You know that feeling when you wake up and instantly realize there’s no way you’re making it to school today? Your voice is gone. The sub plans aren’t written. And you’re suddenly regretting that promise to “get ahead on plans next weekend.”
We’ve all been there. Writing sub plans is one of those tasks that always feels way more complicated than it should be. Between trying to find something meaningful for students, simple enough for a non-math sub, and easy enough to prep while you’re under a blanket with tea—it can feel impossible.
But it doesn’t have to be. With a little prep and the right types of activities, you can create math sub plans that are easy for you, easy for the substitute, and still meaningful for your students.
1. Make It Easy on Yourself — Prep Ahead with Plug-and-Play Materials
Sub days always seem to sneak up on us. That’s why the best time to plan for a sub is before you actually need one.
I like to keep a “Sub Tub” (both physical and digital) filled with print-and-go activities. That way, when I have to call out at the last minute, I can grab a folder and know my students are covered.
When choosing what to include, I look for resources that:
- Review key standards we’ve already taught
- Require minimal directions
- Keep students engaged and self-sufficient
This is where my interactive worksheets come in handy. They work perfectly as independent review because they include a QR code that links to a mini lesson video. Students can practice skills like fraction operations, decimals, or place value—all with the help of a video. It’s like you’re right there with them!
So before flu season hits, load up your Sub Tub with a few interactive worksheets on different topics. Trust me—your future self will thank you.
2. Keep It Clear for the Substitute — Simple Directions and Structured Lessons
Here’s the thing: your substitute may not be a math person. In fact, they may not even like math.
The clearer your plans are, the smoother your day will go. I always include:
- A quick note about the daily schedule
- Class list and seating chart
- Step-by-step directions for each activity
- What to do if they finish early (because you know someone will)
And when it comes to math lessons, I pick activities that are low prep for me and low stress for the sub—like color by code worksheets.
These are perfect because the directions are built right in. Students solve a math problem, find the matching color, and watch a picture appear. The sub doesn’t need to explain algorithms or manage a dozen questions at once.
Even better? They keep your room calm. There’s something magical about a class full of students quietly coloring while practicing order of operations or multiplying fractions.
3. Keep It Meaningful for Students — Practice That Feels Like Play
Let’s be real: students don’t want to do a bunch of busy work when their teacher is out. And if your plans look like “extra practice worksheet pages,” they’ll treat the day like a free-for-all.
That’s why it’s important to make sub plans feel different—even if they’re still meaningful review.
My favorite way to do this? Math riddles.
Math riddles are one of those sneaky-smart activities that blend practice and fun. Students solve problems, use the answers to decode a riddle, and reveal a silly punchline at the end.
The built-in self-check means they know instantly if they made an error (because the riddle won’t make sense if they did). And because there’s a mystery element, even your reluctant workers stay engaged.
I’ve had substitutes leave me notes saying, “The class begged for more of these!” Which, as we all know, is the ultimate compliment.
Try rotating through a few topics—like division, fractions, or decimals—so you can easily grab one that fits your current unit. It’s math practice that doesn’t feel like work, which makes it a win for both students and subs.
Sub Plans That Practically Run Themselves
Sub days don’t have to mean chaos, confusion, or wasted time. With a little preparation and the right kinds of math activities, your students can stay on track—and maybe even have a little fun while you’re gone.
The next time you wake up feeling awful (or your own kid wakes up sick), you’ll be able to send one quick message: “Sub plans are ready to go!”
No stress. No guilt. Just peace of mind—and math that matters.
Ready to build your own sub folder?
Check out my collection of interactive worksheets, color by code activities, and math riddles in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. They’re all low-prep, standards-aligned, and designed to make sub days easy for you and engaging for your students.
Looking for more ways to enhance your math instruction? Check out these posts:
