Guest Teacher

This fall I have been guest teaching. I have been trying to note things that I want to do in my next classroom and I am realizing that it will be beneficial to actually note them (not just think - wow, good idea - and move on). So today's note: The Sub-Folder.

Every teacher creates one. As a guest teacher, it seems that every time I am frustrated because the teacher did not leave the information I needed, it turns out that it actually was there. It (whatever it is) was buried in the sub folder. The key seems to be how that information is organized. 

When a sub folder is literally a flat folder it is difficult to find things quickly. When a student is having a melt down and needs to talk to the social worker, I want to be able to act. I do not want to spend time sifting through papers looking for the correct number.  

My favorite sub-folder has been a three ringed binder. All the pages were in page protectors and the sections were divided with clearly tabbed tabbed dividers. I want every classroom I substitute teach in to have a binder with the following sections: class list, a list of special needs, seating chart, important phone numbers, daily schedule, and extra activities. Teachers would get bonus points from me if their sub binder included small pictures of each student with the class list or seating chart. I also want the daily schedule to be very specific about morning routines and end of the day routines. 

This flip chart from http://thesilverlininginteaching.blogspot.com has very similar information in another easy to use format.