How to Make ELA Emergency Sub Plans for Grades 3

Have you ever gone to school sick because writing sub plans felt like more work than teaching? I have.

That is why I learned how to make emergency sub plans ahead of time. With clear directions and meaningful ELA activities ready, I can stay home when I need to and know my classroom is covered.

As a 5th grade teacher, I know my 5th grade emergency sub plans have to be meaningful, familiar, and easy for a substitute to follow.

Here is the setup I use so I can step away knowing my classroom is covered.

Teacher preparing emergency ELA sub plans for grades 3–5

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Emergency sub plans for grades 3 to 5 work best when they include classroom routines, ready-to-go activities, and clear directions a substitute can follow without you there.

Why Do Teachers Need Emergency Sub Plans?

Even if you are only out for one day, clear emergency sub plans keep your classroom running smoothly.

Instead of emailing the teacher next door at 6:00 A.M. and asking her to grab extra pages from behind your desk, your lessons are already prepared. Whether you are away for one day or several, your students can maintain their routine.

Clear, step-by-step directions also help your substitute teach with confidence. Students continue practicing meaningful skills, and instructional time does not turn into busywork.

Want My Free Emergency ELA Sub Plans?

I created these free emergency ELA sub plans for those days when you need something ready without spending your morning searching for activities. The packet includes printable, ready-to-use practice for grades 3–5. Click the image below.

Preview of free emergency ELA sub plans for grades 3–5

You can also explore more free ELA resources for grades 3–5 on the LiteracyTales Freebies page.

What Should Emergency Sub Plans Include?

ELA emergency sub plans should include the classroom information, routines, and ready-to-use lessons a substitute needs to manage the day without guessing.

In my classroom binder, I always include:

A welcome note for the substitute. A simple hello goes a long way.
The daily schedule, including specials, lunch, recess, and all the things students will not let the substitute forget anyway.
An updated class roster and seating chart.
Important notes about students who may need additional support.
Directions for classroom routines and teacher duties.
Contact names and extensions for quick help.
Clear, step-by-step lesson plans.
Print-and-go student activities.
Emergency drill procedures.
Early finisher activities.

Once a quarter, I give my sub binder a quick check. Maybe a student transferred, someone new joined the class, or I need to add a health alert.

I make those small changes to my sub plans and move on. I am not rebuilding the whole thing every time.

What ELA Activities Work Best for Emergency Sub Plans?

The best ELA activities for emergency sub plans are familiar, independent tasks with clear directions.

A substitute may not know your routines, but your students do. I leave activities they already recognize and know how to complete. That familiarity keeps students engaged and helps the day move along without unnecessary interruptions or surprises.

My go-to activities include:

Reading passages with comprehension questions
Vocabulary and context clues practice
Story maps and graphic organizers
Quick journal prompts
Word work activities
Short writing responses

Keeping the activities straightforward helps my students stay engaged and allows the substitute to feel confident leading the lesson.

There is nothing worse than returning to a note that says, “We didn’t get to anything.”

Want Emergency ELA Sub Plans Ready for the Entire Year?

If you want to prepare once and know you are covered throughout the school year, I have put my emergency ELA sub plans together into a full-year bundle. It includes more than 300 pages of reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, word study, and early finisher activities for grades 3–5.

Each packet includes clear substitute directions, classroom forms, student activities, and answer keys. Print it, leave it on your desk, and know your substitute has what they need.

See the Full-Year Emergency ELA Sub Plans Bundle

Full-year emergency ELA sub plans bundle for grades 3–5 with 300+ print-and-go pages — Full-year emergency ELA sub plans with 300+ pages of no-prep reading and writing activities for grades 3–5.

Why I Created LiteracyTales Emergency ELA Sub Plans

After too many last-minute mornings, I realized I needed materials that were easy to grab and actually useful. That is why I started creating my own LiteracyTales emergency ELA sub plans.

My emergency sub plans are no-prep and ready to print.
My ELA emergency sub plans include clear directions for both substitutes and students.
They focus on meaningful reading and writing skills, not busywork.
Once they are prepared and placed in the binder, they are ready whenever I need them.

I use these plans in my own fifth-grade classroom, so I know they work in a real classroom. I do not put anything in my store that I have not first tried with my own students.

What Teachers Are Saying About the Sub Plans

“Big help in my class! This resource is a big help in my classroom. I’m so glad I found it!”

“Great resource for my fifth-grade classroom! I will definitely use it from year to year!”

Explore Emergency ELA Sub Plans for Grades 3–5

Stress-Free Sick Days Start With Prepared Sub Plans

We cannot always predict when we will need to be out, but a set of emergency sub plans means the classroom is always prepared.

Your students keep learning, your substitute feels supported, and you can rest without worrying about what is happening at school.

That is why I created my emergency ELA sub plans for grades 3–5. You do not have to start from scratch or spend your morning putting together a last-minute packet. With a little preparation now, you will always have a plan you can count on. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Emergency Sub Plans FAQ

What should 5th grade emergency sub plans include?

Include your schedule, roster, routines, emergency procedures, lesson directions, student activities, and early finisher work.

How many days should I prepare?

Prepare at least one full day. Two or three flexible days are even better.

How often should I update my plans?

Update them whenever your schedule, seating chart, routines, or student needs change.

What ELA activities work best?

Use reading passages, comprehension questions, vocabulary, graphic organizers, word work, and short writing tasks.

Where should I keep emergency sub plans?

Store them in a clearly labeled binder or sub tub near your desk.

Tehfe – Fifth-Grade ELA and Social Studies Teacher
Creator of LiteracyTales

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are always 100% mine, and I don’t work with any product or company I don’t use and love.

How to Make ELA Emergency Sub Plans for Grades 3–5