subs/time fill

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subs/time fill
By Julianne

You should probably make a dedicated sub file with a copy of your time schedule, seating chart along with other pertinent information a sub would need. If you make fairly good lesson plans on a regular basis your sub should
be able to follow at least part of them. I try to keep materials for the week's work in a basket on the counter so I can just refer subs to that area to find what they need. I also include a couple of photocopied worksheets in my sub folder as constructive time-fillers should something in my lesson plans prove too challenging for the sub.
As to rainy day activities, there are several

books with good ideas that can be done at the spur of the moment. Again, being the lazy teacher I am (sometimes) I keep a few photocopied worksheets in a file for times when what I planned didn't happen the way I'd hoped! And as we have very little time for art or music I like to have a few songs and simple art projects in my head (or on index cards) to grab and do if we have extra time. The songs you'll have to come up with yourself. Think back to your camp days, scouts, etc. Remind yourself of the lyrics and just go for it. Kids are very forgiving of your singing voice. The art projects I use regularly for fill in include:

Use a crayon in as many different ways as you can.
String painting - dip string in paint, place in folded paper and pull out to create designs.
Draw the weather today.
Draw your neighbor.
Draw WITH your neighbor - community drawing.
Exchange art - you paint something, your neighbor adds to it.
Crayon rubbings - find things around the classroom to rub. (coins and cut-out snowflakes work)
Torn paper collage.

Good luck. Your bag of tricks will fill up faster than you think. And remember, you can repeat stuff. Kids usually get a kick out of trying something again later.