Did you ever notice it's easier to go to school sick than to write up sub plans?
I stayed ultra late at school last night, making plans for today's sub. (I'm not known for leaving early anyway, but last night was totally ridiculous!)
I've learned to keep a tub of emergency plans. I have a folder for each day of the week and detailed descriptions of my day inside each folder. I also have a binder with emergency information, procedures, and management ideas.
I also keep folders for each subject filled with run-off materials ready for an emergency day. After subbing at every level, I know how important it is to have clear, easy-to-understand directions so the kids stay engaged and don't have any opportunities to make the sub crazy.
The trick is to update the folders to include materials that the children can do, which aren't necessarily dependent on something they are learning now.
Good ideas to have on hand:
1. Practice a skill that needs frequent review, like math facts, sight words, or parts of speech.
2. Writing prompts.
3. Vocabulary builders.
4 . Mini units that can be done in a day.
Here are some examples of things I keep in my sub tub or leave for subs:
I always keep a supply of these letter-writing pages. I usually make a set with one letter addressed to everyone in the class. Then, they choose one and write to that person! This is a "win-win" activity. Everyone writes a letter, and everyone gets a letter! (Explore the image for this resource.)
This number booklet to 1,000 can be used any time of year.
Here's a math game the kiddos can play repeatedly; all they need is a deck of playing cards! It practices addition skills and gets them thinking about strategies! No, we don't do the gambling version! (Explore the image for the resource!)
Kids always have the opportunity to create a themed ABC booklet. This activity is fun to start by reading an ABC book or two. (Explore the image for examples and this resource!)
Here's a mini-unit that can be done any time of year: (Explore image for link!)
If you find a couple of books about camping, you've got yourself a mini-unit in a day! Fun activities that practice important skills!
I have several "no-prep" activities, which you can find HERE. Most of them are seasonal, which adds to the fun! (I go straight to these sets if I'm going to be out!)
Now, I suppose you're wondering why I was at school so late last night if I have all these ideas. Well, I just hadn't updated my files from last year, and my schedule is totally different! Now that the files are updated for the year, next time I'm sick, it will be easy peasy!
