Sub Plans Ready to Go with a Stress-free Sub Tub

Writing sub plans can be a nuisance especially if you or a loved one are feeling under the weather and need care.  The idea of dragging yourself into work to prepare sub plans and lay out all the materials needed for the day can be a dreaded task.

That is why you should set yourself up for successful sick days by setting up a sub tub. Write your plans once and forget about them for the remainder of the year.

Set it and forget it…
with an organized Sub Tub!

How to Organize your Sub Tub:

1. Include a Weekly Schedule
2. Write a set of subplans that would work for any given day of the school year
3. Take those same sub plans and tweak them them for each day of the week if your specials’ schedule changes
4. Include management notes for rules, behavior concerns and procedures for your class
5. Print multiple copies and file them away by the day of the week in your Sub Tub
6. Create an attendance form and make multiple copies for daily attendance
7. Make sets of copies of any review worksheets, attendance forms, etc. that are included in your sub plans and file them away by subject area in your Sub Tub
8. Display your sub tub on your desk and let your teammates know where it is in case your sub can’t find it

Need help setting up your Sub Tub?  You can find the one you see in the pictures HERE, written lesson plans included!

Ideas on How to Write Sub Plans That Will Work for Any Given Day of the Week:

Once you have your schedule set for the year, write a simple set of sub plans. Keep your sub plans predictable so that your students know what to expect when you are out.  If you keep your sub plans consistent (every writing lesson is the same format, every reading lesson is the same format, etc.), your students will know what to expect in your absence and will be less likely to question or challenge the teacher who is in your place for the day.

Then, you can customize your plans for each day of the week if your specials schedule changes. Its time to tweak your plans. See the illustration above.  Or download it HERE.

Reading Plans for the Sub Tub:

I like to include a simple Reader’s Workshop model for Reading.  In the Reading section of the sub tub, I include an anthology of fables for the substitute to choose from.  I ask them to read aloud the fable, discuss story elements with the class (characters, setting, problem and solution, and moral).  You may even want to include a simple story map for the children to complete as they listen to the story. Then the children may independently read for 10-20 minutes until the Reading time has expired.

Writing Plans for the Sub Tub:

Again, I include simple plans for a Writer’s Workshop model that asks the sub to model how to write a proper paragraph for a specific genre of writing. Monday could be Narrative Writing, Tuesday could opinion writing, Wednesday plans could include non fiction writing, etc. This would expose the children to the different genres as well as the different writing style/skill of your substitute teacher. Provide writing papers in the Writing section of your sub tub for your students to free-write on a topic of their choice for that genre modeled by your sub.

Click HERE to learn how you can have your students work on Writing Goals while you are out of the classroom.

Math Plans for the Sub Tub:

You may find it difficult to miss a day of your math lessons.  You can make it a habit to always place your Math Teacher’s Manual out on your desk open to the next days lesson so your sub knows where you left off and where to begin teaching.

Math is more cut and dry than your ELA lessons and easier for substitute teachers to follow if you leave your manual out.  If you do not have a Math program/series, a fun Math review game or coloring sheet will keep your students engaged and under control for your substitute.

Need Help Writing Your Sub Tub Plans?

If you would like to see how I organize my sub plans day by day so they are consistent for your students and your substitute teacher, I have included a set of my plans in The Sub Tub resource available on TpT. Everything you need to set up your sub tub like the pictures you see in this article can be found HERE.

If you have any questions, I would love to hear from you in the comments below! Feel free to reach out any time.

Having your own Stress Free Sub Tub will help you manage those last minute substitute teacher plans. The Sub Tub was created to alleviate stress and guilt.

Easily plan in advance! …for stress-free sick days!

No more worries,
No more stress,
Just call in!

The Sub Tub Resource includes:

1. a cover for your Sub Tub
2. editable directions on how to use the system
3. editable Attendance Form
4. Lesson Plan Templates for each day of the week, including half days
5. an editable tab to customize your sub tub by subject area
6. tab dividers to help you organize your sub tub:

• • Weekly Schedule tab
  • M-F Lesson Plans tabs
  • 1/2 Day tab
  • Attendance List Tab
  • Extra Time Activities
  • Dismissal
  • Sub Tub Originals

And a BONUS file:

A copy of my personal sub plans that I have written that can be used on any day without prep the morning of your absence. Feel free to copy my plans and make them your own!

For example my Monday plans can be used on any Monday of the year and do not need any additional prep other than making copies of blank forms.

You might also like these resources that will help you write successful sub plans:

• Editable Writing Papers allow you to whip up writing prompts for any occasion. Simply provide your substitute with a writing mentor text and a matching writing prompt.
• The Parts of a Story Map and Anchor Chart is a great lesson activity to include in your Sub Tub.
• You may also like to include a classroom Behavior System for your substitute to use in your absence. If you use the Class Dojo, this one is perfect: Substitute Teacher Behavior System using Class Dojo