My hubby was a substitute and he started his class with first screaming quiet. Once he got their attention he stated he was a special substitute teacher they never had before and probably never see again. Then he stated he would tell his story after they got their assignments done. About 10 minutes before class was to end he told his story about being a 3 time cancer survivor. The kids were fascinated and asked all sorts of questions which he answered. It worked almost every time. My hubby survived stage 4 nonhodgekins lymphoma cancer, stage one prostate cancer and stage one Squamish cell skin cancer.
Love this one today and a good suggestion for everyone.