Creating the Ultimate Sub Folder

If you’ve ever woken up sick at 5:00 a.m. or gotten that dreaded call from the school nurse saying your child isn’t feeling well, you know the panic that sets in when you realize you’re not prepared for a sub. Emergencies happen. We’ve all been there! That’s exactly why having a ready-to-go sub folder is such a lifesaver. I like to think of it as my classroom safety net. When everything is organized and ready, I can stay home and rest without worrying that my students or substitute will be left scrambling.

What to Include in Your Sub Folder

Your sub folder should be simple, organized, and easy to follow. I always start with the basics like updated class rolls, the current bell schedule, and any special notes about students who leave early or have accommodations. These small details make a big difference, especially for a substitute who may be new to your school or your class routine. I also make sure my sub folder includes both digital and printed copies of everything, just in case technology decides to act up.

Another must-have is a clear schedule layout. If your school runs on A/B days or rotating classes, try to make the schedule as visual and straightforward as possible. I’ve found that including a quick chart or even color-coding the classes can save a substitute a lot of confusion. The easier you make it for them to follow your day, the smoother everything will go in your absence.

I also always leave emergency lesson plans. They are simple, flexible activities that don’t depend on what we’re currently studying. These lessons usually cover topics that I know we have already covered. This way, if I’m unexpectedly out, I know the substitute can grab a plan that works with any unit. I also leave space for them to jot down how things went or if certain activities were particularly successful. It’s such a helpful way to stay in the loop when you return.

The Secret Ingredient - No Prep Sub Plans

Let’s be honest. Creating meaningful sub plans is often the most stressful part of being out. That’s exactly why I designed my No Prep Sub Plans to take that pressure off your shoulders. These plans are designed specifically for history teachers. They include 10 engaging activities that can fit into any U.S. or World History unit. The best part? They come with clear teacher directions, print and digital options, and flexible timing guidelines so you can customize based on your schedule.

Each activity in the No Prep Sub Plans is self-contained. This means substitutes can easily pick up and teach without extra prep. Let's take a peek at some of the activities.

Whose Phone is This?

"Whose Phone Is This?" gets your students thinking creatively about historical figures through a modern lens.  Students will choose a historical figure that they have learned about and answer questions based on what that figure might have on their cell phone if they lived today.  It's a fun and engaging way to get students thinking about these figures as "real people" and not just a character in their textbook. 

Historical Front Page

The "Historical Front Page" is a 45–60 minute activity that has your students creating a front page for a historical event you have studied in class. Using both pictures and words, students must create the front page of a newspaper that is covering the historical event. Students must focus on accuracy, creativity, and connections to their notes. 

Infographic

The Infographic Activity allows your students to demonstrate understanding visually. After being introduced to how infographics share information using images, your students will create their own infographic. This activity is perfect for classes with diverse learners. 

Puzzles

There are even two puzzle options that are perfect for shorter class periods. Using the Crossword Puzzle and Word Find activities, students will reinforce vocabulary and key people from recent lessons. Students love creating the puzzles and then trading with a classmate to solve a puzzle. 

History Meets Social Media

Your students who love social media will get a kick out of "History Book" and "Chatter". In these activities, they create mock profiles or posts for famous figures. These 30–45 minute tasks combine history and pop culture, making even the most reluctant learners excited to participate.

The Movie Plot

The Movie Plot task lets your students imagine pitching a historical film to a Hollywood producer. They have to think through characters, setting, and dialogue. It’s a 45–60 minute project that turns research into storytelling.

 

And. . . there are more activities included in this resource! Whether your substitute needs to fill one class period or an entire day, there’s enough variety to choose from while still keeping the work meaningful. What makes these sub plans stand out is the creative mix of activities. 

With all these options at your fingertips, you can easily build a sub folder that’s flexible, engaging, and completely no prep. Every activity is designed to stand alone, which means your sub doesn’t have to stress about keeping up with your pacing guide. You also don’t have to worry about reteaching everything when you return.

How to Keep Your Sub Folder Ready All Year

Creating your sub folder is just the beginning. The real key is keeping it up to date. I like to revisit mine at the start of each quarter. I replace outdated rosters, check my emergency contact list, and refresh my thank-you note for subs. I also keep a checklist in the front that reminds me to restock copies of any activities that were used. Having extra copies printed and ready to go has saved me more times than I can count!

Another helpful tip is to store your sub folder somewhere obvious. I keep mine in a clearly labeled binder right by my computer so it’s easy to find. I even let a trusted colleague know where it’s kept, just in case I’m ever out unexpectedly. If your school uses Google Drive, it’s worth uploading a digital backup there too. That way, everything, from rosters to sub plans, is just a click away.

Don’t forget the personal touch. I always include a thank-you note and, when possible, a small token of appreciation for my sub. Whether it’s a coffee gift card or a quick promise to cover their class in return, showing gratitude goes a long way. Substitutes often step into chaos, and a little kindness can make their day.

Grab Your Free Resource

If you’re ready to take the stress out of prepping for a sub day, I’ve got you covered! When you sign up here, I will send you more tips and ideas for setting up your sub plan and one free activity. It's a ready-to-use activity that’s perfect to include in your sub folder. It’s an easy way to start building your collection of meaningful lessons that keep your students engaged and learning, even when you can’t be there. Sign up today and grab your free download to make your next sub day completely worry-free!

Time to Build Your Stress Free Sub Folder

Having a well-prepared sub folder isn’t just about organization. It’s about peace of mind. When everything your substitute needs is in one place, you can take that unexpected day off without feeling guilty or worried about what’s happening back at school. 

With my No Prep Sub Plans, you’ll know your students are still engaged in meaningful, standards-based work that ties directly to your content. So take a deep breath, grab a binder, and start creating your ultimate sub folder today. And. . . if you want ready-to-use activities for your sub folder, then make sure to grab my No Prep Sub Plans resource.  It includes all the activities from this post, and more!  Future you will be so glad you did!

Save for Later

Pin this post to your teacher board so you’ll have it handy the next time you’re setting up your sub folder or refreshing your emergency sub plans. You’ll thank yourself later when that unexpected sick day hits!