Sub Plot Training Guide: How Substitute Teachers Can Use the WAY Game

Welcome to the Sub Plot Initiative

The Sub Plot is a program designed specifically for substitute (guest) teachers — giving you a powerful, ready-to-use classroom tool that replaces busy work with genuine engagement. Instead of managing a restless class with worksheets, you'll facilitate the WAY Game: a structured, gamified learning experience that students love and administrators appreciate.

What Is the WAY Game?

The WAY Game is the cornerstone of the SWAY (Smart WAY to Learn, Earn, and Play) system developed by Brian McCarthy, a retired Calgary teacher with 33 years of classroom experience. WAY stands for the values it cultivates: Awareness, Gratitude, Respect, and Service. The game transforms classmates into teammates, turns review activities into competitions, and builds the kind of classroom culture where students are motivated to engage, create, and grow.

Student voices say it best:

"WAY is definitely the best game I have ever played." — Connor, Grade 5

"The WAY Game is really cool. It is fun, creative & educational. I think all classes should play WAY." — Dawson, Grade 5

Why the Sub Plot Is a Triple Win

The Sub Plot initiative creates a win for everyone in the school community:

• For Administrators: Fewer discipline problems. When students are engaged in a structured game, classroom management issues drop dramatically.

• For Regular Teachers: No need to leave lengthy, detailed lesson plans. A simple note — "Play the WAY Game" — is enough for a trained Sub Plot teacher.

• For Students: An exciting, memorable day of learning instead of boring busy work. Students stay on task and build real skills.

• For Substitute Teachers: A ready-made, proven classroom management tool that makes your day easier and your services more in-demand.

Step-by-Step: How to Implement the WAY Game as a Substitute Teacher

Step 1 — Prepare Before You Arrive

• Visit playway.ca and explore the WAY Game section to familiarise yourself with the tools.

• Download and print a set of WAY Cards (available free at playway.ca).

• Prepare a brief introduction: "Today we're going to play the WAY Game — a team learning challenge where you earn points for your team by answering questions and working together."

• Optionally, prepare a short WAY Game intro video from playway.ca to show the class.

Step 2 — Set Up the Classroom (First 5 Minutes)

• Use WAY Cards to assign roles: draw one Mystery Kid card, two Team Captain cards, and three Judge cards.

• Remove the Judge cards and deal the remaining cards into two equal teams. The top card on each pile becomes the Captain; the next card is the Assistant Captain.

• Name the teams using the class and school name (e.g., "5M Cardinal Newman — Team A vs. Team B").

• Place seven WAY Game Cards face down in each team's pocket/area. Students get their Game Cards out and you are ready to play.

Step 3 — Introduce CAP Notes (5 Minutes)

CAP Notes (Capture, Analyze, Present) are a simple note-taking tool that keeps students accountable during the game. Each student uses their CAP Notebook to:

• Capture: Write down key ideas, answers, and learning from the session.

• Analyze: Reflect on what they learned and how it connects to what they already know.

• Present: Share their summary with their team or the class.

Tip: Tell students their CAP Notes will be left for their regular teacher as proof of what they accomplished today. This creates accountability without confrontation.

Step 4 — Play the WAY Game (Main Activity, 30–45 Minutes)

• Teams compete by answering curriculum-based questions (use the regular teacher's subject notes, or use general knowledge/review questions).

• Judges score answers and keep the game fair. The Mystery Kid earns bonus points for the team that demonstrates the best sportsmanship.

• Captains lead their teams, encourage participation, and ensure everyone contributes.

• Use AI (e.g., the Study Buddy at playway.ca) to generate questions on any curriculum topic if needed.

Step 5 — Wrap Up and Debrief (Last 10 Minutes)

• Announce the winning team and celebrate effort and sportsmanship.

• Ask students to complete their CAP Notes summary.

• Leave the CAP Notes and a brief report for the regular teacher.

• Remind students: "You were great teammates today. That's what the WAY Game is all about."

Your Sub Plot Menu: What You Can Offer Teachers

As a trained Sub Plot teacher, you can offer a menu of services to the schools and teachers you work with:

1. Make WAY Cards — Help students create personalised WAY Cards for their class set.

2. Demo CAP Notes — Introduce and model the CAP Note system for any subject.

3. Demo Game Cards — Show students how to create and use WAY Game Cards.

4. Show WAY Game Videos — Use the intro videos at playway.ca to orient students quickly.

5. Play the WAY Game — Run a full game session using curriculum content or general review.

Classroom Scenarios & Best Practices

Scenario 1: No Lesson Plan Left

You arrive and there is no lesson plan. No problem. Use the WAY Game as your entire day structure. Ask students what subject they've been studying, use the Study Buddy AI at playway.ca to generate 20 review questions, and run a full WAY Game session. Students stay engaged, learning happens, and you leave a CAP Notes summary for the teacher.

Scenario 2: A Difficult Class

You're told the class is "challenging." The WAY Game's team structure is your best tool. Assigning roles (Captain, Judge, Mystery Kid) gives students responsibility and status. Students who might act out become leaders. The competitive element channels energy productively. Focus on praising the Judges for fairness — this sets the tone for the whole class.

Scenario 3: Short Assignment (Half Day)

For a half-day assignment, run a condensed version: skip the full CAP Notes setup and go straight to a 20-minute WAY Game round. Use the Mystery Kid reveal as a fun opener to grab attention immediately. Even a short session leaves a positive impression and makes you memorable to both students and staff.

Best Practices for Sub Plot Teachers

• Always introduce yourself as a "Guest Teacher" — this reframes the dynamic positively.

• Reveal the Mystery Kid at the end of class — it keeps students on their best behaviour all day.

• Emphasise respect and sportsmanship over winning — the WAY Game's core values are Awareness, Gratitude, Respect, and Service.

• Keep your WAY Cards with you at all times — they are your most important tool.

• Use playway.ca's AI Study Buddy to generate subject-specific questions on the spot.

• Leave a written note for the regular teacher summarising what was covered and any standout student contributions.

• Promote your Sub Plot skills when booking assignments — schools that know you use the WAY Game will request you more often.

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

1. Visit playway.ca and explore the WAY Game and Sub Plot pages.

2. Download your free WAY Cards and Game Card templates.

3. Watch the classroom demonstration videos to see the WAY Game in action.

4. Contact Brian McCarthy at bcmccarthyway@gmail.com to register as a Sub Plot teacher and get listed in the school district directory.

5. Share your experiences and tips with the Sub Plot community — your feedback helps improve the program for everyone.

The Sub Plot initiative is free, practical, and proven. It's time to work smarter, not harder — and give students the kind of day they'll actually remember.

This content was generated by AI. And it continues to blow my mind. These posts were generated automatically by AI. I don't remember telling AI to write and post Blogs that supported the tasks I created for our Study Buddy. Graphics were also AI-generated, not from nothing, but what I have put into it over the years.