The alarm rings, but you can’t get out of bed. An unexpected absence! Immediately, your mind races: “What about my students? What will the substitute teach?” The stress of creating last-minute, meaningful substitute plans is real. It’s a universal teacher experience—the scramble for a sub plan that’s more than just a worksheet, something that keeps your students engaged and learning, even when you’re not there.
But what if there was a tool that could make engaging learning activities in your absence easy, effective, and even fun?
This is where Gimkit for substitute teachers comes in. Gimkit is a game-show style learning tool that transforms quizzes into fast-paced, high-energy games. If you’re new to the platform, you can read more about what are the main features of Gimkit to get a quick overview. Its unique features make it a perfect fit for both planned days off and those dreaded last-minute emergency lesson plans. This guide will show you how to leverage Gimkit for seamless, low-prep activities for subs, ensuring your students remain focused and learning, whether it’s a planned day off or an unexpected absence.
Why Gimkit is the Ideal Tool for Substitute Plans
When you’re away, you need a solution that works for you, your substitute, and your students. Gimkit ticks all the boxes.
Unparalleled Student Engagement
Students are naturally drawn to games. Gimkit’s competitive, game-show style format keeps them hooked. They’re not just answering questions; they’re earning GimBucks, buying power-ups, and strategizing to win. This turns a simple review session into an exciting event, keeping students intrinsically motivated and on-task.
Ease of Use for the Substitute
This is perhaps the biggest win for you. A substitute teacher has enough on their plate without having to learn a complex new platform. Gimkit’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly.
- No Student Accounts Needed to Play: This is a game-changer. Students can join a game with a simple code, eliminating the need for login info, password resets, or account troubleshooting. If you need a refresher on how students join a game, you can check out our guide on how to join a random Gimkit game.
- Minimal Setup: Once you’ve created or selected a “Kit” (a set of questions), all the substitute has to do is hit “Play Live.” There are no physical materials to hand out or collect, making it a truly no-prep activity.
Learning Continuity & Accountability
Gimkit ensures that even on a day off, learning isn’t on pause.
- Content Reinforcement: You can select Kits that are directly aligned with your current curriculum or that review previous material, keeping key concepts fresh in students’ minds.
- Data Reports: When you return, Gimkit provides a detailed report on how the class performed. You can see which questions were missed most often and identify areas that need to be retaught. This is invaluable for maintaining instructional momentum.
- Independent Work Options: Gimkit’s “Assignments” feature is a perfect solution for independent work in Gimkit scenarios involving absence. More on that later!
Preparing Engaging Sub Plans Gimkit Activities (Before You’re Out)
The secret to stress-free absences is preparation. A little bit of work up front can save you a lot of worry later. Here’s how to create effective and engaging sub plans using Gimkit.
Curating Your Gimkit Kit Library
Think of this as your pre-made toolkit for any occasion.
- Re-use Existing Kits: Select Kits that are aligned to current or review topics. You’ve already done the hard work, so why not use it again? A quick look at your Gimkit dashboard guide will help you find and organize your saved Kits.
- Utilize the Question Bank: Gimkit has a vast public library of pre-made Kits for subs created by other teachers. Searching for your subject and grade level to find a ready-to-go set of questions. This is a great way to quickly set up a Gimkit quiz show without creating questions from scratch.
- Create “Evergreen” Kits: Develop general review Kits that can be used anytime. Examples include “Classroom Rules Refresher,” “Key Academic Vocabulary,” or “Historical Timelines.” These are perfect to have on standby.
Leveraging the “Assignments” Feature
The Assignments feature is a godsend for Gimkit emergency lesson plans. It allows students to play a Gimkit game on their own, at their own pace, and from anywhere.
- How Assignments Work: You assign a Kit to your students with a specific goal, like a target amount of GimBucks to earn or several questions to answer. Students can complete it during class or even as homework. If you’re a new teacher and need to know how to sign up for a Gimkit account, this is the first step you’ll need to take to access this feature.
