How to Be a Substitute Teacher for Kindergarten
Many people choose to become substitute teachers because they enjoy working with kids, and some people prefer to be around the youngest group of students – kindergarteners. Substituting for these little ones is often a mix of babysitting and teaching, as they are still developing their writing, reading and math skills, and many of their regular school activities include coloring and learning how to tie their shoes. If you are looking for some extra side work and want to spend your days with 5-year-olds, there are many ways to prepare for the kindergarten substitute teaching position.
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Instructions
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Obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree, as this is one of the main requirements for substitute teachers in most school districts. Some kindergarten-friendly majors include English, art, early child development, psychology or other liberal arts degrees.
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Research your local school districts’ substitute teaching requirements and apply accordingly. For example, some require criminal background checks, while others require passing medical or physical examinations as well.
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Talk about your interest in substituting for kindergarten classes when you go to your school district interview. Give examples of your past experiences working with children, such as teaching Sunday school or working at a day care center.
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Prepare for your first substitute teaching assignment. While many teachers will leave lesson plan instructions, you may have to come up with classroom activities, and kindergarteners have different tastes and skill sets than older kids.
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Manage a rowdy classroom by introducing different games that teach and entertain at the same time. For example, play a game that helps develop their five senses. According to TeacherVision, you can put a variety of items under a sheet, such as a pine cone, an egg, a feather and a baseball. Ask the students to guess what each item is without looking at it to practice their tactile senses.
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Show students a simple item, such as an apple or a leaf, and ask them to draw it.
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Play indoor games that were fun when you were a kid, including I Spy, Simon Says and Duck Duck Goose. Teach them how to play animal charades for a laugh.
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Read a book to the class when all else fails. Most kindergarteners love books and will sit quietly for at least one story. Go to your local bookstore or library to find out what books are currently popular or rely on old classics, such as Dr. Seuss books.
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