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Have you ever heard the expression "having tricks up your sleeve"? Now having your name on a substitute list you must be prepared for the eventual call. When the center will call, they'll most likely tell you what time you be working to and from. They'll tell you what age group you'll be working with. Also that the educator absent will be leaving a list of the children in her class as well as a detailed schedule with activities for the day. Unfortunately, life is not all so well prepared. But YOU must be prepared. What happens if the educator called in that morning and you only have time to get to work? You won't panic if you have your goody-bag ready. A goody-bag is a simple duffle-bag (we all have them lying at the bottom of our closets) filled with goodies. Now here are some ways to fill your bag... Of course the classroom will be filled with toys, but they won't be new to the children. If you come in with new things, they'll be busy and won't spend all day trying to test you. (And they'll test you but that's another article altogether.) This way it will give you a chance to get familiar with some tools before you get inside that classroom. You can fill up your bag with pretty much anything and everything. Don't go crazy and spend mega bucks to buy new things. Visit garage sales, flea markets and your friends (or yourself) who have kids. The toys will have to be clean, safe (no sharp edges) or small pieces. Here are a few ideas: Bubbles - A container is available at the dollar store and there's not a child who doesn't like bubbles. The children can blow them, run for them, watch them, and draw them. Puppets - have many finger puppets for the children or have one you introduce as your friend. Your friend can tell a story, sing songs, and use it get to know the children. Books - You can get used books for 25 to 50 cents. Have two or three in your bag and read them before you leave your house. Use the Internet: Visit some of the links to get printable crafts ideas to make with paper, origami, droodles, words to children's songs, story ideas and letter games. Place the papers in a duotang and leave it in your bag. Droodles HomepageFree Planet Pals Card Game Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article A Goody-Bag for Substitute Educators/Teachers in Early Childhood Education is owned by Marie-Helen Goyetche. Permission to republish A Goody-Bag for Substitute Educators/Teachers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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