- Ideal for Individual Work: This is perfect for when the substitute needs a low-management activity. Students can work quietly on their own devices, and you can easily check their progress upon your return.
- Setting Goals: You can customize the assignment to fit your needs. Do you want them to review a specific concept? Set a question goal. Do you want them to practice for a set amount of time? Let the cash goal guide them.
Organizing Information for the Substitute
The key to a successful sub day is clear, concise instructions.
- Clear Instructions: Provide a step-by-step guide for hosting a Gimkit game or assigning an Assignment. Use a simple list like this:
- Go to gimkit.com.
- Click “Log In” and enter the provided details.
- From the dashboard, find and click the “Play” button next to the designated Kit.
- Select a Game Mode (e.g., “Classic” or “Team Mode”) and a few basic settings.
- Project the game code on the board for students to join.
- Designated Kit List: A simple list of Kits you want the sub to use, perhaps with accompanying notes (e.g., “Use this Kit for 20 mins, then this one”).
Implementing Low-Prep Gimkit Activities for Subs on the Day
Even if you’re not there to run the show, you can still provide a valuable, engaging experience. Here are a few ways the substitute can implement your pre-planned Gimkit activities.
Whole-Class Live Game Modes (Interactive & Collaborative)
This is the classic, high-energy Gimkit experience. The sub will project the game, and students will play together.
- Classic Mode: This is the most straightforward competitive mode. It’s great for a quick review and a clear winner.
- Team Mode: This encourages competitive vs cooperative learning Gimkit and reduces individual pressure. Students work together toward a common goal, which can be great for classroom management.
- Fishtopia/Farmchain: These longer-form, strategic games are engaging for extended periods and allow for student pacing within a live game. For a detailed guide on this popular mode, check out our post on Fishtopia Gimkit: educational strategy meets interactive gaming. They’re perfect for filling a longer class period.
Independent or Small Group “Assignment” Play
This is where the “Assignments” feature truly shines as a digital activity for a substitute.
- “Homework” Mode: Students can play on their own devices at their own pace, making it perfect for a quiet, focused classroom.
- Differentiated Practice: You can assign different Kits or different goals to individual students or small groups, ensuring everyone is working at a level that’s appropriate for them.
- “Early Finisher” Option: Have a pre-assigned Gimkit ready for students who complete other work, keeping them engaged and on-task.
Tips for a Smooth Gimkit Experience with a Substitute
A little bit of forethought goes a long way.
Test Everything (Once!)
Before you leave, run a practice game or check the Assignment link yourself. This ensures your Kits are working and the instructions you’ve left are crystal clear. Confirming tech access—checking if devices are charged and the internet is working—can prevent a headache later.
Communicate with the Substitute
If possible, a quick email or a note in your sub binder highlighting the key instructions can be a huge help. Pointing out the most important steps in your written plans can make all the difference.
Managing Student Expectations
If you play Gimkit regularly, your students will be familiar with the process. Remind them of clear behavior guidelines for online activities, even with a sub. A consistent routine makes a substitute’s job much easier.
Collecting Data & Following Up
Upon your return, make it a point to review Gimkit reports. This will give you valuable insight into what your students learned and struggled with. You can also briefly check in with students about their Gimkit experience with the sub.
Final Words
Taking a day off shouldn’t mean sacrificing student engagement or learning continuity. By strategically integrating Gimkit for substitute teachers into your planning, you unlock engaging sub plans that are low-prep, easy for substitutes to run, and highly effective for students. From Gimkit emergency lesson plans to routine absences, Gimkit is your secret weapon for ensuring productive learning continues, even when you’re not there.
Empower your substitutes and your students with the dynamic learning experience Gimkit offers. Say goodbye to the stress of last-minute prep and hello to confident absences, knowing your classroom is still thriving. Make Gimkit a staple in your digital activities for a substitute arsenal today! For more ideas and Gimkit quick setup for subs tips from the community, be sure to explore this guide.
How has Gimkit transformed your emergency lesson plans? Share your favorite Gimkit quick setup for subs tips in the comments below!
