Submitted by Rachel Luhn

Idea posted November 30, 2004

My sub tub needs to include activities for kindergarten through eighth grade, as I teach all of those grade levels in the course of a day. In my sub tub, I have:

  • Song folders and a master CD of favorites (mostly Music K-8 stuff) for intermediates. There are enough folders for each child.
  • A master CD of favorites for primary. Folders are not necessary as they don't read off of lyric sheets.
  • Videos appropriate for each grade level.
  • The SQUILT Listening Quiz (from another Idea Bank post).
  • Flashcards for Around-the-World, partner practice, etc.
  • Rhythm Bingo and small prizes.
  • Picture books, such as The Remarkable Farkle McBride, etc.
  • Worksheets, word searches, etc. labeled for appropriate grades. These are especially useful for band lessons.
  • Music journal topics.

    • And, most importantly,

  • A giant packet of instructions on how to use each activity.
  • Grade level suggestions for each activity. (I once had a sub who showed Tackling the Monster, a video on how to practice, to my first graders!)
  • A feedback sheet. That way the sub can let me know what they used, how it went, and anything else I need to know about the day.