Emergency Sub Plans That Actually Work (Because Your Students Deserve More Than a Worksheet)
Let’s be honest, when we’re out sick or life does what it does and throws something unexpected our way, most substitute plans look the same…a worksheet. Maybe it’s a review packet, maybe it’s a random article with questions, but either way, it’s often disconnected from what students are actually learning in class. That means wasted time for them, extra reteaching for you, and a sub who’s left feeling like a glorified babysitter.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
I’m a firm believer that emergency sub plans can be meaningful and relevant, not just busywork. They should keep students on track with your course content, give the substitute clear instructions, and require no prep from you in the moment. Everything the sub and students need should already be inside the plan.
Here’s how to make it happen:
Step 1: Ditch the Worksheet Trap
Instead of falling back on generic worksheets, build substitute teacher lesson plans that align with your current coursework. Activities should reinforce core skills or review recent concepts in a way that’s easy for any sub to manage. Students stay engaged because the work feels relevant and not like busywork.
Yes, this takes effort, I get that. But it’s worth it in the long run. Make 1 day a month your sub folder update day.
Step 2: Make It Hands-On (Without Being Complicated)
Hands-on doesn’t have to mean elaborate labs or messy demos. Try:
A data analysis activity using a simple chart or graph.
A chemistry or physics lab planning packet with an investigation prompt included. Students will answer pre-lab questions, conduct any research, plan the lab, create data tables, and prepare for the actual investigation when you return to class.
A structured activity like a card sort, a short simulation, or a guided reading with questions.
These no-prep sub plans keep students doing, not just filling in blanks, and subs don’t need special training to run them.
Step 3: Keep It Standards-Aligned
Choose activities that tie directly to your curriculum standards. That way, the time students spend with the substitute teacher is moving them forward in chemistry or physics, not wasting a class period. Even if you’re out, you’ll know your class isn’t falling behind in content.
I hear you on this, “ugh, Liz…this is a lot of extra work and I’m already overloaded. Do you have another way to help?”
YES! Check out SciAcademy for all sorts of help you didn’t even know existed.
Step 4: Build for No-Prep
The key to a true emergency sub plan? Everything is ready to go, right inside the folder. That means:
Clear, step-by-step directions for the sub.
Student handouts that don’t require extra copies.
All links, charts, or data tables embedded where students need them.
When your folder is grab-and-go, you don’t waste time scrambling to piece something together at the last minute. Make your sub folder even more user-friendly and include it in your online course platform! We use Canvas so I have a Sub Folder module built out and ready. I can easily assign sub-day lessons from anywhere.
Quick Win: Save Even More Time with SciAcademy
Here’s the reality, building great sub plans takes time upfront. But you don’t have to start from scratch.
In SciAcademy, you’ll find ready-to-use physics and chemistry sub plans, labs, and lessons that are already standards-aligned and fully student-ready. Every activity includes instructions, student materials, and zero-prep setup, so your substitute days are covered without you lifting a finger.
This subscription costs less than $1/day and keeps your sub folder updated and on-topic without you having to create your own content.
Your students get meaningful work. The sub gets an easy-to-follow plan. And you get your time (and sanity) back.
👉 Grab your free sub folder here to get started.
👉 Ready to take it further? Join SciAcademy and unlock a full library of done-for-you chemistry and physics lessons, labs, and emergency sub plans.
