Substitute Teacher Behavior System using Class Dojo

If you use Class Dojo as your behavior management system, you might find that your substitute teachers have a hard time managing classroom behaviors when you are out sick. Providing your substitute teacher with a behavior clip chart to use in your absence will help eliminate disruptive behaviors. The Dojo Meter also provides you with a quick visual of how their day went and you can quickly follow up on behaviors when you return. And it has an editable point system that you can completely customize to meet your needs!

Why Use Class Dojo?

Class Dojo is student-friendly, especially if you are using it to praise good behaviors and motivate your students to earn points. Just the sound of that positive “ding” redirects the whole class and prompts them to get back on task.

It is also important to note, that you don’t always have to have the Class Dojo screen visible on your smart board.  If you keep the tab open on your computer and have a different screen showing on your Promethean board, the students can still hear the dings and pings of points given and taken away.

Teacher Tip: If you have Class Dojo open on your computer, you can project any other screen on your Promethean (ex. your home screen) and the sound effects of points given and taken will still sound on your smart board.  I use my iPad (also connected to my smart board) to award points as I roam the room or am working with small groups.

Why Can’t Your Substitute Use Class Dojo?

Personally, you may not want to provide your substitute teacher with your username and password for Class Dojo since you use the messaging feature to communicate with parents.

Also, a substitute teacher may not utilize the point system you have in place for rewards and consequences. This may lead to many messages from parents questioning how their child’s day went. They will want to know why so many points were taken, etc. Since you are out of the classroom, you may not be able to answer immediately or you don’t know why points were taken if the substitute teacher did not leave you detailed notes!

Problem Solved…

Introducing the Dojo Meter Clip Chart for the Substitute Teacher

The “The Dojo Meter” was created so your sub can manage student behaviors in your absence.  Despite not being a fan of behavior clip charts, you may find that it is necessary for the substitute teacher to have this tool when you are out of the classroom.

Place this behavior clip chart in your Sub Tub alongside your substitute plans. Now your students will be held accountable for their behavior in your absence and will be rewarded for good behavior when you return.

How it Works

If you look closely at the Dojo Meter, you will notice that each color-coded monster has a specific amount of points that your students may earn in your absence. Each level also has a descriptor for their day. Depending on their behavior, each child may earn Dojo points even if you are out!

When you return to school the next day, meet with the students and praise good behaviors. Award the Dojo points earned based on the clip chart.  Speak privately with those who lost Dojo points and help them reflect on how to make better choices next time.

Using The Dojo Meter will allow your substitute teacher to utilize your existing behavior plan in your absence. Your sub will thank you for this classroom behavior management system as they navigate through the school day.

I do hope you find this helpful and that you can put this system in place in your classroom.  I promise, it will alleviate the dread of coming back to your classroom after an absence…with a not-so-happy report about student behaviors and disruptions.

If you would like to download the EDITABLE Dojo Meter for your classroom, visit my TPT shop:
Substitute Teacher Behavior System using Class Dojo

If you are need of a Sub Tub like the one in the photo, it is also available at my TPT shop:
The Organized and Stress Free Sub Tub