Creating the Sub Tub

At our teacher inservice this past Monday, we were all given an assignment:  to create an emergency sub binder/tub.  I'd seen several music teachers who had created them on pinterest and blogged about what their sub information and tubs contained.  Always sounded like a great idea, but one I hadn't done until now!  And I'm incredibly excited about what's been created!!!

Being a music teacher means that not every sub is musically-inclined or comfortable singing or playing instruments with classes.  I never leave lessons where subs use the instruments or teach a new musical concept.  In the past, I have left worksheets, games or videos.  The lessons in my sub tub will allow my subs to have everything they need without my having to scramble if my kids get sick in the middle of the night or start running a fever at 6am.  Everything is there and ready.  No stress!

WHAT GOES INSIDE?

First I came up with a plan of what I wanted to include in my Binder.  I purchased a bright yellow binder as well as page inserts.  I found a cute Chevron sub binder print that I could tweak to work for my binder and give it more character.  You can use it here:

Chevron Sub Binder Freebie


There were the basics to include in the binder:

1.  Lesson Plans for each grade level
2.  Directions for all activities, worksheets, books, songs and computer stations.
3.  General information about classroom management, procedures, telephone numbers for the office and classrooms
4.  Nurse Passes, Bathroom Pass information
5.  Fire and Intruder Drills



SUB TUB

Second I had to choose what I wanted to put not only the Sub Binder, but all of the materials.  There was the clear bin idea which I really didn't want to do because the papers would get all bent.  There was the single binder idea, but that would become extremely heavy.  I went with my third thought which is a Staples hanging file plastic bin.  Sturdy, organized and only $7.99.

http://www.staples.com/Staples-File-Storage-Crates-Black/product_253856?externalize=certona



HOW TO ORGANIZE BY GRADE

I chose to use colored hanging files and then use matching colored file folders in each one by grade.  Grade level colors are:

Kinder - Yellow
First - Red
Second - Green
Third - Blue
Fourth - Orange
Fifth - Yellow

Since they only come in five colors, I used yellow for both Kinder and Fifth.  It's clean and easy to use.

Hanging File Folders:
http://www.staples.com/Staples-Bright-Colored-Hanging-File-Folders-Letter-5-Tab-Assorted-25-Box/product_875411

File Folders:
http://www.staples.com/Staples-Colored-File-Folders-Letter-3-Tab-Assortment-A-100-Box/product_875429


INDIVIDUAL GRADE LEVEL ORGANIZATION

Each grade is now color-coded.  The next part was writing several lesson plans for each grade and then deciding how to organize the files for each section.  In the older grades, I leave centers:
1.  Computer    2.  Game    3.  Worksheet

Students rotate through the centers every 15-20 minutes.  Some classes will complete all three stations; others will get to two stations.

On the file folders, I labeled a folder game directions and another folder labeled game boards and pieces.  For worksheets, I have labeled a folder for the sub with an answer key, directions and worksheet.  Another folder has more than enough copies of each worksheet for that lesson.

I'm still in the process of putting the final details on all of it.  And yes, it did take many hours to get it the way that I want it.  But completely worth all the time up front!