Part 2: Emergency Sub Tub
Emergency “Sub Tubs” are commonplace in the elementary classroom, but can be a foreign concept to middle and high school teachers. I implemented an Emergency Sub Tub about 5 years ago and never looked back! Here’s how to set yours up:
Choose a designated area and suitable container.
I like to use a milk crate with hanging folders. They are inexpensive, easy to move around the classroom, and don’t take up a lot of space. Make sure you choose the right size hanging folders for your milk crate and be sure to pick up some tabs for labeling. Find a spot in the classroom that is both out of the way and easy to spot. I usually left my Sub Tub under the teacher desk in the classroom.
Print necessary information.
Prepare and print any necessary information for your substitute: class rosters, photographs, seating charts, emergency medical information, etc. I also leave my daily schedule (especially if you travel between schools or classrooms!), and office and/or neighboring teacher information. Depending on the sub plans you leave, this would be a great time to type up or find technology instructions for the computer station, DVD player, projector, or any other necessary technology. Once you type it up, it’s ready to go every single time you need it.
Organize and label.
Next you need to decide how you would like to organize your hanging files. You could do it by hour, by prep, or by day. Here are the tabs that I have used:
Rosters
Emergency Information
Technology Instructions
Sub Plan 1
Sub Plan 2
Sub Plan 3
I keep the rosters, emergency information, and technology instructions separate from the sub plans. As these are emergency sub plans, I never know if they will be used 3 days in a row, with the same substitute teacher, etc. I also leave directions on each page to make sure they are put back into the Sub Tub after use. You could even laminate these pages!
Plan and Fill.
Now it’s time to plan your actual sub plans. Keep in mind that these are EMERGENCY plans, and you want them usable for any time of the year, regardless of season, unit, etc. I recommend a variety of plans and technology needs, especially in case you end up needing them three days in a row. Include a Sub Letter to your sub outlining where to find your rosters and included information as well as the plans for the day. Here’s what I’ve done in the past:
Day 1: Movie Day!
This is Sub Plan 1, but would probably last 2 days depending on the length of the class period. I like to leave 3-5 musical DVDs that the sub (or students) may select from. As they watch the DVD, they can work on a Character Development Worksheet for a character of their choice. Of course a worksheet isn’t necessary to watch a movie, but I find it helps keep the class focused and helps to manage behavior.
Day 2: Music Theory Worksheets.
Sub Plan 2 includes music theory worksheets. Assign your favorite music theory worksheets. Sometimes I will assign a packet and tell my students that one page will count as a quiz grade… but they don’t know which one. This encourages them to work diligently and finish the packet before the end of the hour. You can tailor these to fit the needs of your students, but this Growing Bundle of worksheets is a great place to start!
Day 3: Musical Scavenger Hunt.
In my advanced ensembles, they are able to rehearse without me. However, beginning groups may not be capable of managing this themselves. If I’m absent, I would still like for them to spend time with their current repertoire. Score study is a great way to have students work on concert or class repertoire on days where rehearsal isn’t possible. Check out the Musical Scavenger Hunt!
Once you’ve planned all of your activities, make any necessary copies for your students. This will ensure that your substitute is able to execute your plans during any emergency absence. The hanging folders should be spacious enough to hold all of your copies.
Let your students know!
Once you create your Sub Tub, make sure your office staff, neighboring teachers, and students know where it is in case you are absent!
These sub plans are relatively low tech and can work for schools who are not 1:1 with student devices. If you would prefer to include more technology in your Emergency Sub Plans, check out these resources:
Performance Anxiety Google Form
How Does My Voice Work? Google Form
I hope this is helpful and you can implement a Sub Tub in your secondary choir classroom. Stay tuned next week for Youtube Sub Plans!
