Whats In My Supply Bag
Emma is a qualified Sociology and English teacher with 12 years classroom experience. She is currently blogging about Education and family life in addition to doing supply teaching. Here Emma explains just what you would find in her supply bag.
Imagine walking into a job where you have a teeny bag with just your purse and keys. I used to look at those pretty handbags, tempting me to buy one, but always knew they were not practical for a teacher! Teachers need a shoulder bag, we need pockets and sections for all of our paraphernalia.
Today I thought I would share what I carry in my supply school bag. Supply teachers need to be super organised, they need to be creative, able to cope and adapt quickly. Most of the time we walk into a classroom and are greeted with a lesson plan and the resources we need. This is the ideal. However, there are times when best laid plans go awry. This is when your supply bag becomes your lifeline.
? Carry a supply of pencils or pens. I want to be able to settle a class quickly, especially if I am new to them. If I have the basics available to hand I am not left hunting through draws for basic equipment and letting the children sit with nothing to do.
? Board pens in a range of colours. Obvious really, but then I can write instructions clearly. Just beware of fancy interactive whiteboards. You don?t want to write on something you shouldn?t and be known as *that supply teacher*
? A bank of resources. I always have some time fillers that can be used at the start or end of a lesson. Keep a note of activities that work well, my examples include writing an acrostic poem using the letters of the subject. There are some great KS1 resources in this post.
? A quiz book is a great time filler and I have a general knowledge book suitable for all ages.
? Post It Notes, if you are wanting to be booked again act to impress. I leave the teacher a little note on top of the class books saying where we got up to with the lesson plan. It makes it easier for when the class teacher returns and they will appreciate you and remember you.
? A fellow blogger who also does supply teaching shared her gem which she uses with primary school children. She has a memory stick with a number of Maths and Literacy lessons ready to go. Colette also has a stamp which says ?marked by your supply teacher?. Again this is a quick and easy way to show the work is valued.
? A mug, we all know that staff room politics exists and anyone that knows me knows I need regular coffee! Therefore to make sure I never take the wrong cup I have one in my bag along with some sachets of coffee and my sweeteners. Don?t forget lunch either.
? Finally - don?t forget your timesheets and agency documentation. You want to be paid on time.
Have you got an essential or brilliant idea that you keep in your supply bag? Leave us a comment on our Facebook or Twitter page, we?d love to hear your thoughts.
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