Sometimes it is worth it. You never know when something will happen to keep us from school (flu, family death, car accident), so it is best to be prepared in advance.
Years ago, I started keeping pocket folders in my desk. I prepared lessons for 5 days and they were labeled Substitute Lesson, Day One - Day Five. So in the event that something should happen to prevent me from preparing for a substitute, I could refer to these folders and specify which folder I wanted the substitute to use. I kept them updated with a current roster - just print enough copies for each folder. This may sound like work that you don't have time to do, but it pays off when you need them.
For starters, keep a generic set of class expectations/procedures. This would include a schedule, discipline policy, teachers (not students) to contact with questions, emergency procedures, where items are kept in the classroom, and what students can or cannot use in the classroom (centers, class library). Make a copy for each folder.
Next, a generic set of lesson plan directions. For example: provide a reading passage and an accompanying activity/handout. Your directions could read: Have students read the passage silently, and then read the passage aloud as a class. Ask students to volunteer to read or you can read the passage to them. After reading aloud, have the students complete the handout. After completing the handout, pair students ( a pairing suggestion sheet is included) and have them review their answers, citing which line, paragraph,or page in which they located the answer. If they have different answers, they should re-read the passage until they agree on an answer and can cite where they located it. Then students should turn in the handout. This lesson should take at least 30 minutes. (Feel free to use this set of directions.)
Make sure to leave enough copies of student handouts and answer keys for the substitute. Several subs are willing to grade student papers, as long as they know they are not stepping on anyone's toes. If you want your sub to grade the handouts, leave this in your instructions. Also, make sure that you leave more work than you would normally cover in a day. We all know how quickly our students work in our absence!
To direct the substitute to the folders, leave a note on the desk and a note in your office substitute folder.
Finding work for the folder is easier than ever. You can locate many resources on the internet, Facebook, or at your favorite teacher websites. However, it is best to leave copies and not depend on your substitute to access the internet. Some districts also have policies concerning substitute use of computers/internet.Several sites now provide substitute plans or lesson plans. Most sites have free or cheap lessons that you can use for a substitute. Teachwise just sent a notification to sellers to let us know that they are going to have a promotion day in the near future for substitute resources.
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