Panic To Prepared: Get Your Sub Plans Right

Teachers have said that it is easier to come to work than it is to prepare to be absent. When it comes to being absent, there is a lot of planning that has to be done to ensure that the class can still run effectively in the absence of the teacher. 

What is important, is for the teacher to give the substitute a picture of how the class runs on a normal, regular day along with giving some insider tips, tricks, and advice for handling any other issues or problems that may occur as a result of being absent. Here are five important areas to consider when preparing for a substitute.

1. Student Packet 

Instead of leaving an actual lesson plan where students have to take out this notebook or this textbook, providing the substitute with packets of work for students. A packet of work can include different subject areas you are currently teaching or a review of past subject areas you have taught previously. A packet can cut down on the stress of the substitute trying to navigate through your teacher’s editions or textbooks to figure out what you mean when you say go over or we left off on Chapter eight, Page 283, Section 3A. 


The best thing you can do is to save the substitute time and a headache from trying to find page information and disseminate the page to the students who may be repeating over and over that they already cover that page with you. By providing packets you can save the substitute sanity and allow your students to get to work as soon as the directions are given. Not to mention, you can add in however many pages you want including some fun stuff for students who may finish their work early.

2. Daily Schedule


A copy of the daily schedule can easy give present the substitute with a clear understanding of how your class is ran. It can also denote important events going on that day. Some teachers are so used to going about their day in a consistent manner, they don’t even have a daily schedule posted in their room. 


This can make it difficult for a substitute who is entering the classroom to understand what the day should look like in your classroom. Providing a daily schedule for the substitute to follow will allow them to keep the students focused and on task while bringing clarity on the work and activities the students are supposed to do throughout the day.

3. Seating Chart

 

A seating chart is an absolute must when planning for a substitute. Why? When students see that there is a substitute, this can translate into I can sit where I want to or do what I want to. By having an easy-to-read seating chart, you give your substitute not only control of the room environment, but a clear understanding of where your students’ sit. It can also help with so many other things. 


A seating chart can help the substitute take attendance more efficiently. It can help to put a name with a face as the substitute becomes more familiar with your students. A seating chart can make it easier for the substitute to call on students or even to write that note for you about the behavior of the class referring to the student by name. But most importantly, it can provide the substitute with the name of a student who may become ill or has left the class. 


By having a seating chart, the substitute can communicate with the student or school personnel more effectively. Some teachers have been known to color code or put notations on their seating chart to show which students can be helpful or which students may present difficult behavior.

4. Student List


Having a list of students who receive services out of the classroom or students who can be of great help to the substitute throughout the day can serve to cut down on student disruption. By providing a list of students who have services, who can help out, or have a particular job in the classroom, you can save the substitute time from having to make guesses about students.


Providing a list of students with services, lets’ the substitute knows who should be out of the classroom and the reason why. Also, we know there are some students who are very efficient at helping out and this can save the substitute time and the stress of appointing students to the role of helper in the classroom. When you are absent, the goal is to provide the substitute with the most effective way to maintain the continuity of the class with minimal disruptions as possible.

5. Class Procedures


Providing the substitute with a bullet pointed list of the most important procedures can help with maintaining the flow of the day while keeping the students on task. Procedures are a must for how students’ transition in the classroom, to the bathroom, and when they are leaving the classroom. These three areas can go along way toward the substitute being able to control the classroom environment.

Final Thoughts


Yes, when it is easier to be at work rather than to plan for a substitute. However, there are certain circumstances that may call for you to be absent. Having a game plan by providing the substitute with as much information as possible in the simplest way possible can make the time away less stressful for the substitute and you. Taking into consideration the five areas: packet of work, daily schedule, seating chart, student list, and class procedures can help to cut down on disruptions while giving your students the continuity they need to get through the day as efficiently as possible in your absence.

Tips To Try:

You can help ensure that substitute teachers feel supported and equipped to manage your classroom effectively in their absence.

1. Provide Clear and Detailed Instructions

  • Lesson Plans: Include detailed lesson plans with step-by-step instructions for each activity. Clearly outline the objectives, materials needed, and the expected outcomes for each part of the day.
  • Daily Schedule: Provide a clear daily schedule, including any special events, recess, lunch times, and transitions between activities. Highlight any changes from the regular schedule that the substitute should be aware of.

2. Prepare Essential Classroom Information

  • Class Roster and Seating Chart: Include a class roster with students’ names and a seating chart. This helps the substitute quickly learn students’ names and manage the classroom more effectively.
  • Behavior Management Strategies: Outline the classroom rules and behavior management strategies. Include any specific behavior plans for individual students and tips for maintaining classroom discipline.

3. Include Emergency Procedures and Contacts

  • Emergency Procedures: Provide clear instructions on emergency procedures, including fire drills, lockdowns, and medical emergencies. Ensure the substitute knows where to find emergency exits and supplies.
  • Contact Information: List important contact information, such as the main office, neighboring teachers, and your preferred method of contact if needed. Include details on how to reach you or a designated person for urgent questions.