Daniel's Substitute Teacher
From Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood · 2022
Summary
When Daniel's teacher is away, a substitute arrives and things feel different. Daniel practices the strategy 'It's okay to feel sad — find a way to feel better' and learns that new people can be interesting and friendly. A go-to episode at the start of school or before a long-term sub takes over. ASL-captioned version on YouTube and PBS LearningMedia.
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Change — even small change — can feel unsettling. This episode validates that feeling and gives children a strategy.
- How did Daniel feel when he saw the substitute teacher?
- What strategy did Daniel use to feel better about the change?
- Have you ever had a substitute teacher? How did it feel?
- What's one good thing about meeting someone new?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: substitute, change, nervous, comfortable, strategy.
Try it: Write or draw one thing that is different this week and one thing that stayed the same. Share with a partner.