Preparing for a Sub Teacher: Tips

Preparing for a sub should be part of every teachers back to school prep check-list. Planning ahead helps alleviate at least a little stress when emergencies and unexpected days off pop up. Knowing that your sub will have sufficient work to do with your students makes the decision to take a desperately needed sick day much easier.

In my previous blog post: Classroom Management Tips, I spoke about the importance of being over-prepared for lessons. This is equally important when it comes to your sub plans. If you provide suitable work for your sub to complete with your students, they will continue to learn and you will be able to rest peacefully. We all know nothing good comes from leaving a bunch of coloring pages and random crossword puzzles!

How to Prepare a Sub Folder:

• Include a variety of activities that will cover each subject you teach throughout the day. This will help ensure students stay engaged and on task!
• Print all of the activities ahead of time, so that they are ready-to-go. Your sub teacher’s job is to ensure students are actively engaged and safe, not scrounge to prepare materials!
• Organize each activity into separate clear plastic folders so that they are easy to see. Include all of the resources needed for the activity in that specific folder, i.e. books, worksheets, prompt posters and memorandums.
• Include clear, detailed instructions for each activity so that the sub knows what the expectations are. 

I use these Books, Books, Books Emergency Supply Plans in my classroom. They are perfect for Grade 3 and follow a book theme! My kiddos love anything book related, so leaving these plans helps me feel confident that they will enthusiastically participate if I have to be out unexpectedly!

This packet includes:

1. Reading Activity: Discuss The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore using prompts then reflect on the discussion by completing a written response. Additional activities and modifications are included for students that may need extra help as well as Early Finishers.
2. Listening Activity: Listen to the Library Lion using a story from Storyline Online. This story lends itself to learning about the systems used in the library as well as group discussion, writing, reading and designing a pamphlet.
3. Math Activity: Students practice problem solving skills in small groups and independently. There is also a super fun Secret Code page for Early Finishers.
4. Visual Arts: This fun activity links back to The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.
5. Extra Activities are also included to ensure there are plenty of meaningful materials for the day!

Classroom Information to Include for a Sub Teacher

You also need to prepare your sub to work with your group of students. You can ensure this by including the following in your sub plans:

• A class list with your students’ names and any information that is needed for them to have a smooth day. You should include things like medication that needs to be taken, IEP’s that need to be followed and times students need to leave the classroom for music lessons or intervention programs.
• The daily schedule you usually follow. This will help keep the routine going and keep students settled while you are out. We all know that children thrive in a stable, routine environment.
• Seating charts and a map of the building. These are so helpful, especially to new sub teachers.
• Do NOT include defamatory, negative comments about your students, for example, “Be aware of Timmy, he is a real handful.”  This is unfair to your student and sets them up to fail.

In my Emergency Supply Plans I have included an editable version of classroom information that you can fill in and include in your sub folder.

Where Should I Put my Sub folder?

It is always a good idea to place the folder in an easy to find place.  Here are a few options:

• A Sub Bin: Place a Sub Bin containing all of the resources needed for your sub plans in an easy to spot place on a shelf or in a cupboard. Make sure the bin itself is clearly labeled “Sub Plans.” If you place the bin inside a cabinet, put a sticky note on the outside of the cabinet so the sub can spot it and grab the bin out when they arrive. Note to self: Remember to dust it off every now and again to avoid it looking like it came out of an attic, covered in dust, when your sub finally gets to use it.
• A sub folder: Lacking space for a bin? Have a ring binder on your shelf, clearly marked “Sub Folder”. 

I hope you have found these tips useful when preparing {ahead of time} for an unexpected day out of the classroom so your sub and students can have a successful day!