Sink the "Sub"

This game is often played by high school students when there is a substitute teacher in their classroom.

Rules of Play: be as obnoxious as you can be and don’t pay attention.

Outcome of the Game: see who can make the sub give in, make them the most frustrated, and the highest of all rankings: who can make the sub cry.

I imagine the winners getting high fives in the commons.

As a substitute, I have never been totally sunk, but there have been some close calls. Those occasions have usually been accompanied by not-so-informative lesson plans. As a sub, it’s helpful when I can position myself as a supervisor, as someone who can assist and someone to ensure students are on task. I much prefer this than being set up as the “warden” of the class. I am not there to make enemies with the students in your class because when I show up to sub a second day, you can bet my sub is under water before I’ve even begun.

As a teacher you play a large role in keeping subs afloat. Even just a little effort up front goes a long way. My favorite classes to sub for usually have some kind of “Survival Notebook.” Below are few ideas of items that can be collected and placed into one notebook. You need only exchange the handouts and daily lesson plan and it can be used each time you’re gone.

Hint: most of this can be compiled by one of your lovely student assists!

IN THE FRONT OF THE BOOK INCLUDE

• The Bell Schedule



• Seating Charts—can also be under the tabs below (Note: if you have pics of students with names—that is SO useful)



• Classroom Rules and Procedures



• Attendance and Tardy Forms



• Fire alarm info with escape routes



• Map of the School



• Teachers who might be helpful



• Quick phone number reference (office, attendance, helpful teachers, technical support, etc.)
  

CREATE A TAB FOR EACH PERIOD

Under each period include:

• Identify two helpful students in each period



• An outline of the period



• Any handouts



• Something to assign or read if there is extra time