I’m just going to say it. I hate sub planning. We’ve all had those mornings where we wake up, and the thought of having to write substitute plans makes you sicker than you already feel. I think we can all relate to this feeling. It’s the absolute worst! You frantically open your computer and email your co-workers and pull things together as fast as you can. After many, many years of teaching I have finally pulled myself together and made planning for a substitute less stressful. And, I want to share these ideas with you that on those days where you just can’t teach, you don’t lose your mind about substitute planning.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is an essential factor in eliminating stress when it comes to substitute planning. When you have planned ahead and suddenly come down with a cold, you can rest easy knowing that everything is prepped and ready to go. I use a simple one-inch sub-binder, and you can make it as fancy or basic as you need. Inside my sub binder, I also have a template for lesson plans. I add in times and the subject with an explanation of where to find things etc. And then all I have to do is type in the assignments. The template also has information for soft start and dismissal, making it super easy and ready to go. But having this binder filled with the important stuff makes life easier for both the sub and yourself. So, that brings me to what is inside this binder?
Inside a Sub Binder
The substitute binder is pretty much the key thing for your sub. They need to know the important stuff rather than every nitty-gritty detail of your day. After all, a sub will do things differently, and that’s OK! We definitely don’t accept them to run your classroom the same.
Provide a class schedule, let the substitute know if your student’s have specials or any specific changes for that day. Providing a simple rundown of how the day goes helps the sub keep a routine that your students are used to. Trust me, one of my firsties is definitely going to call a sub out if things are different- the beauty of first-graders! Speaking of first graders, give your substitute a class list, and include pictures of the students. It makes things SO much easier for them. Include a seating chart. Again, I have all information about arrival and dismissal in my lesson plan template. Emergency procedures include a copy of procedures if something happens when you aren’t there. You can also have a page with any vital information about your classroom, things like passwords for computers/IPads or the day-to-day stuff that is so natural for us but would be strange to someone new in our classroom.
Again, a sub binder is completely customizable, so whatever you think will benefit a substitute, include it there. Trust me. They will be SO thankful all the information is in one place.
Lesson Plans
I have seen some amazing ideas with sub tubs or substitute cabinets in classrooms. I have adapted a sub tub with file folders of activities, read-alouds, worksheets, and different resources that a substitute can quickly grab to incorporate if needed. I have everything already outlined with times and subjects on my lesson plan template. And then, I keep those activities in the sub-binder. And then also have activities for early finishers. I also have it organized by subject inside the tub, so it’s easy to find. When it comes to the activities and resources…stick to review. It is so much easier for your substitute and students to get through the day when they are working on previously learned material. This is why I love to include engaging activities, but that is a review.
OVERPLAN the activities that you include in the sub-tub! Seriously, just in case. It could be one of those days where your students are just flying through things, and then the substitute is like, what now? We can avoid that by having extras. I love including close-reading themed activities because they are a spiral review, but I have different themes to keep them engaged with the reading.
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A substitute in your class is the perfect time to bring out games that your students love. It’s a great way to make it fun and simple for the sub in your classroom. Stepping into someone else’s classroom can be intimidating, and setting your substitute up for success truly makes it easier for everyone! I know it seems like a ton of work to get a sub-binder prepped and planned, but it makes it so much less stressful when you wake up with that horrible sore throat. And, most importantly, lower your expectations. We want our students to be safe, happy, and well-behaved for the sub. Prepping and planning ahead of time is worth your time, I promise!
