How to Write simple Sub Plans Without the Stress

Sub plans have a reputation for being one of the most stressful parts of teaching.

You’re often writing them:

• When you’re sick

• When you’re short on time

• When your brain is already overloaded

  
  

And yet, it can feel like everything has to be perfect — clear enough for a substitute, detailed enough to prevent chaos, and flexible enough to handle the unexpected.

The good news? Sub plans don’t have to be complicated to be effective. You can have simple sub plans.

When you build a few systems ahead of time, writing sub plans becomes faster, simpler, and far less overwhelming.

Start With Sub Binder Pages (Not the Daily Plan)

One of the biggest mistakes teachers make is starting with the daily plan every time.

Instead, begin by filling out sub folder (sub binder) pages once, when you’re not under pressure.

These pages stay on standby and give substitutes the context they need without requiring you to rewrite the same information again and again.

Helpful sub binder pages include:

• Classroom routines and expectations

• Student support notes and pull-outs

• Behavior and management basics

• Technology or materials a sub may need

  
  

Done is better than perfect here. These pages don’t need to be fancy — they just need to exist.

Once these are complete, your daily sub plans can stay short and focused.

Pre-Fill Your Schedule Before You Ever Need Sub Plans

Another simple step that saves time later:Fill in the times and subject blocks on your sub plan template ahead of time.

When your schedule is already in place:

• You’re not rebuilding the day each time

• Writing sub plans becomes a quick copy-and-edit process

• You can focus on what actually changes

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Saving a clean, pre-filled version means sub plans are never starting from scratch.

Don’t Rewrite What Already Exists

Your daily sub plan does not need to explain everything.

If a routine, procedure, or expectation is already explained in the sub binder:

• Reference it briefly

• Keep directions short

• Trust that the system will do its job

  
  

Clear reminders are more helpful than long explanations.

Write for Clarity, Not Creativity

Sub plans are not lesson plans.

They don’t need:

• Flowery language

• Detailed rationales

• Scripted explanations

  
  

They do need:

• Clear steps

• Simple directions

• A logical flow to the day

  
  

If a sentence doesn’t help a substitute know what to do next, it can usually be removed.

Plan Lightly for Flexibility

You don’t need backup plans for every scenario.

A little flexibility goes a long way:

• Early finisher options

• Notes about what can be skipped if time runs short

• One quick “if technology doesn’t work” alternative

These small additions give substitutes confidence without adding stress for you.

Trust Your Routines — and Let Go of Perfection

Strong classroom routines do more work than written plans ever could.

When students:

• Know expectations

• Understand procedures

• Are familiar with the flow of the day

Your sub plans don’t need to be perfect.

The goal isn’t a flawless lesson.The goal is:

• A calm classroom

• Clear expectations

• Students cared for and safe

Everything else is a bonus.

Make Sub Plans a System, Not a Headache

Sub plans feel overwhelming when they’re treated as an emergency task.

They become manageable when they’re part of a system.

Using sub folder pages + a clear planning template allows you to:

• Prepare once

• Reuse what works

• Write plans quickly when you need them most

If you’re looking for tools that support this approach, you can explore the Sub Folder Pages and Sub Plan Template designed to make sub plans simple, organized, and ready when you need them.