Pro tips for substitute teaching in elementary school.

Whether you’re a sparkling new substitute teacher or a veteran of older classrooms, substitute teaching at the elementary level can seem daunting. Elementary educators facilitate lesson plans for multiple subjects—usually with the same group of students. It’s a unique dynamic, and like every grade level, it comes with its own challenges. 

However, the impact of a substitute teacher in elementary classrooms is especially significant. According to Harvard Kennedy School’s The Journalist’s Resource, teacher absences negatively affect elementary students than older students. Without a dedicated substitute stepping in, these younger learners are more vulnerable to learning setbacks.  

At Kelly Education, we understand the critical role substitutes play, which is why we recruit and train teachers who are prepared to thrive in any classroom and at any grade level. Continue reading to learn more about substitute teacher jobs at the elementary school level. 

Relate to young children. 

Begin the day by taking attendance and introducing yourself. Use your “teacher voice” with welcoming, open body language (smile, maintain good posture, and avoid crossing your arms). Even small changes, like an absent teacher, can cause anxiety in young students. Your confidence will help alleviate their unease. 

Once you establish initial trust between you and your students, there are additional steps you can take to build a friendly teacher-student relationship: 

• Share a fun fact about yourself (your favorite ice cream topping, for example). Have students introduce themselves and respond in kind. 

• Ask follow-up questions and show genuine interest in what your students have to say. Model respectful communication and active listening; this will help you create a healthy and safe classroom environment. 

• Incorporate movement into your lesson plan. Kids have a lot of energy, so be open to more hands-on activities or even random dance breaks. 

Respond to challenging students. 

Some students will begin to test independence boundaries in elementary school. They are developing logical thinking and impulse control. You may need to defer to a few tried-and-true classroom management techniques: 

Consistency: Review the classroom rules at the beginning of each lesson. Hold every child accountable to those same rules. 

Predictability: Stick to the routine. By default, as a substitute teacher, your presence disrupts the norm for these young students. Share your plan for the day, so students know what to expect. 

Calm: Young students sometimes misbehave to get a reaction from you. Rather than responding negatively, be direct and, if needed, meet with the student one-on-one. Listen with empathy and help them identify their emotions. You might even create a “calm section” in the classroom where students can take a break from the group. You can integrate coloring pages or books, so the space feels less like a punishment. 

Praise: Don’t fixate on the negative. Instead, offer praise when students behave appropriately. 

Recognize key differences between older grades. 

Elementary classrooms have a few distinct differences from their middle- and high-school counterparts: 

• Elementary substitute teachers facilitate multiple subjects throughout the day, while higher-level educators typically teach one specialized subject. 

• Rather than switching classrooms for different periods, elementary students mostly stay in the same space. As such, it’s important to incorporate plenty of breaks to help students stay engaged. 

• While kindergartners should be potty-trained, accidents happen. Ask another teacher or administrator about expectations for bathroom breaks. You’ll want to incorporate consistent opportunities for students to use the restroom as needed. 

• Be prepared to read aloud. Younger students are still learning basic literacy. So, story time is a great activity to build on those skills and keep them entertained. 

• There will likely be at least one snack time. 

• If the class is relocating (for gym class, lunch, or recess), elementary teachers walk with their students to ensure everyone arrives without incident. 

Plan for the full day. 

A typical elementary school day starts early and is pretty predictable. Remember, young students require consistency. 

• The first 30 minutes will encompass the morning routine. As a class, use this time to take attendance, listen to morning announcements, unpack, and set up workspaces for the day. Students may also receive a morning activity (a puzzle or coloring sheet) to help them prepare for learning. 

• Students will engage in separate lessons throughout the day, covering core curricula (language arts, science, math, and social studies). To help separate each subject, intersperse snack times, bathroom breaks, and activity breaks. 

• Students typically eat lunch in the cafeteria. If the weather is nice, elementary students then have outdoor recess. They may also have one or two brief recesses at other times of the day. 

• At the end of the day, teachers often accompany students to the parent pick-up or school bus line.  

Work with Kelly Education. 

As a substitute teacher for any grade, your primary responsibility is to supervise and ensure students’ academic consistency. Your presence alone can help maintain a safe and engaging classroom environment. 

So, whether you’re a current substitute looking for a new challenge or a prospective substitute testing the waters, teaching in an elementary setting is rewarding (even if it feels beyond your comfort zone). 

Want more substitute teacher tips and tricks? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re curious about substitute teacher dress codes, need a first-day packing list, or aren’t sure how to introduce yourself to the class, Kelly Education shares everything you should know about substitute teaching—even backup activities for elementary, middle, and high school — to help you feel confident when the school bell rings. 

Want to become a substitute teacher? Fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you. We’re excited to answer your questions and share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher with one of our school district partners. 

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