Are you looking for teaching students to adapt to a new routine? If so, keep reading.

1. If an aide works in the classroom, have the aide monitor the learner’s behavior; give reinforcement; deliver instructions; etc., when a substitute teacher is in the classroom.

2. Give a quiet space for the learner to work.

3. Notify the learner in advance when it will be appropriate for a substitute teacher to be in the classroom and create expectations for behavior and academic performance.

4. Inform the learner in advance when changes in their schedule will happen (e.g., going to P.E. at various times, going on a field trip, etc.).

5. Teach the learner acceptable ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

6. Get the learner to question any directions, explanations, instructions not grasped about the change in an established routine (schedule).

7. Select a peer to model appropriate acceptance of changes in an established routine (schedule) for the learner.

8. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. • Raise your hand. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

9. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., accepting a change in routine (schedule)) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

10. Praise those students in the classroom who accept changes in an established routine (schedule).

11. Praise the learner for accepting changes in an established routine (schedule) based on the number of times the learner can be successful. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the number of times required for reinforcement.

12. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for accepting changes in an established routine (schedule) at school.

13. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., having a tantrum, refusing to accept the change, etc.) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., accepting the change in routine (schedule)).

14. Assess the appropriateness of the change in routine (schedule). Ascertain if the change is too complicated and if the duration of time scheduled is sufficient.

15. Praise the learner for accepting changes in an established routine (schedule): (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using Alexa to help you with classroom management. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

18. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.