Sub•sume def. -to consider or include as part of a bigger picture.

Sub⋅ver⋅sive

“Tending to subvert or advocating subversion, esp. in an attempt to overthrow or cause the destruction of an established or legally constituted [authority] …traitorous, treacherous, seditious, destructive.” – dictionary.com

While this definition might sound “heavy”, if we were all honest and the truth were known, I’m certain that some of us could come up with more colorful words to describe mischievous behavior in the classroom while just trying to survive another day as a sub.  And though it might be hard to believe, I might have been (on more than one occasion) one of those rebels who probably caused more than his share of panic attacks to unsuspecting teachers (and no doubt, a few subsJ).

We all know how such people-intensive roles require so much emotional energy –particularly if we’re unfamiliar with surroundings, students and expectations.  But the next time you’re tempted to just acquiesce to a classroom coups d'état, try doing what I sometimes do to help me focus on advancing a lesson plan.  Quickly look for students who are behaving (usually the majority) and begin to praise/affirm them out loud.  Sometimes this doesn’t work for a host of reasons – perhaps the subversives are too far gone in their takeover or the actions are just too serious to ignore.  But most of the time, if you can detect an uprising early, by concentrating on students who are doing well – it can often provide a great utility to redirect the trouble students – not to mention help reinforce the value of positive affirmation.