What to Leave in Your Kindergarten Sub Plans
It’s 2:37 a.m.
You’ve been up all night with a stomach bug, the kind that shows no mercy. You finally text your teammate, blurry-eyed and blanket-bound, and wonder:
“But did I update the kindergarten sub plans?”
Because let’s be honest—whether it’s a last-minute sick day, a family emergency, or a much-needed mental health day, having kindergarten sub plans that are actually ready before you need them can save a lot of stress.
And in kindergarten, a good sub plan isn’t just about filling time. It’s about helping your students feel safe and supported… and helping your guest teacher feel prepared, not overwhelmed.
So, if you’re wondering what to include in your kindergarten sub plans, here’s a helpful breakdown of everything that can make the day easier for everyone involved.
1. A Clear Daily Schedule
In your kindergarten sub plans, start with a simple breakdown of the day:
- Arrival and morning routine
- Specials, lunch, and dismissal times
- Transition notes or anything out of the ordinary (like when one student leaves early or goes to speech)
- Pro Tip: Include a “just-in-case” version if something gets cancelled or changed (looking at you, surprise fire drills!)
Bonus: Include any favorite brain breaks or classroom songs that help with routines. Even little things can make a big difference!
2. The Who’s Who: Class List + Quick Notes
This is your sub’s safety net. Every effective set of kindergarten sub plans should include:
- Student names and seating chart
- Allergies, medical alerts, and dismissal info
- “Go-to” student helpers (yes, name names!)
- Important notes like: “Kyle goes to speech at 10am. The speech teacher will pick him up.”
This helps the sub feel supported… and avoids a “where’s Emma supposed to go?!” moment at 2:59.
3. Your Behavior Management System
Even the kindest kinders might test boundaries when their regular teacher is out. That’s why strong sub plans for kindergarten should include a short explanation of:
- Your behavior expectations
- Rewards or systems that students are familiar with (clip charts, points, etc.)
- A few simple strategies that tend to work well in your room
You don’t need a novel—just a little insight so your sub feels like they’re not flying blind. And remind them that it’s okay to be firm!
4. Plans, Activities, & Worksheets (a.k.a. The Meat of It)
Leave engaging, easy-to-follow kindergarten sub plans that don’t require much explanation or tech setup.
Leave ready-to-go activities that are:
- Familiar to your students
- Low-prep for the sub
- Standards-aligned and age-appropriate
Need ideas? Try a mix of:
- No-prep worksheets
- Hands-on centers without a ton of pieces
- Read-aloud + response activities
- Print-and-go math and literacy review
Bonus: Want to be extra prepared? Use a set of emergency sub plans for kindergarten that you can grab any time you’re out. These should cover both literacy and math, include visuals, and ideally have no tech requirements (because the projector will break on the day you’re gone!).
5. Time Fillers that Don’t Feel Like Time Fillers
You know that weird 12-minute window between math and lunch? Or the 9 kids who finish everything early?
Sub-friendly time fillers can save the day, so make sure your kindergarten sub plans include a stash of:
- Color-by-code pages
- An extra read-aloud or two
- “Would You Rather?” cards or simple game ideas like “I Spy”
- Brain breaks with movement (Bonus if you leave GoNoodle links!)
- Easy-to-lead group games like Mystery Number or Simon Says with a Twist
Note: Make sure everything has directions… even the fun stuff!
6. A Classroom Map or “Where to Find Stuff” Guide
Your sub doesn’t know that the pencils are in the blue bin under the sink… behind the math games… next to a pile of laminated sentence strips.
So help them out! Make your kindergarten sub plans extra helpful with:
- Labeled drawers, bins, and cabinets
- A map or quick notes like: “Glue sticks = 2nd drawer from left under whiteboard”
- Notes on where students store their work
7. Special Situations & “What If” Notes
Subs dread curveballs—especially in kindergarten. A few quick blurbs in your kindergarten sub plans can make things smoother:
- “If a student has an accident, send them to the nurse with a buddy.”
- “If it’s raining during recess, divide the students by table and have them pick an activity from the blue bookcase.”
- “If there’s a fire drill, grab the folder by the door and head out back toward the playground.”
You know your kids… your sub doesn’t. So give them the info that’ll help the day run without surprises!
8. A Feedback Form (and a Bit of Encouragement)
Your sub plans for kindergarten should conclude with a short feedback form so you can get a sense of how the day went.
Just make sure it’s easy for your sub to provide helpful notes! Leave a short feedback form that asks:
- What went well
- List of absent students
- Any behavior issues or unexpected situations
- Any work not completed
Pro tip: Leave a little treat with your plans… a granola bar, a chocolate square, even just a kind note. A small gesture can go a long way!
Wrapping Up Your Kindergarten Sub Plans
Here’s the truth:
You can’t plan for every sudden illness, flat tire, or family emergency.
But you can make sure your sub walks into a classroom that’s ready for them.
Great sub plans for kindergarten do more than just fill the day. They protect your classroom community and give you peace of mind… so you can focus on getting better (or at least surviving until the fever breaks!).
And if you'd rather not start from scratch, the Kindergarten Emergency Sub Plans Bundle includes everything your sub needs to lead the day with confidence—because you deserve rest without the stress and your kinders deserve a day that still feels like theirs, even when you're away.
