Here is my Sub Tub (the cute label is from TpT I got years ago). It is a Portable File Box (can buy for like $10-$20 at Walmart and other stores). Inside I have my sub folder and hanging file folders labeled by subject area. (I'm working on making it a bit cuter this summer)
At the beginning of the school year, I run class sets of copies for simple work/activities for students to do in each subject area. Throughout the year, if I ever come across extra work the students didn't get to, handwriting practice, or other simple activities the students could do with a sub, I just add it to the sub tub. When it is time for me to plan for a sub, I am too sick and need to call in, or have to leave the classroom suddenly, I can pull stuff from my sub tub quickly and it is ready to go.
One of my favorite activities I put in my sub tub (in the reading files) is a copy of the book "Miss Nelson is Missing" by James Marshall, and some looseleaf paper with a note for the sub to tell the kiddos to draw a picture and/or write a story about where they think Mrs. Hernandez is. This activity is simple, Kinders can complete independently at any part in the school year, students are engaged, and it is fun to see what their imaginations come up with. I also put a few animal and community helper books in the Science/Social Studies files with construction paper for students to draw and write about the animal/book they listened to. Again, simple activities students can do with a sub.
Prepping my sub folder before the school year starts is also another life saver. In there I have a general note to the sub (thanking them for being there, letting them know which co-worker to ask for help, and any special notes or concerns for any of my students), my schedule, school map, nurses notes, transportation list, student medical concerns, etc. I also have a Sub Lesson Plans in there and THIS IS IMPORTANT! At the beginning of the year, I write out my master copy of sub lesson plans. I keep to the student's normal schedule and routine. I add the times of everything and describe specific procedures a sub would need to know about (don't make these too long, a sub does not and will not read long paragraphs). On these plans, I have the subject title next to the time and then tell the sub to look into the sub tub for that subject.
For example:
1:00 - 1:30 Math - (If I did not leave plans, please pull two activities from the 'Math' files in the Sub Tub).
I keep two copies of these lesson plans in the sub folder is a life saver (and be sure to keep the master electronically). If I know I am going to be out the next school day, I just open up my electronic master copy, type in a few specific activities for the specific subject areas, and am done. If I am not able to prepare for a sub, a co-worker just has to go in my classroom, pull out the sub tub and pull the 'sub plans' out of the sub folder and then they are done! The sub can read the pre-made plans, easily pull activities from the sub tub when prompted, and your co-workers don't need to do anything to help you prep for a sub! At one point this past school year, my baby boy got sick and I had to leave school suddenly at lunch. I was able to pull the sub tub out, pull my sub lesson plans out, and leave the room within three minutes; my co-workers did not have to do anything to help prepare for this sub.
THE SUB TUB HAS SAVED SO MUCH TIME! I strongly encourage every teacher to have one prepared. If you have any questions about this, feel free to message me! :)
#TeacherHacks #BeingOrganizedSavesSoMuchTime
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