Time Fillers

As a new school year is beginning I have been approved to substitute in one school district and I am applying to two more districts.  For the most part, I only substitute for elementary and middle school classes.  I try to substitute in the areas in which I am certified (ESL, special education, math, and Spanish), but I will substitute in any area.

No matter what class you are subbing for, it is important to have extra activities ready for when things don't go as planned.  I always do my best to follow the teacher's instructions, but sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances.

You can use time fillers

• If everyone finishes early
• If there is unplanned activity (assembly, fire alarm) that takes up most of the class and there is not enough time to do the regular lesson
• If the class has had good behavior and you want to give them a short brain break
• If the teacher did not leave any plans due to an emergency

 Some of my favorite time fillers are:

1.  Origami

Most children of all ages love origami (especially some of the difficult students)!  It doesn't take many supplies--just paper and the instructions!  When teaching kids how to do origami, I would start by having everyone make the same thing following your directions.  Then, you can have the students make another piece or color the one they have just folded.  Most school libraries probably have books about origami that you can check out or you can print directions from the Internet.  One of my favorite websites for origami is  http://www.origami-fun.com/index.html.  This website has origami instructions that you can view online or directions that are formatted for printing.  It also has a rating system for how hard it is to make each item.  One warning about origami:  try to prevent students from making paper airplanes...there are much more interesting things they can learn how to make!  Plus you don't want paper airplanes flying around the room (the occasional hopping frog never bothered me thought...lol)  Also, have the students write their initials on the origami or personalize it in some other way so that their are no arguments later!

2.  Mastermind

I grew up playing this game with my Dad.  Don't worry if you don't own this game, because you can play it just as well on paper.  This game is especially appropriate for math classes, but can be used as a critical thinking exercise for any class.  When I play this game with my students, I usually do it as a reward at the end of class...it is an incentive for finishing their regular classwork.  And I don't call it Mastermind...I make up a new name just for fun!  Also, instead of playing it with 2 players, I start out by playing it with the whole class.  I make up the first code and play using the dry erase board or document camera.  I let the students raise their hands if they want to guess the code.  It is important to play with the whole class first because some of the students will catch on faster than others.  After a few rounds, you can let a student create the code and lead the game.  If the students get really good at it, then you can pair them up to play in small groups to play.  Another tip:  start out using only 3 digit numbers and do not let the students use the same number twice.  For example, you cannot use code 334 or 565.  As the students get better at playing the game, you can increase the number of digits in the code number to 4.  The students may look confused at first, but they will really get into once they figure out the best strategies for the game.

3.  Heads Up 7 Up

Personally, I don't use this game unless I'm really desperate.  This game is fun and we all played it as students ourselves, but it has no educational value.  However, it is good way to get a class to calm down because they all have to put their heads down and close their eyes.  Sometimes this game can accidentally single out the unpopular students because they never get picked so I would NOT recommend playing it too often or for very long periods of time.  Here are directions to 2 different variations on Heads Up 7 Up.  This game is most often played in elementary school, but some middle schoolers might like to play it as a way to reminisce....they will do anything if it means not doing school work..lol!

There are lots of other time fillers you can use (sudoku, crossword puzzles, word searches), but most of them require specific supplies that you would have to make copies of ahead of time.  I usually make a class set (about 30 copies) of a filler activity and take it with me to every job just in case.  If I don't use it that day, I save it for later.

Now, you should have at least 3 good things to use in a pinch when you are substituting.  As I come across more ideas for time fillers, I will pass them along.  If you decide to try these activities, let me know how it goes.