Emergency Sub Plans: The Basics Along With a Free Download

by Brad Melsby – December 9, 2024

Briefly…

You wake up with the stomach flu at 3 AM but still have to go in to work before dawn and then try to sneak out before anyone sees you.

Tell me you’re a teacher without telling me you’re a teacher.

In a pinch, an emergency sub plan can be worth its weight in gold during an unforeseen illness, appointment, or family obligation. (We included a link to a free emergency sub plan at the bottom of this article.)

How (and why) to do it…

If the event of an unexpected illness, you will not feel like figuring out that day’s lesson plans. (Trust me.)
Thoughtful emergency lesson plans mean fewer behavior issues while you’re out. This is better for whoever is covering your classes. It’s also better for you when you return to school.
If you don’t have any lesson plans, someone else – usually a busy colleague – will be forced to create something for your students to do. Give your teacher friends a break.

What to include in an emergency sub plan.

1. General classroom information:

- - Copies of your seating charts
  - Information on your restroom policy (very helpful for a substitute teacher)
  - Any class rules or routines you think would be helpful for a guest teacher
  - School emergency information (fire drills, lockdown procedures, etc.)
  - A few important contact numbers (main office, helpful teacher next door, etc.)

2. Specific class information:

- - Student accommodations and health alerts
  - A brief list of helpful students
  - A detailed lesson plan for each prep you teach.

3. An engaging sub plan that is easy to teach and fills the time.

We asked Claude to give us a few basic ideas:

Emergency lesson plan ideas for Math:

Middle School: Students write a story involving a math concept of their (or your) choice. For example, the story must focus on a geometric shape. Can be done in groups, pairs, or individually

High School: Students plan an end-of-the-year party for their grade level. They should create a list of party necessities, plan a budget, research prices, discuss costs and fund-raising options, allocate funds, and present a financial proposal in a visual or chart.

Emergency lesson plan ideas for English:

Middle School: Given a list of character traits (extremely curious, afraid of heights, etc.), students are randomly assigned 2-3 traits and should create a character profile and short story with an appropriate conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution.

High School: Given a list of interesting scenarios (bank robbery, graduation ceremony, first day of work at a new job, etc.) students describe the scene from at least three perspectives.

Emergency lesson plan ideas for Social Studies:

Middle School: Time Capsule Challenge: Students choose from a list of historical periods and create a time capsule that reflects daily life – clothing, diet, leisure activities, etc.

High School: Historical Decision Making: Students choose from a list of historical events (Cuban Missile Crisis, the Great Depression, etc.). After conducting brief research, students answer a set of questions about how they would have dealt with the situation.

Emergency lesson plan ideas for Science:

Middle School: Problem-Solving Challenge: Students choose from a list of environments in which they might be stranded (tropical island, Sahara Desert, snow-covered mountain, etc.) and conduct research before formulating a survival plan.

High School: Global Issues Challenge: Given a list of global challenges, students research and then create a plan to address that challenge.

Once you decide on your emergency lesson plan, have it ready to post to your Learning Management System or print it out and place it in your desk drawer.

Need something right now? Here is a link to a FREE, ready-to-use emergency lesson plan.