Emergency Sub Plans

A True Emergency

"Sub plans are a breeze!" said NO TEACHER EVER! Ugh, we all know how difficult it is to miss school for a prepared absence and the stress it places on staff when there's no plan in place, but how do you plan for an emergency absence? 

​I know first hand what it's like to miss school for an emergency. As a first year teacher, my dad was involved in a motorcycle accident that sent him in a helicopter straight to the ICU. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I wasn't going to be going to school the next day or week for that matter, but as a new teacher I just wasn't prepared for missing any days! I had no sub plans because, well let's face it, I was barely hanging on to the day-to-day happenings myself! I was learning the ropes and barely staying afloat on my own.

Looking back, I was incredibly lucky to have a support team behind me at school! My teammates made copies of their lesson plans and activities for my substitute and my admin urged me to stay by my dad's side! I knew the burden this placed on my school family but I was so thankful to have the opportunity to be with my parents during such a difficult time! 

Once I returned, I made sure to have emergency sub plans on hand! A few years later, I decided to start sharing my No Prep Sub Plans on TeachersPayTeachers for other teachers to use who found themselves in similar circumstances! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to help other teachers in need. 

"Your emergency sub plans are my FAVORITE! Thank you for the time and effort you put into these. I feel confident leaving for the day knowing my students will be engaged and have fun thanks to your product!" -Alison 

"Great resource. Easy to use and truly print and go. Seriously saved me when I got the flu!" - Teaching on Cue

"I love that these are planned around a book that the kids have grown to love. Each of the activities coordinates with one another--making it easier for them to complete the work I leave. Thank you for creating such a great resource!" - Abbi P.

"This is my second set of sub plans from Samantha Henry! There is MORE than enough to fill a day for a sub. It's nice to have items ready and allow the sub to have some choice in the options" - Amy W.

What I love about these No Prep Sub Plans ->

1. It all starts with a BOOK! The activities for the day are all centered around a read aloud (and some of my favorites!) like Diary of a Worm, The Day the Crayons Quit, Tacky the Penguin, The Bad Seed, and MORE! See them all HERE
2. The activities are meaningful and FUN! I wanted my students to enjoy the day in my absence and engage in authentic activities, NOT busy work!!
3. They really are "No Prep" with the option of "Low Prep." If you have little notice, just print the packet and circle the activities you want your students to complete within each subject and run a few copies. If you have a little time to make adjustments, I have included an EDITABLE directions page so you can edit what you want your sub to complete without having to type it all up yourself (the "low prep" option).​

NEED MORE THAN A DAY?! -> If you're a primary grade teacher and in a situation where you will miss at least a week of school, don't miss these Elephant & Piggie Sub Plans for a WHOLE WEEK! Your students will LOVE reading Mo Willems in your absence :)

But then I thought, what if there was a TRUE emergency and there wasn't time to make any copies at all?! Cue my "COPY FREE" Sub Plans. Copy Free meaning -> No Copies Needed! ​​I currently have two sets: Copy Free for grades K-2 and a brand new set of Copy Free for grades 3-5. I purposely created these grades together so teachers could use activities to differentiate as needed. ​

Copy Free Sub Plans are PERFECT for teachers who need sub plans for an emergency and have NO TIME to make copies!! All you need to do is download this PDF file and print it out. Store it in your classroom for a "rainy day" and leave your worries behind you!

Here's what teachers are saying about my COPY FREE sub plans:

"I had the flu for the first time in my whole life...I crawled to my computer and typed in "copy free sub plans" because well THE FLU...and this truly saved my life. Not kidding. Well I am sure rest, etc. actually saved my LIFE, but this def. made my teacher life WAY EASIER! TRULY. Thank you!" - Amanda Thompson

"Tomorrow will be Day 3 of flu recovery and I was truly tempted to go in just to avoid the mess that is sub plans...and then I found this. There are no words - just SO grateful. I hope there are more of these." - Ashley D.

"Bought these when an emergency trip to the hospital prevented me from coming to school! The sub loved them and it was easy for me and stress free!" - Megan D.

"Nothing was more perfect than when I came up with strep throat and needing a quick set of sub plans. These were a life saver!" -Jessica G.

"This was a life saver. I needed something that didn't require me to go into school and make copies. My son was sick and it just wasn't an option. These plans are great, they provide support and guidance for a sub and allowed me to stay home. Thank you for these!!" - Whitney W.

So you may be wondering, what's included? These COPY FREE Sub Plans incorporate small group/whole group learning games, teacher-directed movement opportunities, and include some activities that require copy paper or blank notebook paper. There are several choices included for reading, writing, math, science, and word work and a few extra time fillers!

Oh, and be sure to include a copy of your class schedule with these plans! If you're really into organizing like me, store these emergency sub plans with your SUB SURVIVAL GUIDE in your SUB STATION and NEVER WORRY about having to miss school again (insert praise hands!!) 

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