The first time that I had to be out of the classroom, I spent hours typing up 18 pages of detailed minute-by-minute lesson plans for my sub. Even with an hour break, there’s no way anyone would have time to read that novel. Throw your substitute binder in the closet and prepare for your sub more efficiently. After reading, you’ll learn:

• why your sub doesn’t need a binder

• what to leave for your substitute instead

Your Sub Doesn’t Need a Binder

As teachers, there’s sometimes a tendency to over plan and over prepare.

It may seem like detailed lists of classroom procedures would be helpful to the substitute, but really it can be over-whelming. Your sub may miss something if they have too much information to sort through.

Unless there’s a planned drill or unusual event, that type of information is really unnecessary to leave, and can be left out.

Instead of having a binder with pages of school and classroom information, keep it simple.

What Your Substitute Actually Needs

The most important things that your substitute will need are your lesson plans and a class schedule.

When you’re writing lesson plans and finding activities, make sure you leave activities that students are familiar with so that they can be completed without confusion.

Remember to have log-in information available for the substitute to access classroom technology.

It’s important that students continue to have access to brain breaks in order to keep them on task and engaged.

When planning out activities, be sure to include extra activities that can be completed if a student or the class finishes an assignment early.

Show your gratitude by leaving your substitute a “Thank You” note or a gift. If your sub feels appreciated, they’ll want to return to your classroom again.

Wrap-Up

Next time you’re going to be out of the classroom, keep that binder on the shelf, and make it simple.

• Leave your lesson plans and a schedule.

• Share a gift of gratitude to encourage them to return.

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