Preparing to be a Last-Minute Substitute
A few years ago I was called to Primary, but not to any specific job. Instead, I was to come prepared to go anywhere and do anything. With so many years of Primary behind me, this calling was an interesting test of my teaching skills. I always looked over the lessons in each manual, but often I had only a few minutes of warning as to which lesson I would teach and how old the students would be. Several times I found myself teaching two classes at once, and my students varied widely in age. I quickly developed some skills that would allow me to be ready for any assignment.
The key to a successful last minute substituting job is preparation. If you often find yourself being called on to substitute at the last minute keep a bag of basic supplies ready to go. My bag always has construction paper, crayons, glue, scissors, stickers and something to toss, such as a bean bag. I keep a copy of each of the Illustrated Scriptures handy in case the lesson has a story I don’t know well enough to tell. I also like to keep a supply of square pieces of paper that can be quickly made into questions or clues, some cut out stars and hearts, yarn and other teaching materials. I have a packet of “choose the right” questions, the sort that are found in manuals to let children practice making choices. A few pieces of poster board are also helpful to have on hand.
When I get a call, I ask the ages of the children first and which manual they are using. Then I ask for the lesson number and name. I offer to look up the lesson online, because I know I will get it faster than if I wait to have one delivered. All lessons are available on the church site in the gospel library. Next, I ask if there are children with special needs or non-member children. Do any of the children have non-member parents? How many children are there? If possible, I like to get the names of those who are active. If this is a senior Primary class, I ask if the children are boys, girls or both. If I am talking to the teacher, I ask her if there is anything else she wants me to know about the class.
If the call comes Sunday morning, print off a copy of the lesson and quickly read it over. Don’t forget your pre-packed bag. If there is time to look over the lesson, grab any extra materials you may want. If you are on your way out the door immediately, you may want to duck out of Sacrament Meeting early to look over the materials.
Begin by reading the entire lesson to get a feel for the flow of the material. Then notice which scripture story is featured. Pay close attention to any other stories as well. Stories are the life of the lesson. Look at the purpose of the lesson so that you are sure you stay on topic. Then look at the section headings. These are your guide. Figure out the main points of the lesson, and cross out lightly any material you know you won’t be able to use because of the short notice. Make a simple outline of what you want to do, including any scriptures to be read, and head for the library to get any pictures or materials.
Most teachers will have to use the printed lesson as a guide when they are called on short notice. Try to avoid reading the material, however. You can do this by introducing discussions based on your outline. Letting children look up scriptures helps to fill the time.
Try to learn the stories as well as possible. If you can tell these well, you will hold their attention even if you have to read other parts of the material. The stories are often carried over when manuals are rewritten, so you may find that they are familiar to you. After so many years, I only need a brief review.
Fill any remaining time with a simple craft. There are a number of crafts that can apply to nearly any lesson, and you should carry materials for them. Little children like to make crowns with the lesson topic written on it. You can also make necklaces using the star and heart cutouts, also with the lesson topic written on them, or some aspect of the lesson. Hearts are great for a variety of crafts. If you have hearts of varying sizes, let children glue them to paper and write on them how they will do whatever the lesson asks them to do. They can also draw a picture pertaining to the lesson.
If you are teaching small children, have simple gospel finger plays or songs learned in advance. The lesson manuals have rhymes that can be used in a variety of lessons. Older children can play a simple and reverent game. Children can also spend a few minutes reciting Articles of Faith.
By spending a little time preparing, you can present a great lesson on a moment’s notice. Think of it as a challenge that helps you to grow.
By Terrie Lynn Bittner