How to Pack a Substitute Teaching Bag

For every substitute teacher, being prepared is half the battle. Packing a substitute teaching bag can help any sub teacher be classroom-ready at a moment's notice!

Things You'll Need

• Decent-sized bag (tote bag or backpack)
• 2 plastic pencil boxes
• Assorted school supplies, including paper, chalk, dry-erase markers, eraser, pens, pencils, crayons, paper clips and rubber bands.
• Personal items, such as aspirin, tampons and band-aids.
• A couple of folders, preferably with brads
• Small 3-ring notebook with several clear sheet protectors
• 2 to 3 books to read aloud to the class
• General activity/worksheet book, all ages
• Stickers and other rewards

Instructions

1. Pick a good-sized bag. It can be anything from a tote back to a backpack. Just make sure it is comfortable for you and will fit everything you need. It does not need to be fancy, but it will need to be professional enough to take into a school. A bag that will hold a lunch is a bonus.

2. Get your supplies together. Never assume that anything you need will be quickly available to you in the classroom. Be sure to have dry-erase markers, chalk, pens, pencils and paper with you at all times. It is much easier to pull out your own dry-erase marker than to waste time searching for the teacher's. (Remember, as a sub you must keep the class under control. By appearing professional and prepared, you will stop some of the discipline situations before they arise.) Put your school supplies in a plastic pencil case so you can grab it at a moment's notice.

3. Include a list of activities for kids, just in case the teacher has underestimated how much time the work he left will take. If you teach several age groups, a binder can be your friend. Take several worksheets, put them in plastic sheet protectors and separate them by age group. It is a good idea to have activities that you can write on the board rather than something you will need to pass out, as you may not have access to a copier.

4. Tuck several books into your bag. These can be picked up inexpensively at yard and library sales. Classics like Shel Silverstein's "A Light in the Attic" have very short sections and can be used for many age groups. Most children love to be read to, and having a story to read to them can help with the last few minutes of class once the work has been turned in. It's a treat and a time filler in one! Stickers and other small rewards can be useful as well. These can be found at various discount stores for very little money.

5. Pack items for your personal needs. A plastic pencil case with aspirin, tampons and other personal items can be a lifesaver. Fill a folder with any paperwork your school requires you to fill out so it is ready when you get to your assignment. Get a few copies of things like office referrals, nurse slips and hall passes if you can. It's always better to be prepared than to dig through the teacher's desk.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't bring candy as a reward. Many districts do not allow food, and food allergies are becoming a big issue.