Prepping for a substitute takes time – a lot of time. We’ve all had that day where we wake up sick and opt to go to school instead of putting forth the amount of effort it takes to write lesson plans and get out all of the sub materials.
So, in the effort of saving time, this post comes with freebies. More than one :).
Being able to continue your regular curriculum is normally what is important if you’re going to be gone. Having a few things ready to go can help streamline the sub prep process.
A COUPLE TIPS
1. Use a template for your lesson planning so you don’t have to add in all of the same little details each time, like dismissal procedures, your welcome routine, etc.
2. Copy all of your copies for the week ahead of time, so they’re already done.
EMERGENCY SUB PLANS
Sometimes, you need a sub last minute. When that happens, I like to have a themed sub day. This doesn’t really fit in to the current curriculum, but because it’s on a theme means it’s not just random activities that have nothing to do with each other. These cover all content areas.
I print them months ahead of time (make a few extra copies in case a student or two come mid-year) place them in a container in your closet somewhere with your schedule and procedures, and tell a colleague where they are. In an emergency, the colleague can simply grab your box and set it out for the sub to find.
Your sub can read the basic instructions and go over the activities with the students, and then students can mostly just work at their own pace through the activities. Extra activities are included for earlier finishers. There’s a checklist to help keep the students on track, and the sub can wander by and quickly see which students need to work a little faster.
In the event that you don’t have an emergency and you’re able to attend all the days of school, I just use my sub day as a theme day at the end of the year when I’m already done with the rest of the content. This way it doesn’t go to waste.
Choose the theme that your students would like most.
Or get a completely free sub day + substitute material forms. Gain access to my free resource library by filling out the form below.
