When I started doing Supply Teaching I was packing it! Every morning when the phone rang I would be anxious, wondering what school? What grade? Would there be a plan left? Would they be an absolute nightmare??
I use to dread getting calls for older classes in particular. For one, most of them were bigger than me. Secondly, their pre-pubescent attitude rattled me. Thirdly, the content intimidated me. I’m not stupid but when I am asked to go and teach about ‘electricity’ on a whim or whip up a lesson on BODMAS or is it BOMDAS? Argh! I get nervous just thinking about it.
To help calm my nerves, I made sure I was super prepared. I spent a fortune buying numerous books for Upper and Lower Primary specifically for Supply Teaching along with maths and literacy textbooks for all different ages. I had jam-packed portable filing folders in my car with class sets of photocopies for each grade level and different subjects. I carried numerous picture books to do activities from as well creating a book of activities I had come across along the way.
Some days I wouldn’t need any of my resources, other days I wished I had more tricks up my sleeve. I felt prepared, but geez was my bag heavy!
As time went on, and I gained more experience, I had refined my repertoire to include a few favourite lessons that worked a charm for all grades. I was getting more and more confident as the months rolled into years. I no longer feared that morning call of who or where I would be teaching, I would even get excited for some change and variety after being at the same school for a while.
When people I’ve come across who are either new to Supply or just struggling with the uncertainty and diversity of the job, I would enthusiastically share any tips and advice I had to help calm those nerves that I am all to familiar with. I was excited to have found my ‘thing’. Don’t quiz me on curriculum or report marking, but if you need tips for anything Supply related, I’m your go-to-gal!
After having two acquaintances in one day voice their nerves and concerns about starting Supply Teaching, I thought I might do something to help. So I created a book that I wished I had when I started out.
It took me a while, especially with a 4 month old baby and a 2 ½ year old toddler, but I'm so happy with the end result and I use it every day that I teach. There are thousands of other happy teachers who love it too! It is the backup book for when you need to fill in 5 minutes or for when there is no plan left at all. It is easy to read and implement and contains engaging lessons for students aged 4-12 years old AND all the activities need NO photocopying and little to no resources. Plus, it contains Behaviour Management Tips (crucial in Supply), an Organiser and much more!
If you too feel anxious about Supply Teaching, nervous every morning the phone rings, just remember that it will get easier the more experience you get. And if you can’t wait for that time to pass, get this book, it will give you the confidence and skills you need to conquer the most difficult classes. Or if not, this all-in-one book will at least lighten the load in your bag and save you time and money from buying and photocopying a million resources.
Kelly
Click HERE to Buy Now.
