In the world of teaching, taking a day off can often be accompanied by a feeling of guilt. We, as music educators, care deeply about our students and the quality of their music education. But it’s crucial to remember that we also need to care for ourselves. That’s where the concept of having a prepared set of music sub worksheets and the Music Sub Tub come into play.
In this blog post, we’ll explore five compelling reasons why it’s okay to take a day off, delve into the necessity of having a Music Sub Tub ready, and discover the types of suitable resources, classroom instructions, creative lesson ideas, as well as some suggestions for engaging music sub worksheets to make your absence a seamless learning experience for your students.
5 Reasons Why It’s Okay to Take a Day Off and Not Feel Guilty About It
As a music teacher, you often grapple with the idea of taking a day off, especially because it is near impossible to find a music trained sub teacher! However, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of self-care and its positive impact for you, those you love and your students. Here are five reasons why it’s okay to take a well-deserved day off without feeling guilty:
- Recharge and Rejuvenate: Teaching is a demanding profession, and to provide your students with the best, you need to be at your best. Taking a break allows you to recharge, ensuring that you can give your all when you return.
- Preventing Burnout: Avoiding burnout is essential for your long-term well-being and effectiveness as a teacher. It’s okay to take time off to rest and prevent burnout.
- Setting an Example: When you demonstrate the importance of self-care and work-life balance, you set a valuable example for your students. You show them that taking care of one’s well-being is essential.
- Opportunity for Growth: Absence can foster independence and problem-solving skills in your music students. It gives them a chance to take the lead and become more responsible for their own learning.
- Accessible Resources: Having a Music Sub Tub with engaging resources makes it easier for substitutes to continue the learning with your music classes. This means your students can benefit from meaningful music lessons even when you’re not in the classroom.
3 Reasons Why You Need to Have a Music Sub Tub Ready
Maintaining classroom continuity, especially when you are away from the classroom, is vital. There are three compelling reasons why having a Music Sub Tub ready is essential.
The main reason to have a set of music sub worksheets ready to go in your music sub tub, is because it means that you are prepared for unforeseen circumstances, reducing your stress levels. If you have a set of music sub worksheets ready to go, it also eliminates the need for last-minute lesson planning, allowing you to take time off with confidence.
Another reason to have your music sub tub ready is that it enables non-music substitute teachers to confidently use your prepared music sub worksheets and resources to deliver effective music lessons, ensuring the consistent quality of education your students receive.
Lastly, having everything ready in your Music Sub Tub will ensure that the learning community you have worked hard to create keeps the learning environment going, ensuring that your students can continue learning seamlessly even when you are absent.
4 Types of Suitable Resources for the Non-Music Sub Teacher
While you may have a deep understanding of music, not all substitute teachers will share your musical expertise. That’s why it’s essential to provide suitable music sub worksheets and resources for non-music substitutes. Here are four types of resources that are easy for non-music substitute teachers to use.
Music Games – music games like Music Bingo are great for the non-music sub teacher and your students. Depending on what your students have been learning in the classroom, will determine the Music Bingo Games to play. Try setting up your Bingo Games as a class set that can be stored in a Folder. This will keep all the Bingo Game materials together making it easier for you, the sub teacher, and your music classes. Other music games to play include games like Music Term Memory.
For instructions on how to play the Music Term Memory game, head on over to this blog post
Music Composer and Musician Research Worksheets – Music composer and musician research worksheets are invaluable additions to any Music Sub Tub. This type of music sub worksheets provides a structured and educational way for your music students to explore the lives and works of famous composers and musicians. These simple type of research music sub worksheets offer a holistic view of the musical world, covering different time periods and musical styles. Incorporating these music worksheets and research activities into your Music Sub Tub ensures that even on your day off, your music students can delve into the rich history of music, gaining insights into the artists who have shaped it. These types of resources not only keep students engaged and learning but will also help to foster their appreciation for the diverse and evolving world of music.
Music Coloring Pages – Music coloring pages are a fantastic addition for your Music Sub Tub. These simple activities offer a creative outlet for students to express themselves through art while connecting with musical concepts, especially if the music sub teacher plays some music in the background! Not only do music coloring pages provide a break from traditional learning, but they also can reinforce important musicians and composers that you have been studying in class. Including music coloring pages in your Music Sub Tub ensures that even in your absence, students can continue their music education through a fun and artistic avenue, making learning music a delightful experience for them.
Musician and Composer Sets link here
Free Music Coloring Pages link
Elements of Music Listening Worksheets – Utilizing listening activities in the Music Sub Tub is an excellent strategy to keep students engaged and learning when you are away. This type of music sub worksheets and listening activities provides your music students with the opportunity to refine their listening skills and apply what they’ve learned from previously using the listening worksheets in the classroom. After being introduced to musical concepts with your guidance during regular lessons, students can progress to independently explore music through focused listening activities. Music listening activities, when used in conjunction with prior classroom instruction, offers a seamless continuation of the curriculum, making it a valuable addition to the Music Sub Tub.
5 Classroom Instructions to Include in Your Music Sub Tub Teacher Folder
After you have decided on what music sub worksheets and activities to include in your music sub tub, there are a few other things you will want to add to ensure a smooth and successful experience for your substitute teacher and students.
Essential classroom instructions in your Music Sub Tub Teacher Folder:
Class Schedule: Provide a clear and detailed schedule of your classes, including timings and activities. This ensures that substitute teachers and students know what to expect.
Seating Arrangements: Explain how students should be seated for various activities. Proper seating arrangements are key to effective classroom management.
Materials Location: Specify where necessary materials are kept. This includes pens, pencils, markers, books, sound equipment, and any other resources your substitute teacher might need.
Classroom Management: Share your class routines and strategies for maintaining discipline and order. This includes your approach to behavior expectations and rewards.
School Emergency Procedures: Provide clear and concise instructions for handling any potential emergencies. Safety is of the utmost importance, and preparedness is key.
Taking a day off as a music teacher is a vital act of self-care for both your physical and mental health. You, as a dedicated music educator, have a profound commitment to your students and their musical education. However, you must also recognize the importance of self-care. Hopefully this blog post has shed light on five compelling reasons why it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and take a day off. We’ve explored the importance of having a Music Sub Tub at the ready, containing suitable resources, classroom instructions, creative lesson ideas, and engaging music sub worksheets. These tools ensure that your students can continue to learn and thrive even in your absence.
So, don’t hesitate to take that much-needed break and recharge. Visit our TPT store for the Music Sub Plans Worksheets Bundle and make your absence stress-free while providing your students with valuable learning experiences. Your students and your well-being will thank you for it.
Link to the Music Sub Worksheets Bundle here
Until next time
Happy teaching
Julia from Jooya