Effective ELA Sub Plans 3-5: Seamless & Easy Emergency Sub Plans
- literacytales
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
Gone are the mornings when I'd drag myself into school sick to avoid leaving my students without meaningful work.
That's where I needed to find a solution. Yes, I created the no-prep and ready emergency sub plans, which are set and waiting to be implemented. Not your regular one, the one that includes step-by-step instructions on what the sub needs to do.
Here's how to set things up so you can step away without stress and your classroom stays on track.
Why Do You Need Easy Emergency Sub Plans?
Even if you're only out for a day, having clear plans keeps everything running smoothly.
Instead of just emailing your next-door teacher so she can grab extra pages from behind the desk to staple and create a packet, your lessons are already set. Never again rushing at 6:00 A.M.
Whether you're gone one day or several, your students stay in routine.
Because the plans are clear and prepared step by step for the substitute to follow, your substitute teacher will be able to teach. No longer wasted, instructional time stays meaningful.
What to Keep in a Sub Binder:
In my classroom binder, I always include:
A welcome note for the sub (a simple hello goes a long way).
The daily schedule: specials, lunch, recess, and all the things kids won't let you forget anyway.
Seating chart and rosters.
Notes on students who need extra support.
Directions for duties and routines.
Contact extensions for quick help.
Step-by-step lessons.
Print-and-go activities.
Emergency drill procedures.
Early finishers: Activities
Since details change throughout the year, you only have to go back and update the information. It takes five minutes and saves you from that sinking "oh no" feeling later. Regular review and updates ensure your sub plans are always current and effective.
Activities That Actually Work and Your Sub Will Easily Implement:
Since substitutes may not be familiar with your routines, you want to make the plans easy and seamless for them. I stick to tasks that are simple yet meaningful. No sub should need to decode a 3-page set of directions to get the kids started.
My go-tos:
Reading passages with questions
Vocabulary and context clues practice
Story maps or graphic organizers
Quick journal prompts
Word work activities
Short writing responses
By keeping it straightforward, I know my students will stay engaged, and my substitute will feel at ease. Nothing worse than a panicked note that says, We didn't get to anything.
Why LiteracyTales Sub Plans Fit Perfectly?
After too many last-minute mornings, I realized I needed materials that were easy to grab and actually useful. That's why I started creating my own LiteracyTales sub plans.
They're no-prep — print and go.
They come with clear directions for both subs and students.
They focus on fundamental literacy skills, not time-filling.
Once they're in the binder, you don't have to think twice about it.
Because I use them myself, they actually work. Honestly, I don't put anything in my store that I haven't tried with my own class first.
Stress-Free Sick Days Start with Sub Plans:
Even though we can't always be there, at least we make sure our classrooms continue to run smoothly. Your students keep learning, your substitute feels supported, and you can actually rest without worrying.
That's why I created my emergency sub plans so you don't have to start from scratch. With just a little prep now, you'll always have a plan you can count on. And trust me, your future self will thank you.
Here's what teachers are saying about sub plans:
This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you subscribe or purchase something through the links provided.