Kelly Education's first-day checklist says to pack age-fitting activities such as word searches, crossword puzzles and coloring pages for extra time beyond the plans. Magoosh suggests filler sheets like mazes and connect-the-dots, and the San Ramon Valley Unified substitute handbook says it helps to have your own age-fitting activities in case no plans can be found.
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Watch for Kelly notes copies can usually be made at the school, so bring one master of each sheet rather than a class set, and follow the teacher's plans first.
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Kelly Education puts a state-issued driver's license or ID first on its checklist, because many schools check identification at the door and track who is in the building. Its guide for first-time subs adds that you sign in at the front office.
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Watch for Some districts hand you a substitute badge at check-in, as the Dysart Unified handbook describes, so ask your district or agency which ID they want to see.
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Magoosh says to bring your own markers, pens, pencils and dry-erase markers or chalk, because supplies can be hard to find in a room you don't know. Kelly lists the same backup supplies, and a sub quoted by We Are Teachers carries her own so she never has to open the teacher's desk.
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Watch for Markers dry out and walk off; keep a few spares and a pencil pouch so your own set does not end up in the class bins.
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Kelly Education's list of extras from working subs includes a clipboard to hold lesson plans, seating charts, rosters and emergency plans in one place. Subs quoted by Swing Education add notepads and pens for writing notes to the teacher at the end of the day.
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Watch for Leave the seating chart and roster in the room when you go; they belong to the school, not in your bag.
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Kelly Education says to pack lunch, snacks and water, since you can't eat in front of students and breaks can be short. The Dysart Unified substitute handbook says subs may buy lunch in the cafeteria or bring it from home.
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Watch for Kelly's guide for first-time subs suggests asking the front office about the lunch schedule and whether you may use the staff fridge.
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The substitute toolbox from ESU 6 suggests keeping read-aloud books in your backpack: picture books for younger students, and poetry or short picture books for older ones. Kelly and We Are Teachers also name a book to read to the class, and We Are Teachers suggests a story about a substitute teacher.
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Watch for Pick something you have read yourself first, and check that it suits the grade you are called for.
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A sub quoted in We Are Teachers' 55 tips for substitutes brings stick-on name tags that students write and decorate, so she can call each child by name. Magoosh also lists name tags or name cards for subs who have trouble remembering names.
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Watch for Older students may write a fake name, so check against the class roster as you take attendance.
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Kelly Education lists a whistle among the extras working subs carry, for days when you cover PE or recess. Magoosh puts a whistle with the basic supplies a sub should bring.
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Watch for You may not have outdoor duty at all, so ask at check-in; some schools have their own signal for lining up.
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Kelly Education's guide for first-time subs suggests travel-sized hand sanitizer, tissues and disinfecting wipes, plus any medicine you take yourself. Its first-day checklist adds bandages, lip balm and safety pins, and Magoosh lists sanitizer and tissues too.
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Watch for This kit is for you; Kelly says any medicine you bring is your own and not for students, and the school nurse or office looks after students.
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Kelly Education's list of extras from working subs includes a light sweater for a classroom that feels chilly. Magoosh also suggests an extra jacket, and a sub quoted by Swing Education packs winter gear in case of outdoor supervision.
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Watch for A heavy coat is only needed if you may have outdoor duty, so ask about recess when you are called.
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