing near the door, catch a student or two before the bell rings, introduce yourself and ask how their day is going or what they like about the class that is about to start. Start promptly and supervise the students at all times. The school day is not the time to conduct any personal business, including reading the newspaper or a book, making personal calls or checking email. You are on the job. Take this opportunity to be a role model of productivity. Do not use any films, movies or television without prior approval from the media specialist or an administrator. Also, be aware of students using the Internet in the classroom under your supervision. Don't get into a power struggle with students. Always give students options that allow them to maintain their dignity. Address the students with respect using non-controversial language. Corporal punishment is not acceptable. Do not touch, push, shove, slap or punch students. Contact the office immediately if you have a problem. For more suggestions, review the sections under classroom management.