September Sub Plans: Why You Need Them Ready Before Back-to-School Chaos Hits
You know that sinking feeling when you wake up sick at the worst possible time—the beginning of the school year?
🤒 Nothing strikes more fear into a teacher’s heart than being out during back-to-school season without emergency sub plans ready to go.
Planning for a sub can sometimes feel harder than just dragging yourself to school sick (we’ve all been there). But here’s the truth: having September sub plans prepped and tucked into your sub binder or sub tub can save your sanity, your students’ learning, and your classroom routine.
Why Emergency Sub Plans Matter Most in September
The first few weeks of school set the tone for the whole year. Students are still learning routines, getting to know you, and adjusting to expectations. Walking into that with no structure in place? Yikes.
That’s why emergency sub plans are non-negotiable—especially in September. A well-prepared sub folder or sub binder:
Keeps your classroom routines intact.
Gives substitutes everything they need at their fingertips.
Provides meaningful, standards-based lessons instead of “filler work.”
Reduces your stress so you can actually rest while you’re out.
And let’s be honest, life happens—illness, sick kids, family emergencies, even those surprise required PD days. Having plans ready means you’re never scrambling at the last minute.
What’s Inside the September Sub Plans
I created my September Sub Plans for 2nd grade with YOU in mind—because I’ve been the teacher trying to piece things together through tissues and cold medicine. These plans are:
✅ 5 full days of ready-to-go lessons (Reading, Writing, Word Work/Phonics, Math, Science, and Social Studies)
✅ Seasonal + Standards-based (think Labor Day, forms of energy, and states of matter)
✅ Engaging & independent-friendly so your sub feels confident and your students stay on track
✅ Extra makerspace/STEM extensions + color-by-code activities for early finishers
Your students will practice:
Character analysis, sequencing, predictions, and informational text skills
Writing a personal narrative
Reviewing long vowels (oo, oi, oy) and types of sentences
Place value in math
Social studies + science with seasonal themes
And yes—these plans can handle both scheduled absences and those dreaded last-minute emergencies.
👉 Grab the September Sub Plans here: September Sub Plans – 2nd Grade Emergency Sub Plans, Binder, Template, & Folder
Want to Be Covered for the Whole Year?
If you’re the type who wants to set it and forget it, my Monthly Sub Plans bundle has you covered for every month of the year. That’s 5 full days of sub plans per month—perfect if you’re planning ahead for maternity leave, extended absences, or just peace of mind all year long.
You’ll always be ready with engaging, grade-level lessons that fit the season and keep your students learning while you’re out.
👉 Check out the full-year bundle here: Welcome to 2nd Grade Sub Folder – Monthly Emergency Sub Plans
Free Resource: Your Sub Survival Guide
Not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered! 🎉 Grab my free Sub Survival Guide packed with:
A sub binder cover to keep you organized
Quick tips for stress-free sub days
Printable sub tickets to reward students for awesome behavior
👉 Get your free guide here: FREE Sub Guide + Sub Tickets
Final Thoughts
Teachers, you deserve peace of mind during the busiest, most exhausting month of the year. Having September emergency sub plans ready means you can take a sick day (or five!) without guilt, chaos, or stress.