No-Prep Emergency Drama Coverage for Grades 11–12: A One-Week Play You Can Hand Off

Sub days and emergency weeks can destroy pacing in Grade 11–12 ELA. The easiest fix is a unit that is predictable, structured, and assessment-ready. This post outlines a one-week play routine that works even when you are out, because students follow the same daily flow and you still get meaningful discussion and measurable checks for understanding.

What makes a strong Grade 11–12 sub plan

  • Clear daily instructions that students can follow without reteaching.
  • Reading that is finishable in one class period.
  • Built-in discussion prompts to keep the class focused.
  • Daily exit checks and answer keys so grading stays manageable.

The five-day emergency plan

Each day follows the same routine. Consistency is the point. Students know what to do, and the substitute does not need deep content expertise.

  • Day 1: Read/perform Part 1, complete discussion questions, take exit quiz
  • Day 2: Read/perform Part 2, complete discussion questions, take exit quiz
  • Day 3: Read/perform Part 3, complete discussion questions, take exit quiz
  • Day 4: Read/perform Part 4, complete discussion questions, take exit quiz
  • Day 5: Read/perform Part 5, finish with final worksheet sequence

How to adapt this for different class types

  • Stronger readers: assign original play sections aligned to each Part.
  • Mixed levels: assign adapted script to supported readers and original to advanced readers.
  • Behavior-heavy groups: use small-group performance reading to keep students engaged and accountable.

Paper-light distribution

Instead of printing full play packets, use the included access code so students can access the text digitally through the Leveled-Lit Classics Library. Print only the pages you want students to write on for the final worksheet or any specific assessment pages.

Reliable one-week plays for Grade 11–12 emergency coverage

A simple note you can leave for the substitute

Tell students the goal for the week is to track character choices and consequences. Then require a brief end-of-week response: a theme claim with one supporting example. Even in an emergency week, you get real academic output.

Back to blog