OTT 221 Ready, Set, Teach: Preparing Emergency Sub Plans in the Elementary Classroom
Ah, the joys of teaching! The laughter of children, the thrill of imparting knowledge, and the exquisite pain of preparing for every imaginable scenario.
We're talking about sub plans - those magical documents that ensure your students don't go off the rails when you're out sick or stuck in a traffic jam, or worse, have a family emergency.
Now, if you're an elementary school teacher, you know all too well that sub plans aren't something you can whip up in five minutes. Oh no. They must be detailed enough to cover multiple subjects and flexible enough to accommodate different levels and personalities. And if you teach 2nd grade? That requires some extra creativity (and maybe a dash of caffeine) and some extra luck to write just the right plan for even the pickiest of subs.
Writing sub plans was something I was pretty darn good at doing. I could improve at many things, but writing sub plans was my thing. It was mainly because I knew the substitute was not me, and I didn't expect them to be perfect at teaching. Yes, they were a guest teacher in my classroom on sick days during the school year, but I also knew they sometimes had zero teaching experience.
So I set my sub tub or set of emergency sub plans up for success! Plus, as team leader for nearly two decades, I often heard from subs in my grade level who were unhappy with the plans left for them. Most of the time, the plans they criticized could have been more detailed, and they often just pointed them to the teacher's edition of the textbook. Most subs did not like that approach. They needed more details and work that would take much time to complete.
In this blog post/podcast episode (depending on whether you are reading or listening), we'll dive into the essential steps for creating effective emergency substitute plans that ensure a smooth continuation of learning and provide peace of mind for teachers, students, and substitutes alike.
The Importance of Emergency Sub Plans
It's the middle of the night, and you wake up in a cold sweat. You realize that tomorrow, you won't be able to make it to work due to an unexpected emergency. Panic sets in as you think about all your students leaving without their beloved teacher. But wait! You're one step ahead because you've prepared emergency sub plans at the beginning of the year like the responsible educator that you are. (No worries if you didn't! I've got you covered. Click the link below for a FREE sub day plan.)
Preparing emergency sub plans may not be at the forefront of every teacher's mind, but it should definitely be on their to-do list. As tempting as it is to hit snooze a few times in the morning, being proactive and preparing for unforeseen situations can save teachers from a lot of headaches down the road (or during an unexpected absence). Plus, it shows that we care about our students' education even when we can't physically be there, and it saves us driving to school sick or worse, dragging our little one into school ill and trying to put things together when said little one is crying with a fever.
Life is full of surprises, and occasionally, teachers need to be away from the classroom due to illness, personal matters, or other unforeseen circumstances. Having well-prepared emergency sub plans is crucial to maintaining continuity in your student's education. Also, many administrators require teachers to have at least 3-5 days of emergency sub plans ready to go for the next time they are out.
Assessing the Classroom Needs
Ah, the classroom - a place of learning, growth, and personal development. But let's be honest; it's also often a place of boredom, confusion, and frustration for some of our students. As educators, we aim to ensure that students are engaged in their learning experience and not just sitting through mind-numbing class periods even when we are out of the classroom.
One way to do this is by avoiding busy work that serves no purpose other than to fill time. Let's face it, students can tell when an assignment is just busy work, and they will quickly become disengaged, leaving a higher chance of behavior issues for our subs. (And nobody likes to return to a long letter from your sub telling you how awful your class was! That is a surefire way to derail your return.)
Another critical factor in assessing classroom needs is small group work. Too often, students are expected to sit through lectures or complete assignments independently without collaborating or interacting with their peers. How much small group work will you leave for a sub? In this area, you may need to leave detailed instructions, such as after assigning a page or two of math addition and subtraction practice, pull a small group made of Bobby, Jesus, Lilly, and Miguel to help them work through this activity. That way, a sub can understand precisely what you need from them.
Understanding Your Students' Abilities and Needs
As a teacher, it can be challenging to gauge the abilities and needs of each student in your classroom. But fear not, dear educators! Understanding your student's strengths and weaknesses is as easy as pie...or at least as easy as grading a stack of papers.
Firstly, make sure you're providing enough activities for all types of learners. Some students thrive on group work, while others prefer to work independently. Some students are visual learners, while others learn through hands-on experiences. By offering a variety of activities that cater to different learning styles, you'll be able to understand better what works best for each student; this knowledge can help a substitute teacher immensely. The key is knowing just what to leave in your sub folder that will help the sub meet the needs of your students, leaving them inspired to write you a glowing report rather than the long letter described above.
Secondly, keep a substitute binder handy at all times. This may seem like an odd tip, but hear me out. Substitutes often need to learn what level your students are at or their needs. Use the housekeeping notes inside my sub plans to help guide you. You can create this once and then make copies of it for the future.
