January has come and gone, and honestly? I barely remember it. Why? Because I was sick.
The first week of the new year hit me hard with relentless sinus pressure that refused to go away. All I wanted to do was steam in the shower, press my hands against my face, or sleep—none of which would have been possible if I were still in the classroom. And I know you can relate!
Then, just when I thought I was getting better, the fun continued with an inner ear infection. Oh joy! Nearly two weeks of feeling like my left ear was permanently clogged. I can only imagine the chaos that would have unfolded if my students realized I couldn’t hear well on one side of the room.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
That’s exactly why I’ve been creating Math Practice Packets—to help take the stress out of sub planning. If you’ve been following along, you know my motto: Work Smarter, Not Harder, and I truly apply that to everything I do, create, and teach.
Each Math Practice Packet includes seven (or more) engaging activities designed to help students differentiate, problem solve, and gamify math in a fresh way. The best part? These are NO to LOW PREP printables, making them easy to use for early finishers, independent work, math stations, or—you guessed it—sub plans.
The Secret to a Stress-Free Sub Day
I used to think I could just leave whatever we were currently working on for a substitute. Spoiler alert: it never worked.
Students struggled, substitutes got frustrated, and I always ended up reteaching everything when I returned. But once I started leaving review-based activities that focused on foundational skills, my sub days ran much smoother. Students could actually complete the work, stay engaged (thanks to the gamification elements), and—bonus—behavior improved because they weren’t lost or bored.
So, if you’re looking for an easy, stress-free way of prepping for a sub, try leaving a Math Practice Packet (available for 4th and 5th grades as well as 6th, 7th and 8th grades) next time you’re out. It’ll save you time, frustration, and the dreaded reteach cycle when you return.
Because let’s be honest—when you’re sick, the last thing you need is extra work waiting for you when you get back.
Grab Your Math Practice Packets!
Want to make prepping for a sub a breeze? Check out my latest Math Practice Packets and see how they can help you work smarter, not harder—even on those unexpected sick days.
