No-Prep Sub Plans a Substitute Can Actually Teach

The best sub plan assumes the substitute doesn't know your subject, your students or your routines. If it can be taught cold, from the page, by someone who's never met the class, it will survive a real absence. Here's what to include.

A plain-English overview

One short paragraph: what today's lesson is about and what students should have done by the end. No jargon, no assumed context.

A step-by-step run sheet

Exactly what to say and do, with timings. 'Hand out the worksheet. Read the info box aloud. Students work questions 1-5 independently for 15 minutes.' The more scripted, the smoother the day.

Everything students need, on paper

A short information box or reading, then a print-ready worksheet. Don't rely on the sub logging into anything or pulling up a video - assume the tech won't cooperate.

The answer key - for the sub

Full answers so the substitute can check work and respond to questions confidently. Include early-finisher tasks and a simple 'if a student is stuck' hint.

Behavior and logistics notes

Seating quirks, the bathroom routine, who to send to the office, and how to leave you a note on how it went. Small things that prevent big problems.

LessonHQ's Sub Plan generator produces the whole set - overview, run sheet, information box, worksheet, full answer key and behavior notes - for any topic and grade in seconds. Export to Word, Google Docs or PDF.