Knowing how to write sub plans quickly and effectively can feel impossible—especially when you’re sick, exhausted, or juggling a last-minute emergency. Whether it’s a planned day off or a surprise absence, creating detailed substitute plans often takes more time than it should. If you’re teaching upper elementary, you already know how tricky it is to leave meaningful work that a sub can confidently manage. That’s where ChatGPT can help.
You wake up sick. Your voice is gone. Or your own kid just came down with a fever. The last thing you feel like doing? Writing detailed sub plans while you’re hunched over the kitchen counter at 6 a.m.
Whether it’s a planned absence or a surprise sick day, creating sub plans is a major time suck—especially when you’re teaching upper elementary and trying to keep the day on track with meaningful instruction.
With ChatGPT, you can take your basic notes and turn them into polished, clear, classroom-ready sub plans—in minutes.
You simply provide a few key details (like your daily schedule, student names, and what subjects you want covered), and let AI do the heavy lifting. Best part? You can create a reusable sub-plan template for your classroom once and use it all year long.
✨ Bonus tip: If you have the paid version of ChatGPT, you can upload a Word Doc with all your key info—like your schedule, routines, and go-to students—and never have to type it out again. Just reference that file in your prompt and let ChatGPT do the rest!
Step by Step - How to Write Sub Plans Using ChatGPT
📌 Step 1: Gather Your Basics
You’ll want to have these on hand (copy/paste into ChatGPT or keep in a running Google Doc):
Your daily class schedule
A list of helpful students
Any important classroom routines (bathroom, transitions, dismissal)
Where materials can be found (or that this is a no-prep day)
A brief note about what subject or topics to cover
✅ Pro tip: Keep a “Sub Info Snapshot” saved in your Google Drive so you’re always ready.
✏️ Step 2: Use This Prompt to Create a Planned Sub Day
Prompt Example:
“Create a full-day sub plan for a fifth grade class. Include a morning routine, ELA block with reading and writing, a math lesson on fractions, and a science activity about ecosystems. Include estimated time blocks, behavior reminders, and directions for a substitute unfamiliar with the class. Use a friendly but clear tone.”
You can also say:
“Add an early finisher activity.”
“Include a list of materials at the top.”
“Format it so I can copy it into a Google Doc.”
🚨 Step 3: Create an Emergency Sub Plan (No Prep)
Prompt Example:
“Write an emergency sub plan for an upper elementary class. Include low-prep activities for reading, writing, and math that don’t require any copies, tech, or materials. Add instructions for classroom procedures, transitions, and positive behavior management.”
In seconds, you’ll get a ready-to-use backup plan you can keep on your desk or in your emergency sub binder.
Once you know how to write sub plans using ChatGPT, you’ll never want to do it the old way again. Whether you’re planning ahead or handling a last-minute absence, ChatGPT makes it easy to create clear, detailed sub plans that keep your upper elementary classroom running smoothly. From subject-specific lessons to emergency no-prep days, this tool saves time, reduces stress, and helps you stay prepared for anything.
📥 Want a done-for-you sub plan template?
Check out my Free “Using ChatGPT to Write Sub Plans” instruction sheet!
✨ Want to take it a step further?
Now that you know how to write sub plans with ChatGPT, let’s talk differentiation! Head over to my next post to learn how to use ChatGPT to rewrite any text for ELLs, special education students, or gifted learners—in just minutes.
👉 Read: ChatGPT for Elementary Teachers: Easily Differentiate Texts for All Learners
