Emergency Sub Plan for Grade 5 Language Arts

Objective

Students will engage in a variety of Language Arts activities that reinforce reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. The lesson aims to keep students motivated and focused without the need for prior knowledge or ongoing lessons.

Materials/Resources

• Whiteboard and markers
• Paper and pencils
• "The Magic of Words" handout (includes a list of vocabulary words and definitions)
• "My Story" writing template (simple outline for storytelling)
• Access to a selection of age-appropriate books (classroom library)
• Timer (for timed activities)

Lesson Plan Procedure

Opening/Lesson Hook (10 minutes)

• Warm-up Activity:

  • Word Association Game:

    • Write the word "Language" on the board.
    • Students take turns saying a word related to "Language" (e.g., "Words," "Writing," "Reading").
    • Encourage students to explain their choices briefly.
    • This activity can be done as a whole class or in small groups and helps build vocabulary and confidence.

Guided Practice (20 minutes)

• Main Lesson Activity: Vocabulary and Context

  • Distribute the "The Magic of Words" handout.

  • Review each vocabulary word as a class, discussing meanings and using them in sentences.

  • Activity:

    • In pairs, students will create a short dialogue or skit using at least three vocabulary words from the handout.
    • After 10 minutes, pairs can present their skits to the class.

Independent Practice (15 minutes)

• Independent Task: Writing Prompt

  • Students will use the "My Story" writing template to create a short story. The prompt is: "If you could have any magical power, what would it be and why?"
  • Encourage students to use at least five vocabulary words from the earlier activity in their stories.

Differentiated Activities

• Below Grade Level:

  • Provide a word bank with visual aids to help students choose vocabulary words.
  • Have students work with a partner to brainstorm ideas for their story.

• At Grade Level:

  • Students work independently on their stories but can refer to the vocabulary handout for inspiration.
  • Encourage them to illustrate their stories if time allows.

• Above Grade Level:

  • Challenge students to write a story that includes a conflict and resolution using the vocabulary words.
  • Encourage them to think about character development and setting.

Closing (5 minutes)

• Invite a few students to share their stories with the class.
• End the lesson by discussing what students learned about vocabulary and storytelling.

Extension Activities or Sample Questions

• Formative Assessment:

  • Ask students to write a sentence using each vocabulary word from the handout and share it with a partner.

• Summative Assessment:

  • Collect the stories and assess them based on creativity, use of vocabulary, and structure.

Reflection

• After the lesson, the substitute teacher can note which activities engaged students the most and any challenges faced, providing feedback for the regular teacher.

Tips for Substitute Teacher

• Encourage a respectful and supportive environment during group activities.
• Maintain a positive tone and keep energy high, especially during presentations.
• Ensure all materials are distributed and collected at the end of the class.
• Be adaptable; if students finish early, they can read books from the classroom library or draw illustrations for their stories.

This emergency sub plan is designed to be engaging, flexible, and easy to implement without prior knowledge of ongoing lessons.