Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
As we move deeper into the school year, the reality starts to settle in: cold and flu season is officially here. Between personal illness days, unexpected absences, and those mornings when you wake up and realize there is absolutely no way you’re making it to first period… planning for a sub becomes just another part of survival. That’s why having ESL sub plans ready can be crucial for those teaching English as a second language.
And if you teach secondary ESL, you already know the truth:
Subs often get handed whatever work your neighbor teachers can find at the last minute.
It’s well-intentioned, but not always ESL-friendly, accessible, or aligned with what your multilingual learners actually need.
That’s exactly why having reliable, no-prep ESL sub plans ready to go can make your life so much easier—not just for you, but for your students and the substitute walking into your classroom.
Why ESL Sub Plans Matter More Than Ever
We’ve all had those days when we open our email to a message from the office asking,
“Do you have work for your students today?”
And sometimes…we don’t.
Life happens. Illness happens. Emergencies happen.
In those moments, a good set of ESL emergency sub plans becomes your safety net. When you have materials that are already structured, predictable, and student-friendly, you save yourself hours of scrambling and ensure your students stay engaged even when you’re out.
But the key is having sub plans that actually work for mixed-proficiency classrooms, not generic worksheets that overwhelm newcomers or bore your higher-level students.
Use Leveled Informational Texts That Subs Can Teach With Confidence
One of the easiest ways to build strong ESL sub plans is to keep materials on hand that require zero teacher explanation. That’s where leveled informational texts shine.
My informational texts are designed specifically for secondary ESL learners and come with:
- Leveled versions (A2–B1 & B2)
- Full audio recordings for every passage
- Digital and print formats
- Comprehension questions
- Context clues practice
- A short constructed response prompt
- Teacher answer keys
This means your sub doesn’t need to be a content expert, and your students don’t need you standing at the front of the room to get quality practice. They can simply read, listen, and complete the tasks independently.
It’s the kind of structure that keeps learning moving in the right direction—even when you’re home wrapped in a blanket with tea and DayQuil.
Perfect for Mixed-Level ESL Classrooms
If you teach high school ESL, you already know every class is a blend of abilities:
- A2 readers needing foundational practice
- B1 students building confidence
- B2 learners ready for challenge
Trying to leave a single assignment that fits all of them? Practically impossible.
That’s why leveled passages are a game changer for ESL sub plans. Students get the same content theme, but with language that matches their level. Everything is parallel, so you can still grade easily and maintain consistency.
- Newcomers can follow along without feeling overwhelmed.
- Higher-level students stay challenged and engaged.
- And your substitute has everything they need without guessing.
It’s a win for everyone.
Great for Early Finishers and Emergency Lessons Too
An unexpected perk of building strong ESL emergency sub plans is that they double as instant fillers for those “uh-oh” moments:
- When students finish early
- When technology crashes
- When assemblies throw off the schedule
- When you need 15 quiet minutes between activities
- When you suddenly get pulled into a meeting
Having a folder—or Google Drive file—full of ready-to-go informational texts means you never have to scramble or feel guilty about giving busywork. Students stay productive with relevant reading practice that builds vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence.
What to Keep in Your ESL Sub Plan Folder
A solid ESL sub folder (digital or physical) might include:
- 2–3 leveled informational texts with audio
- Printed copies stored in a drawer for emergencies
- Earbuds or a QR code to listen to audio
- Clear instructions for the substitute
- A “What To Do If You Finish Early” sheet with optional reading tasks
- A seating chart and roster
When everything is bundled together, you can walk out the door knowing your students are taken care of—even if your absence was last minute.
The following would be great starters for your ESL Sub Plan Folder:
1. The History of Hot Chocolate
Perfect for December, cozy, student-friendly, and works beautifully as a sub plan.
2. Christmas Around the World
Seasonal, engaging, and pairs well with cultural discussions — great for independent work.
3. Winter Foods Around the World
Students love food topics, and this one is ideal for no-prep reading on sub days.
4. The History of the Christmas Tree
High-interest and timely — an easy win during December or winter months.
Want ready-made ESL sub plans all year? Follow my store on TPT to stay connected and be notified when new informational texts and bundles are released. Sunshine’s Secondary ESL Studio is here for all your secondary ESL needs!
Stock Up for the Season: Winter Wonders & Christmas Around the World
If you want to prep ahead of time, my Winter Wonders Bundle and Christmas Around the World Bundle are perfect to have on standby during this season. They’re leveled, engaging, culturally rich, and ready for instant use when illness strikes. Also, you may like to explore all the informational texts that my TPT store has to offer.
Whether you’re planning ahead or preparing for the unexpected, having dependable ESL sub plans is one of the smartest things you can do for yourself and your students. Your future self will thank you.
