There’s something uniquely stressful about prepping for a sub day (like trying to build a house of cards in a wind tunnel). You’re out, but your brain is still in your classroom, imagining chaos and missed valuable teaching time. I’ve been there, and after years of trial, error, and desperate sticky notes, I’ve finally figured out what actually works for creating a smooth sub day that doesn’t question whether it is easier to just come to work sick.
Here’s what I do—and what you can steal.
1. Create a Substitute Emergency Plan (Before You Need It)
I keep a sub binder pre-loaded with a couple of days’ worth of science activities that don’t require internet, labs, or deep content knowledge. Think high-interest, low-prep, content-adjacent stuff like:
- Science-themed mysteries or logic puzzles
- Science “Would You Rather?”
- Short reading comprehension questions with questions
- Science Seek and Finds
Add in a binder: class rosters, routines, bell schedule, seating charts, names of trusted students in each class, a teacher they can go to for assistance. A stressed-out sub will love you for it.
2. Use Centers (a.k.a. Rotations That Run Themselves)
If I know I’ll be out in advance, I set up centers. Students rotate through:
- A review game (online or on paper)
- A station with a hands-on task (card sorting or puzzle)
- A station with a short video + questions
- A collaborative brainstorm station (students write or draw)
The key: clear instructions and time limits at each station. It keeps them moving, thinking, and out of trouble.
3. Leave Video Instructions (So It’s Still Your Voice)
A 2-minute “hey team!” video goes a long way. Have a jot list of all the items expected to be completed during class while you are away…. and yes, say it’s for a grade! I record myself explaining expectations and activities, then upload it to Google Classroom. It gives students structure, shuts down the “the sub never told us….” comments, and reassures them that their real teacher will find out what went down.
4. Train Your Students Like It’s a Fire Drill
The truth is, your success on sub days comes from what you do before you’re absent. I treat sub days like a routine—just another version of class, not a free-for-all. That means:
- Practicing early in the year
- Talking explicitly about how we treat guests
- Giving students leadership roles (materials manager, tech helper, etc.)
5. Don’t Try to “Teach Through” Your Absence
Repeat after me: I do not need to deliver new content on a sub day.
Even if the lesson could be taught by a sub, it’s never the same. Instead, I use the day for spiral review, cross-curricular connections, or reflection tasks. It’s still meaningful, but not make-or-break.
6. Give Students a Reason to Rise (Not Revolt)
I leave behind a reward system—points, raffle tickets, whatever motivates your crew. Allow the sub to hand a couple out each period for those students who are exhibiting excellent behavior. If things go well, the class earns a small reward: a brain break, science meme slideshow, or five bonus minutes of our favorite game.
And yes, I always follow through. That trust matters.
Final Thoughts:
Sub days don’t have to be nightmares. With systems in place and a little creativity, they can be calm, productive, and dare I say… enjoyable? When I treat them like part of my classroom culture—not a day off from it—I get better results and fewer apology emails.
So go ahead. Take the day when you need it. Your classroom can survive (and even thrive) without you for a bit.
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