Happy September! Back to school season is here which means it’s time to get organized! I am a substitute teacher this year and that means every day I never really know what I’m walking into. Therefore, I need to be prepared for pretty much anything. Although I could show up with only my lunch and be able to make it through the day, I find having some tools, extra snacks (for when I’m extra hungry) and resources make my life easier and the day go a little smoother. I found it interesting to learn about what others would bring with them each day and after 6 months of working have a pretty good idea of what I may need. I’ve divided my list into 2 categories. The first being my necessities, also known as the things I use often and find very useful. The second list is things I like to have, I don’t always use and I could probably survive without.
The Essentials:
- Sub Binder! This includes graphic organizers, short lesson plans for a wide range of subject/grade levels, games…. stay tuned and subscribe for a more detailed post of this coming soon!
- My ID tag on a lanyard – I’m required to wear this but leave it in my bag every night so I don’t forget it
- Planner
- Business Cards – in my district we can be requested to sub in the future so I like to leave my card
- “While you were away” blank page. See this post for more details and to print for free!
- Pencil case – includes highlighters, pens, pencils, etc (I like to have my own supplies especially during the times we are living in)
- Sanitizer… obviously. Although schools have it, it’s nice to have my own close by
- An extra clean mask
- Bandaids – I can’t count the number of times I have been asked for a bandaid by a student and have had to dig through a teacher’s desk to only be left empty handed. Buying a box to have with you is definitely worth the cost of convenience
- Candy. Not for the kids lol but a personal stash. I’m actually serious that this is an essential. Sometimes days are busy and hectic, but a Werther (yes that makes me sound like a grandma – no offence to any Werther loving grandmas), a high chew or a piece of chocolate can really help to improve an afternoon
- Gum or mints
- Electronic whistle – No longer do we need to blow on gross whistles!! I found mine on amazon.
- Some sort of energy bar – my favourite is Larabar
- Glasses – for obvious reasons
- Hand cream – this is a necessity because of hand sanitizer (see above)
Extras! (Things you don’t need but are helpful):
- A book that works for many different ages – having a book is great in case you need to fill an extra 10-25 minutes. I like something that is meaningful and can prompt conversations.
- Stickers! Great for rewards
- Sticky notes
- Deck of cards and dice – perfect for a class game
- Portable phone charger (mine doubles as a light up mirror and I love it!)
- Lip chap, setting powder, other makeup
- A thin notebook/blank paper – sometimes you need blank paper fast and depending on the class finding this may be more difficult so having a couple of pieces or a notebook is handy
What are some must haves in your teacher or substitute teacher bag?
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Love, mads 