Supply tips!

[Treadlightly]

I've had a couple of years out of class & I'm starting some supply teaching this week - got a day booked in reception!
I think I should take a couple of nice books & have a few activities up my sleeve if it all goes horribly wrong
Has anyone got any good advice for starting supply??
I'm hoping it will be fab - no nasty school politics, less work and if I don't like a school I can never go back ...

[ArmchairTraveller]

I love supply.
Make sure you travel with a big pencil case, full of stuff you'd expect to find in class but often isn't there or working.
Be friendly, say positive things about the school and be as flexible as you can be.

[MrsGuyOfGisbo]

I love supply but only do secondary because the demands in primary are massive re duties/marking etc; TAs can be hostile to supply staff - and passive aggressive re 'had not time to photocopy the resource' and the logins to the smartboard work not available 'to supply'
Reception is lovely but a 'mare getting endless evidence on ipads that they are meeting the activity objectives.
Always take lunch (that you can eat in the car on the way home if necessary) and if it gets hairy, remember 'Tomorrow is another day!'

[Treadlightly]

Thanks! Good thinking - I've been shopping & got some sharpeners, rubbers & a couple of nice new picture books.
Hadn't thought about the endless pics for observations.. Will make sure I'm on the case
Going to take a nice packed lunch & my own mug,..

[LittleMachine]

I'm in the same boat OP. I've just signed up for 2 agencies, and today was my first available day, but I didn't get anything. I've spent the last 2 years on maternity and then teaching SEN FE, so it will be strange for me going back to primary/EYFS although my agencies are putting me forward more for SEN.
Last time I was on supply was as soon as I'd qualified. I thought I was the dogs bollocks but I cringe looking back now!

[LittleMachine]

I don't particularly have any tips btw! I have my kit in a little wheelie case, split into EY and SEN resources and a tea kit (vital). I have loads of activities I can do off the top of my head or from my kit. Do you know lots of songs? Youtube has songs for everything.

[Treadlightly]

Ooh good luck little! Hope you get something soon. Tea kit is a brilliant idea, will add tea bags to my bag...

I know lots of songs, will have a look on YouTube, thought I'd take a memory stick with emergency stuff in it.

I'm happier in upper key stage 2 so reception is a bit scary!

[LittleMachine]

In that case, make sure you have warm clothes and coat, and wellies, as you may have to spent time outside.

[DitheringDiva]

On the tea front, I've found taking a flask works best. It saves time/hassle trying to find the kettle/spare mug, begging for milk etc. With a flask, the tea is already made, just pour and crack on. Not that I'm a tea addict or anything...

[Treadlightly]

Oh god I'm gonna be outside all day aren't I!! I hadn't thought about that

Fab idea diva I am a tea addict too so will pack my flask

[ArmchairTraveller]

Lots of schools block Youtube, even on a teacher's login. Memory sticks are very useful though.

[MrsGuyOfGisbo]

Agree that your memory stick is you friend. Back it up! Forgot one recently at a school I rarely go to - called them - it had not been found, but I had it backed up at home...

[LittleMachine]

Oh yes, I forgot that, it wasn't blocked at my last place. Can you save YouTube clips on a memory stick?

[Shellwedance]

Had my first day in supply today - morning in reception. Was lucky as my teacher was there and super organised with planning. Tips would be to look over a few phonics schemes - RWI and Letters & Sounds - as they do have a particular format of teaching and it's good just to know them.
Lunch definitely a good idea plus warm clothes.
Good luck, I loved it, having never taught in reception before.