What is an effective tool that I can use in my classroom to support learning?

Do you use desk pets? How do you organize them and how do your students earn them?

What are some classroom management rituals or practices that you start at the beginning of the year?

When creating sub plans, make sure that you include the little day to day things that might be overlooked. For example, I have a list of students that are pulled for services and the times that they are pulled to help the substitute with classroom management. I also have a list of jobs that the students have that ill minimize the confusion in the classroom when students try to push the limits. I also have notes about certain students that will help the substitute understand the student better. I have also created an "emergency" substitute folder that has activities and resources in case I am not able to set up for a substitute in advance (hence the emergency). Class prep is also important. Part of the routine that I set in place is letting the students know that if I am not in the classroom, the expectations remain the same. What are some other things that you have done to prepare for a substitute?