Sure, you could walk into a new classroom with just your wonderful sub self and maybe your district-issued badge and teach and be okay. (Okay, but probably not great!)
There are tools I make sure to bring to make my substitute teaching days that much more successful.
It increases my chances of success, and it increases the chances for the kids.
So, what’s in my sub bag?
My substitute lanyard
Alright, though this isn’t technically housed in my sub bag, it needs its own mention.
I don’t sub without it. The lanyard is the dangling accessory to which I clip my school district badge. It’s cute and beaded and looks sort of like a long necklace. Fashion!
Chances are, you’re required to wear your badge as well. Why not have it contained using an easy-to-wear system like a lanyard? When I’m done subbing, I always make sure to place the lanyard in its designated spot. This makes it easy to locate and wear each time I cover a classroom.
The lanyard also contains a metal clip, so I use this to attach a whistle and sometimes classroom keys. For keys, you want to get the retractable key chain clips so you’re not leaning down to unlock doors each time. (I’ve bonked my head trying to unlock way too many a classroom door.)
Ready yourself with a good, prepared lanyard. It can be cute, but that’s not a requirement. Or so they say.
My No. 1 sub bag item: Attention signals
I feel a little lost if I don’t bring these items.
First, my go-to classroom attention signal: a chime. It’s simple, not obnoxious, and works for getting the students’ attention. It rings out the purest little “ding” and turns the heads of even the big kids (high schoolers).
Using this baby means I’m not solely relying on my voice to quiet, shush and direct.
Of course, sometimes it’s necessary to also get a class’ attention just vocally, like when we’re en route somewhere and I don’t have my handy chime with me. But when we’re in the classroom, I’m chiming away.
The next attention getter is a whistle and cover. This gets dangled on my lanyard and travels with me wherever I go. Since a whistle is loud, I’ve designated its sole purpose to be outdoor attention-getting, like calling in a class from recess. I don’t use it all the time or even the majority of the time, but it’s really nice to have for those occasions when the playground is vast and my voice doesn’t carry.
It could also be handy in emergencies.
Bribery– I mean– positive reinforcement items
I’ve listed my necessary substitute teaching items. Now these fall into the category of not required but sometimes very useful.
Each classroom situation is different. Sometimes I’m able to waltz in and teach, using a combination of the teacher’s behavior management systems and my own techniques.
But sometimes either a whole class or certain individuals really respond to extrinsic rewards. I like to keep these prizes easy and low-cost, and pull them out only when I’ve exhausted a few other options, but there are times when these items have been day-saving.
I’ve brought tickets, stickers, coloring pages, and candy. Sometimes the Kindergarten classes get to meet my fuzzy friends, stuffed animals that I puppeteer enthusiastically to add novelty and increase positive behavior.
It’s up to you to include these positive behavior reinforcement items, but I can attest that it’s just a relief to have these included in my bag of tricks.
Equip yourself, sub
Subbing is such a random and unexpected job, day after day.
My saving grace in the face of all of this mayhem is to prepare what I can. A well-stocked sub bag can be just the ticket. Packing for a day of substitute teaching doesn’t have to be complicated, but toting around a few choice items from classroom to classroom can make a difference.
It can fortify you to withstand all of the indicental winds that tear at you. It can provide a safety net, practical tools and just plain fun and excitement. It can help you have more good days subbing.
And we all want to have some more good days subbing if we can help it, right?
If you’re wondering what I usually pack for my lunch while covering classes, I have a complete other post on that you’ll want to check out.
Substitutes: What’s in your sub bag? Let me know in the comments, fellow educator nomads!