Each sub day in my shop contains housekeeping plans for your to leave details about students your sub may need to know, such as who goes to the clinic daily for meds or who goes to speech on Monday morning.
Elements of Effective Emergency Sub Plans
As a first grade or second-grade classroom teacher, it's always a good idea to have an emergency sub plan up your sleeve. Because let's face it: life happens. You could wake up with the flu, your car could break down on the way to work, or you might get abducted by aliens (okay, maybe not that last one). But regardless of why you're out for the day, your students still need to learn. So what are the elements of effective emergency sub-plans?
Firstly, make sure your sub-plan is easy to follow and understand. Your sub should be able to pick up the plan and run with it without having to decode hieroglyphics or decipher secret codes. Secondly, provide clear instructions on what needs to be done throughout the day - from morning routines through dismissal. Don't leave anything out!
Also, ensure all your team members know where your sub plans are located. This will make it easier in an emergency.
You should ensure you have included all the subjects you usually cover daily, from word work or grammar to reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. (In other words, make sure your content area is covered for the day.) I also loved including a Makerspace activity that gives subs a fun way to get kids creating and thinking.
Communicating with Your Substitutes
As a teacher, you never know when unexpected days off will sneak up on you. Maybe you'll wake up with the flu or a snowstorm that just won't quit. Whatever the reason, when it happens, your emergency lesson plans need to be ready to go. But what about communicating with your substitutes? Well, fear not, my fellow educators! Here are some tips for ensuring your substitutes are always in the loop.
First and foremost, be sure to leave detailed emergency lesson plans that even a substitute fresh out of college can understand. Please don't assume they know your curriculum's ins and outs or have access to your materials. Think about every possible scenario - what if technology fails? What if there's a fire drill? It is imperative to make sure they have all the information they need. This is where your housekeeping notes really become helpful.
My free download of one day of sub plans will give you the necessary housekeeping notes. Click the link below for one free day.
Empowering Your Substitute and Students
As a teacher, taking time off from work can be challenging. You've spent countless hours planning lessons, creating schedules, and managing your classroom. The thought of leaving all that behind, even for one day, can be daunting. But don't worry – there are ways to ensure a smooth transition while empowering your substitute and keeping your students on track. And let's face it, sometimes we need a day off, even if it isn't an emergency. Mental health days are a MUST!
That's why I created a ten-day MEGA pack of sub plans. This emergency sub plan bundle gives you five emergency sub plan days and five discretionary days because you earned them. That’s TEN days of sub plans!
An emergency absence doesn't have to disrupt the learning experience. Equipping your substitute teacher with the necessary tools and empowering your students to take ownership of their learning can ensure a productive day even when you're not there.
Firstly, make sure you have a solid classroom management plan in place. Your substitute should know what behavior is expected and how to handle any unexpected disruptions. Leave clear instructions for the daily routine and any specific activities planned. This will help your substitute feel confident and prepared.
Secondly, consider sharing your classroom schedule with your students ahead of time. Knowing what to expect can help them feel more secure during the day and less likely to act out or become disengaged.
Reflection and Continuous Improvement
Preparing emergency sub-plans is an ongoing process that requires reflection and continuous improvement. We'll explore the importance of reflecting on your experiences, seeking feedback from substitutes, and making necessary adjustments to your plans. By continuously refining your emergency sub plans, you can enhance the learning experience for your students and feel confident in their progress, even during unexpected absences.
Reflection and continuous improvement are crucial for any educator to provide quality instruction. Using graphic organizers and detailed lesson plans is just the start, but it's also about making sure your plans are as dynamic as Lady Gaga's wardrobe changes.
If you're still using the same sub plans from 1995, it's time to take a step back and reevaluate. Reflect on what worked well and what needs improvement. Ask yourself, "Would I want to be in my own class?" If the answer is no, it's time to make changes. It's like that old saying: if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always gotten.
Complete lesson plans for full days are often the best to leave in your emergency sub plans binder. And the next thing you know, subs will be raving about your plans and wanting to return when you need a day off! Now that is a massive WIN! Having a good set of emergency plans is vital to being about to put first things first.
Conclusion: Remembering the Importance of Preparation
At Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning, I recognize the importance of being prepared for any situation that may take you away from the classroom. My mission is to support elementary teachers in creating effective emergency sub plans that ensure continuity in learning and maintain a positive classroom environment. By following the steps outlined in this blog post/episode, you'll be ready to face unexpected absences confidently, knowing that your student's education is in good hands.
Stay tuned for future blog posts and podcast episodes, where I'll continue to provide valuable insights and resources to help you excel in your teaching journey.
