How I Created Sub Plans That Run My 1st Grade Classroom Without Me
As a first grade teacher, I know the stress of being out unexpectedly. Whether it’s waking up sick or needing a mental health day, there’s nothing like the panic of trying to throw together plans at 6:00 a.m.
After too many “what do I leave??” mornings and long nights prepping sub folders, I decided I needed a better system—not just for me, but for the sub walking into my classroom.
That’s how my August 1st Grade Sub Plans were born.
It Had to Be No-Prep & Sub-Friendly
I created these plans with one goal in mind: everything a substitute needs in one place—with clear directions, routines, and lessons for a full day of learning. I even included slideshows to help keep the day on track.
🔸 Start the Day With Confidence
Your sub starts with an editable welcome letter and daily schedule so they know exactly what to do.
🔸 Core Subjects Are Covered
I didn’t want this to be just “busy work.” These sub plans include actual phonics, reading, writing, math, science, and social studies content.
- Phonics: Students practice short vowel sounds. Since these plans are geared for August, they will practice one short vowel each day and practice letter sounds, blending and reading short vowel words within words, sentences and passages.
- Reading: A short decodable reading passage with simple comprehension questions.
- Writing: Read It, Fix It, Write pages as well as handwriting practice pages.
- Math: A mix of skills-Numbers 1-20, 1-30, counting, writing numbers, missing numbers and number sequence
- Science & Social Studies: A hands-on, no-prep printable (like sorting living/non-living or needs/wants) as well as youtube videos to accompany the teacher lessons.
🔸 Easy to Prep
I print and organize everything in a binder labeled “Emergency Sub Plans” at the start of the month. That way, if I need to be out, I don’t have to scramble. Just bookmark the editable slides to my school computer or ask a colleague to pull up, and leave the printed folder on my desk—done.
Want to Try It?
If you’re looking for sub plans that truly take the stress out of being out, you can grab the August plans here:
👉 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Sub-Plans-August-Emergency-Sub-Lesson-Plans-Slideshows-Printables-14107954
I’ll be releasing a set for every month, so you always have a fresh, seasonal option ready to go.
Let me know if you have any questions—I’d love to help you set up your own sub binder or emergency plan system!
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