Many of us have found ourselves in urgent need of emergency substitute teacher plans in the past, whether due to unexpected illness, family emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. However, it seems like the need for reliable substitute teacher plans has become even more pressing in recent times. With that in mind, I decided to compile a list of my favorite resources for quick and effective substitute teacher plans specifically designed for ELA classes.
This list will be updated periodically as I discover new and valuable resources. My goal is to provide peace of mind to any teacher who needs to pull together a solid sub plan on short notice. Many of the resources included here are either free or cost less than a cup of coffee, making them accessible and easy to keep on hand for those moments when you need substitute teacher plans in a pinch. Whether you’re planning ahead or scrambling at the last minute, I hope these resources prove to be a lifesaver in your classroom.
Resources from Samantha in Secondary:
Informational Text Close Reading Passages: Using my standard close reading process, these resources can be print-and-go or posted to any learning management system as a digital assignment. Passages include plenty of high-interest options such as popular sports figures and haunted places. I keep a set of these already copied on my bookshelf for emergencies. That way I know if I can’t be there, my students are still getting valuable reading and writing activities that will help to increase their literacy skills.
Mad Libs: Mad Libs are a perfect print-and-go option and easy for any substitute teacher to implement. Students have extra time? Have them come up with and share their own! Not only are they super easy to extend, but they’re a lot of fun, too. Plus, students get to practice parts of speech while having a good time. I have a bundle of Mad Libs in my shop that are appropriate for students above 5th grade and are also created seasonally so you can have a set that works for any time of the year. Check them out here.
Word Games: Puzzles are a must to keep in your sub bin! Download my seasonal set and you’ll have some on hand no matter when you’ll need them during the school year.
Longer Term Resources:
Short Story Units: Need to stretch your lessons a few extra days? Use one of my short story units. Each one includes before, during, and after reading activities you can extend as you need. Again, all of these resources are both printable and digital.
Novel Units: Going to be out even longer? Check out my novel studies. These all come with unit plans and are great for longer term substitute plans.
Resources from Outside Websites:
CommonLit: CommonLit has a treasure trove of reading comprehension and writing activities that can be used digitally or printed out. Create an account and you’ll have a ton of options right at your fingertips. (FREE)
Newsela: Similar to CommonLit, Newsela has a library of resources that would be meaningful for secondary English Language Arts students. You can create assignments, adjust the grade level, and plenty of other helpful features. (FREE)
NoRedInk: NoRedInk is a very powerful tool for grammar instruction. It’s individualized and the exercises are highly accessible. (FREE + Premium Options)
Khan Academy: This website has ELA lessons up to grade 9, but higher level students can use the SAT Review or Grammar sections. (FREE)
Storyboard That: Review stories or create new ones in comic-style format. Highly engaging and powerful for classroom use. (Subscription Required)
ReadTheory: Adaptable reading comprehension activities. Tons of free lesson plans. Easy to assign and go. (FREE)
If you have additional ideas for engaging and effective substitute teacher plans, I’d love to hear them! Please feel free to share your suggestions in the comments below or reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook. Your input could help expand this list, making it an even more valuable resource for teachers in need of reliable substitute teacher plans for their secondary ELA classes.
I plan to continue adding more ideas and resources to this list over time, so be sure to check back for updates. Whether you’re preparing a nonfiction text activity, a fun Mad Libs session, or a comprehensive novel unit, having a variety of substitute teacher plans at your fingertips can make all the difference in keeping your students engaged and on track.
Happy teaching!
Looking for more fresh ideas for your secondary English Language Arts classroom? Join me for the tips, strategies, and resources you need to take your teaching to the next level right here.
