Grades 2–5
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.
Classroom management printable · Substitute teacher activity packets
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.
- Grade level
- Grades K–5
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Planning for a substitute, Independent work, Classroom routines
What kids do
“Check off each item as you add it to your sub folder. Look it over each term so nothing goes out of date.”
Printed on the sheet:
- In my sub folder
- Class list and seating chart
- Sub information sheet
- One to three days of lesson plans
- Copies made for each lesson
- Attendance and lunch count steps
- Fire drill and lockdown map
- Medical notes and allergies
Teacher tip
Check the folder once a month and refill anything that is missing.
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.
- Slide it into a sheet protector and use a dry-erase marker to reuse it all year.
Watch for
Private student information left in the open. Keep health and family notes in a sealed folder.
Talk about it
- How can we help a guest teacher feel welcome?
- Why do you think we use this in our classroom?
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 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.
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.
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.