Pack It: A Simple Kit Every Substitute can Create
Substitute teachers have the unique ability to adapt to any classroom they are placed in for the day. They may be covering a preschool room for the day or bouncing between toddler rooms. Substitutes need to be prepared to keep the classes engaged and having fun, so I am outlining a list of items you should always carry that can be a versatile as you!
Write it
Everyone has a favorite writing instrument (teachers of course love flair pens). You may not do a lot of writing but having your own pens and markers can be helpful, so you don’t have to search the teacher’s desk or drawers looking for one. You will be writing names on artwork, signing in/out on state rosters, and maybe leaving a little note to the teacher to let them know they have a great class!
Read It
Books! Everyone loves books and they are so versatile. Books can obviously be read to a class and create an opportunity to ask questions like “what if…” but they can be used in art, movement, STEM, and more. One of my favorite books is Giraffes Can’t Dance. A few activities I could create to go with this book is: Open-ended art where the class can create a giraffe, have a dance party, create paper instruments to create our own music, make a list of things we cannot do yet-but will one day, label the parts of a giraffe, and talk about rhyming words.
This example book and the activities can be use with most children’s books. Your local libraries are a free, valuable tool to teacher. Medina County District Library will allow educators have a special card where you check out more books and for longer if needed. They also have activity kits where you get a book, activities, and toys that relate- so easy! Check out your local library to see what they offer.
Sing it
Music and singing are great ways to keep kids engaged and moving. Every child care center and day care have different policies on electronics-so there a few ways to come prepared. If you have a child friendly playlist on a platform like Spotify, you can play it over a Bluetooth speaker or over a radio with an aux cord. Local libraries have CD’s you can check out that you can play over a radio if available. A teacher bag can only hold so much, so personally I would take a CD, aux cord, and a speaker if it is small enough. Don’t be afraid to ask the center you are at what technology tools they have in place for teachers! Along with music, add in ribbons, scarves, and other items to make movement more fun.
Eat it
Teaching takes a toll on you, so do your future-self a favor by packing an exciting lunch. Your favorite snack or an iced coffee can make any day brighter. The afternoon slump can be hard, but if you give yourself time to relax and enjoy lunch, you will rock out the afternoon with ease!
Rock it
At the end of the day, a substitute is creative and innovative! You have learned and mastered the skills it takes to go with the flow and manage the ever-changing classroom environment. A teacher bag with these essentials can help your day run smoothly and allow you to be prepared for anything. In conclusion you should always have pens, notebook/sticky notes, a few books (and ideas for activities about them), playlist, CD, (speaker/aux cord optional), a great lunch, willingness to have fun, and the confidence in yourself to rock out anything your day in a classroom throws at you.
