Grades 3–5
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.
Classroom management printable · Substitute teacher activity packets
Sub Day Reading Response
A no-prep sub day page for any book: title and author, the character, setting, problem and solution, a drawing and a rating.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–5
- Time
- About 25 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Planning for a substitute, Independent work, Classroom routines
What kids do
“Read any book from our class library, then fill in this page. Your guest teacher will collect it.”
Printed on the sheet:
- The main character
- The setting (where and when)
- How it was solved
- Draw your favorite part.
- I would tell a friend this book is…
Words on this sheet
amazinggoodokaynot for me
Teacher tip
Pair it with any book in the class library so the sub does not need to plan.
How to use it
- Leave clear, short directions and an answer key where the sub can find it.
- Update the folder each grading period, as routines and students change.
- Keep a stack of copies in a labeled tray so you can grab one without stopping the lesson.
Watch for
Activities that need too much teaching. A sub day is for review, not new lessons.
Talk about it
- What does a great sub day look like?
- How can this help you be ready to learn?
Take it further
Have kids write a thank-you note to the sub at the end of the day.
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–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.
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.
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.