Erin Emery-Dumas

Writing sub plans as a music teacher can be really tough, especially when the guest teacher isn’t familiar with music! Here are some easy sub plan ideas for teachers without a lot of musical experience.

Book Reflections: I can make connections between music and ELA.

I love using Epic! Books to have students read about various topics that they are interested in. There is an entire section dedicated to books about music, musicians, composers, and more, and my students are obsessed! When I have a sub, I like to have students select two books of their choice, and then they write a reflection about each book. We use question words like who, what, when, where, why, and how to help kiddos write their reflections thoroughly. I usually request that each reflection is at least a paragraph. This works well with third through fifth grade students. Second grade students can do it, too, but instead of writing their reflections, I have them discuss them with partners before sharing with the whole group.

Teddy the Turtle: I can identify dynamic contrast.

I have a little toy turtle that we have lovingly named Teddy. One student goes out in the hall while another hides Teddy somewhere in the room. Part of Teddy must be showing at least a little bit, such as his head or one of his fins. After he is hidden, let the student from the hallway back into the classroom. When the student is close to the turtle, pat your lap really loud. If the student is far away, pat softly. This is a great way to incorporate dynamic contrast! Once the student finds Teddy, repeat until everyone has had a turn with at least one job (hiding or searching).

Musical Tic-Tac-Toe: I can identify the instruments of the band and orchestra.

This one requires a little bit of preparation because you will need a set of instrument flash cards. On one side, include a picture of the instrument, on the other side, include the name (just in case the sub doesn’t know each of them). Split the class into two teams and draw a tic-tac-toe grid on the board. Use X and O to represent each of the teams. Show one team a flash card. If they can give the correct name of the instrument, they get to add a mark on the grid. If they get it wrong, the other team has the chance to steal. Repeat until there is a winner with three of their letters in a row (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally).

Freeze Dance: I can improvise my own dance moves.

Have students spread out throughout the classroom. Choose a school appropriate song (I like to leave a playlist that I know is clean). When the music plays, students may move however they would like. Pause the music randomly and students must freeze. If they don’t, they are out! The last student standing is the winner. I like to give them a sticker if they win, because then there’s some incentive to do well. They get super competitive!

Musical Chairs: I can demonstrate the difference between sound and silence.

I’m sure we all know how to play musical chairs, but just in case you don’t, it’s a great option for subs! Put chairs in a circle. You will need one less chair than there are students. Play music and students will walk around the circle. When the music stops, students must sit in a chair. If they aren’t in a chair, they are out! Remove a chair and repeat until only one person is left in a chair. I give out stickers for this one, too.

Three Sounds: I can identify the timbre of classroom materials.

Students close their eyes and put their heads down. Use three random items from around the classroom that are not instruments, and “play” them so they make a sound. For example, close the door, click a pen, or open the blinds. After making your three sounds, students open their eyes and must guess what items you used.

Color by Note/Pitch Name: I can identify note and rest values. I can identify pitches on the treble clef staff.

There are a TON of color by note name or color by pitch name sheets available on Teachers Pay Teachers, and my students love them! Think of it like paint by numbers, but instead students have to identify note/rest values or pitches on the treble clef staff and fill in the specified areas with a certain color. My favorite bundle is the “Color by Note Name Music Worksheets: Seasons MEGA Bundle” by Mootown Music.

Pass the Beat: I can keep the steady beat.

Sit in a circle. Students must “pass” the beat around the circle, and only clap when it’s their turn. Additionally, students must stay on the beat. If they clap too early or too late, they are out. Repeat until there is only one student left. Again, this one gets competitive and the winning students earns a sticker.

ABC Concentration: I can perform a body percussion routine.

Write the alphabet on the board. Sing the alphabet as you normal would. Next, tell students that you are going to erase a letter, and instead of singing it they have to clap (or pat, snap, or stomp). They still sing the other letters as usual. Ask a student to remove another letter and choose a type of body percussion to replace it. I find it helpful to write the body percussion movement on the board in place of the letter to help students remember. Repeat until each student has removed a letter OR all of the letters have been taken away.

Of course, there are a LOT of other things you can do with your subs, but these are just a few ideas that I’m always sure to include. My students enjoy them, and the subs are able to follow along even with minimal experience with music. And guess what? They don’t have to show a movie! Your students can continue to work on musical concepts even when you aren’t at school.