Grades K–2
Hello, Guest Teacher!
A K to 2nd grade welcome page for the sub: finish four sentences about me and our class, then draw a picture for the guest teacher.
Classroom management printable · Substitute teacher activity packets
Sub Day Math Mystery
A multiplication code-breaker for a guest teacher day: eight facts to solve, a letter code and a mystery word, with a writing question.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 25 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Planning for a substitute, Independent work, Classroom routines
What kids do
“Solve each problem. Find each answer in the code box and write its letter. The letters spell a mystery word!”
Printed on the sheet:
- 9. Write the letter for answers 1 to 8, in order, to spell the mystery word.
- 10. Write about a time you used teamwork. What did your team do?
Sample problems
- 7 × 8 =
- 8 × 12 =
- 9 × 8 =
- 7 × 9 =
- 5 × 9 =
- 11 × 12 =
Teacher tip
Leave a fun prize for kids who solve the mystery.
How to use it
- Keep a full sub folder ready at all times, not just for planned days off.
- Choose activities kids can do with little help.
- Fill one in with the class the first time so kids see what a finished one looks like.
Watch for
Private student information left in the open. Keep health and family notes in a sealed folder.
Talk about it
- What should we tell our guest teacher about our class?
- What is one thing that went well this week?
Take it further
Practice a sub-day routine once with another teacher so kids know what to expect.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More substitute teacher activity packets
Grades K–5
Sub Plans: Our Day
A sub plan schedule: each time block with the activity, where to find materials and notes, plus the attention signal and early finisher plan.
Grades K–5
Sub Procedures Quick Guide
How we do things in our room, for a guest teacher: attendance, lunch count, bathroom, water, pencils, getting help, line up and dismissal.
Grades K–5
Dismissal Plan for the Sub
A dismissal list for the sub folder: each student, how they go home, bus number or pickup person and notes, plus the end-of-day steps.
Free for teachers
Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit
12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.