Middle school math is where sub days most often go sideways. A substitute without a math background cannot reteach ratios or solving equations, so students who get stuck stay stuck. The fix is a plan built entirely on practice of skills already taught, with a worked example at the top of every page and an answer key the sub can use. Add a puzzle or game element and a clear calculator policy, and a 45-minute class period runs itself.
Practice on the current or previous unit, never a new standard. Reteaching after a sub day costs more time than it saves.
A completed example for each skill means stuck students can help themselves without waiting for the substitute.
Riddles, color-by-number and matching answer banks give instant feedback and keep students engaged.
Middle school subs often teach five or six sections. One plan that works for every period, with notes for different classes, keeps the day simple.
The biggest pitfalls are new content, missing answer keys and online assignments that need student logins. Middle schoolers will also test a sub on calculator use, so state the rule in writing for each class. A plan that is too short is as much of a problem as one that is too hard: always include a self-checking extension so fast finishers have something meaningful to do. If you teach several preps, label each plan clearly by class period so nothing gets mixed up.
Mix and match to fill the period. Every one works on paper with no specialist knowledge.
Four quick problems from earlier units, such as integers, ratios and percents, displayed or on a half-sheet as students enter.
A practice page on the current skill with a worked example at the top and problems that get gradually harder.
Three solved problems with mistakes. Students find each error, explain it in words and rework the problem correctly.
A multi-step scenario such as planning a class party budget or comparing unit prices at two stores.
Students solve problems and use the answers to decode a riddle, so they know right away if they made a mistake.
Two problems on the day's skill that tell you exactly who needs help when you return.
The checklist that stops the sub day going wrong before it starts.
Type your topic and LessonHQ writes a sub plan with sub directions, word-for-word scripts, timed tasks, early-finisher work and an answer key, already set to Grades 6-8. Edit it, then download as Word, Google Docs or PDF.
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Yes. Every LessonHQ sub plan includes word-for-word sub directions, an information box that explains the skill, tips for helping a stuck student and a full answer key, so the substitute supervises practice instead of teaching.
Yes. Type the skill and grade, and the explanation, practice questions and answer key are written for exactly that skill.
Only review what you taught, Worked examples on the page, Self-checking formats, Same plan, every period. Practice on the current or previous unit, never a new standard. Reteaching after a sub day costs more time than it saves.
The 6 activities on this page add up to about 45 minutes, so pick the ones that fit your class period or block. LessonHQ lets you set the length from 30 to 120 minutes and times every section for you.
Calculator policy for each class, and where the class set is kept; Seating charts for every period, with co-taught or advanced sections marked; Answer keys for the sub, plus a note on whether students may see them. Our free sub plan binder template has space for all of it.
Yes, you can start free with no card. Paid plans add higher monthly limits. Every sub plan exports to Word, Google Docs or PDF, fully editable.