As a teacher, you know that having to miss a day of school is inevitable. Whether it’s due to illness, a professional development opportunity, or an unexpected emergency, being absent from the classroom can be stressful, to say the least! Who wants to make sub plans when they are in the middle of an emergency or illness? One of the best ways to ease this stress is by having well-prepared sub-plans.
Why are sub plans important?
Detailed and easy-to-follow sub-plans ensure that your students continue their learning seamlessly, and your substitute teacher can manage the classroom effectively.
Here are 5 tips and tricks to help you create sub-plans that will make any substitute’s day run smoothly.
Be Clear and Concise
When creating your sub-plans, clarity is key! Write instructions in a simple, straightforward manner, avoiding jargon.. Make sure to outline each part of the day, including the schedule, activities, and any specific routines your class follows. The clearer your instructions, the easier it will be for the substitute to follow them, and the less likely your students will experience any disruptions.
Include a Classroom Overview
A substitute walking into your classroom for the first time will benefit greatly from a brief overview. Include a classroom map, a seating chart, and a list of important procedures (e.g., how to handle bathroom breaks, fire drills, or lunch routines). Also, mention any special needs or considerations for certain students. This will help the substitute feel more confident and prepared to manage your class effectively.
Prepare Engaging Activities
Substitute teachers often struggle with keeping students engaged. To avoid this, try to prepare a variety of engaging and educational activities. Make sure these activities are not only fun but also align with the curriculum so that learning continues even in your absence. Providing clear instructions and all necessary materials will ensure the substitute can easily implement these activities.
Leave Detailed Lesson Plans
Provide detailed lesson plans that include objectives, materials needed, step-by-step instructions, and any worksheets or handouts. It’s also helpful to leave a few extra activities or “time-fillers” just in case the substitute needs them. These could be educational games, reading assignments, or simple projects that are easy to manage.
Create a Feedback System
After your absence, it’s important to know how the day went. Include a feedback form in your sub-plans for the substitute to fill out. This form can ask questions about what was covered, any issues that arose, and any notes about student behavior or participation. This feedback is invaluable for improving your future sub-plans and understanding how your students adapted to your absence.
By following these tips, you can create sub-plans that are not only effective but also stress-free for both you and the substitute teacher!
For a ready-made sub plans for teachers consider checking out my Emergency Sub Plans for Kindergarten editable resource with ten days of plans!
This resource offers ten days of editable plans specifically designed for kindergarten, ensuring that you are always prepared for any unexpected absence. With these comprehensive plans, you can rest easy knowing your students’ learning will continue smoothly in your absence.
Looking for other grade-level plans? I have you covered! Check out 1st grade, 2nd grade, or 3rd grade sub plans here!
Want more classroom management tips? Check out my post here on the benefits of using a visual schedule in your classroom!
