Easing the Guest Teacher Transition

Having a guest teacher in the classroom can feel like more work than just being there yourself. Preparing detailed plans, setting expectations, and hoping for a smooth day can be stressful. On top of that, some students experience unnecessary anxiety when their routine is disrupted. A familiar structure, engaging read-alouds, and fun writing activities can help ease the transition.

One simple way to bring comfort and connection—even in your absence—is through a great book. A well-chosen read-aloud can set the tone for the day and offer students a sense of normalcy. Here are a few books that work well when a guest teacher is in charge:

The Day the Teacher Went Bananas by James Howe – A silly, lighthearted read to bring some laughter to the day.    
The Substitute Teacher from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler – A fun way to acknowledge students' nerves about having a guest teacher.    
Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry Allard – A classic story that reminds students to appreciate their teacher!    
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems – A great pick for reinforcing the idea that school can be fun, even when things change.

Pairing these read-alouds with engaging writing activities can also help keep students focused and ease any uncertainty. Some easy-to-prep ideas include:

• "If I Were the Teacher for a Day" – Let students imagine what they would do if they were in charge!
• A Letter to My Teacher – Have students write a letter to you about their day while you were gone.
• Draw & Write: My Perfect School Day – A creative way for students to express their ideal classroom experience.
• Where is My Teacher? — Students use their imagine as to where their teacher is for the day and what they could be doing.

Want to make things even easier? Download these ready-to-use activities and add them to your guest teacher folder! A little preparation now can lead to a much smoother experience for both the guest teacher and your students.

Even when you're away, a well-structured day filled with engaging books and activities can keep students on track and ease any worries. A little planning goes a long way!