Secrets to a Spectacular Music Sub Tub

 How to Make a Musical Sub Tub 

There's a national teacher shortage because the demands on educators is enormous.  Not being able to take a break from school without feeling guilty that that your students won't be in good hands only adds to that burden.

Oh, and if your school is anything like mine, music substitutes are even harder to acquire!  Follow these steps to set yourself up for success.

Pick a tub

Contrary to the name, sub tubs do not have to be tubs.  I like the size of this tub but have been using a 3-ring binder with digital links since so much of my plans were digitized due to distance Learning.  You may even link hanging file folders.

I'm in love with these chalkboard stickers because it allows me to write & edit the labels.  With a farmhouse vibe (Farmhouse Music Teacher Gradebook & Farmhouse Teacher Binder, Bulletin Board, & Classroom forms) in my classroom, these fit the decor but are super functional.  I even use these in my pantry at home!!

Once you've picked your container & labeled it clearly, you're ready to pick some lessons.

What do I put into my sub tub?

• Contact information for you & key people such as tech, fellow teachers, or administrators
• Locations for where to find materials such as markers, paper, instruments, books, or tech devices.
• Welcome Letter
• Protocols for dismissal, lining up, lunch, etc.
• Seating Charts (Get your editable freebie!)
• Medical needs
• Schedule
• Procedures for drills with maps
• Lesson Plans per grade level
• Student Login information
• Sub feedback forms

What lessons should I plan?

Use resources you already have to simplify your life.  The top 5 types of lessons are:

1. Books & stories
2. Coloring worksheets connected to theme
3. Centers or task cards
4. Puzzles intended for review
5. Collaborative activities such as discussion questions or games

You are the expert; you'll know what is best for your students, but here are some lessons I put into my own sub plans:

• 
  K-2 - Brown Bear is a musical picture book
  lesson.  With rhythm worksheets & chanting activities, even non-musical subs can handle this lesson.  Snag your copy here.
• Books are awesome
• Engaging worksheet
• Guides a sub thoughtfully
• Ta & Titi rhythm practice is familiar for most students
• 
  3-4 - Chrome Music Lab task cards are fun ways to allow students to explore music while productively utilizing technology. Using this in musical centers would help the sub with classroom management, too.  The entire bundle can be found in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store
• 
  5-8  - Middle school students will love to drum if your sub is up for it.  This Pop Music Drum Along has linked music, and a variety of rhythms perfect for challenging students.    
• 5-8 - Not all subs will be ready to drum, so I've got you covered there too:  Upgrade your color by Note worksheets by celebrating famous female musicians or other artists by any given theme.

I've created a sub tub for K-8 music classes which I use in my classes with linked activities from the list above.  You can purchase it here.

Putting it together

Once you've typed out instructions for each lesson or activity, clip it to the copies.  If you're using a master copy, be sure to label that clearly so it doesn't get handed to a student & add a note to make x amount of copies.

Group materials by grade in order to make them easy to find for a substitute.  Place these folders into your sub tub.

For those opting for digital lessons, be sure to set the permissions on the files so that anyone with the link can open it.  You can even generate a QR code to link to your digital sub tub!

Sharing the Sub Tub

Each school has their own procedures, so check with the people that know such as your administrators or more commonly, secretaries!  I leave mine near the front of the class as well as post the QR code by the touch screen.  

Alright, experts - what other tips do you have?  Leave a comment to share your tips!