Grades 4–5
Sub Day Brain Pack
A 4th and 5th grade sub day page: a number pattern, a secret code, a logic puzzle, a word challenge and a writing prompt.
Classroom management printable · Substitute teacher activity packets
Sub Day Puzzle Pack
A 2nd and 3rd grade sub day page: unscramble five school words, solve a number riddle, find the way through a maze and write a note.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–3
- 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 the puzzles on your own. When you finish, write a note to your guest teacher.”
Printed on the sheet:
- 2. Find your way from Start to Finish.
- 3. Number riddle
- 3. I am between 10 and 20. I am even. My two digits add up to 5. What number am I?
- 4. Write a note to your guest teacher. What was the best part of today?
Teacher tip
Include an answer key in the sub folder so the sub can check the work.
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.
- Keep a stack of copies in a labeled tray so you can grab one without stopping the lesson.
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
Substitute Teacher Report
A note the sub leaves for the teacher: who was absent, what got done, helpful students, any problems and messages.
Grades K–5
Substitute Seating Chart
A seating chart for the sub folder: 30 desk boxes to arrange with student names, and a line to mark the board and the door.
Grades K–5
Sub Folder Checklist
A checklist of the 12 things every sub folder needs, from the class list and dismissal list to emergency maps and early finisher work.
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.