WELCOME NOTE TO SUBSTITUTE Hi! Thank you so much for being here today. This is a wonderful 6th grade English Language Arts class. The students are working on independent reading and reading response journals. Everything they need is already at their desks — you just need to walk in and get started. You've got this! CLASS OVERVIEW Grade: 6th | Subject: English Language Arts Behavior expectations: Students are generally respectful and follow directions. Raise your hand to address the class. Noise level should be "library quiet" during independent reading. Key rules: Phones away, stay in your seat during reading time, one bathroom pass at a time. MATERIALS NEEDED - Independent reading books (already in student desks) - Reading response journals (also in student desks) - Timer on the classroom projector (password: sub2024) MINUTE-BY-MINUTE SCHEDULE 0:00–0:05 — Take attendance using the paper list on the teacher's desk. Mark any absences. 0:05–0:10 — Ask students to get out their reading books and journals. Write on the board: "Independent Reading + Journal Response Today." 0:10–0:35 — Silent independent reading. Set a timer. Circulate quietly. 0:35–0:50 — Journal response time. Students write: "What happened in your reading today, and how does it connect to something in your own life?" 0:50–0:55 — Wrap-up and pack up. STUDENT ACTIVITY Say to students: "Today you'll spend 25 minutes reading your independent reading book silently, then 15 minutes writing a journal response. The prompt is on the board. I'm looking for at least one full paragraph." IF STUDENTS FINISH EARLY Students may continue reading or draw a scene from their book. No phones. END OF PERIOD ROUTINE Students return books and journals to their desks. Dismiss by rows when the bell rings. EMERGENCY CONTACTS AND PROCEDURES Office: [ROOM NUMBER] | Main contact: [CONTACT NAME] | Fire drill: exit through front door, turn left to field.