Art Teacher Sub Plans

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Art Teachers sometimes fail to have sub plans. Especially emergency sub plans.  This then presents a problem.  Don't fall into this trap by being unprepared.   I have 5 sets of emergency plans just in case already prepared.  Here are some sites that you can check out that might help you prepare, and some tips from me.


Think about using a book as a starter to stimulate ideas for sub plans.  I have a set of elementary age books I use just for emergency sub plans that are different than those for regular art plans.  For example, for the book, Gift Bear for the King by Carl Memling; Illustrated by Lillian Hoban, copyright 1966, I would have the book read to them, then have students draw their favorite part of the book that shows the bear doing something they liked best:  washing dishes, singing on the road, in jail, arriving at the king, etc.  Then, have students line up in order of the drawings in the class: Which drawing shows the beginning, middle or end of the book.  Teaches sequencing and stimulate their thinking.  Good for 1st-2nd grade.

Check out this wonderful website:  http://www.incredibleart.org/lessons/SubPlans/subelem.htm
and this one, too
http://msmalonesartroom.blogspot.com/2010/08/substitute-lesson-plans-for-art-room.html

1)  Create an Emergency Art Plan folder which contains, copies of all your class lists; a copy of your rules, what to do in case of fire or tornado, etc.; and sub plans.  Explain where to find paper, etc., that will be needed for the plans.
2)  Make copies of the plans and put in a folder. Give to the school secretary.  Tell her to use only in an emergency situation (like your were in an accident and now in the hospital, death in the family, etc.), NOT for your regular substitutes. 
3) Make another copy and put in a folder and then in a box  (see #4)
4)  Create a box for the plans with all the paper, supplies the sub will need to carry out the plans.  Put the folder in the box on top.    Label the box, Emergency Art Plans Only!

My favorite sub lesson plan is this:  Draw an Expression of  a Word

Randomly write a bunch of  adjective words on a piece of paper:  beautiful, funny, frightening, wonderful, inspiring, adorable, alive, smoggy, sparkling etc., Tear or cut into strips. Have each student randomly pick one. 
Hand out paper, pencils.  Have students draw images only (NO WORDS) to express what they think the word means.  Pass out markers for them to color images.  I did this with 6, 7, 8 graders, and it was amazing what they came up with!
Would work with 3,4, and 5th graders, except try using verbs: wondering, thinking, teaching, helping, sharing, give, grow, answer, measure, etc.

Good luck.  Remember the idea is to keep it simple, but fun.  I have learned that the simplest projects are the ones kids remember the most.  I'll never forget how they kept talking for weeks about that squirrel named Merle. LOL.