Let’s be real for a minute: we all know the panic that comes with prepping for a sub day. Whether you’re home sick, stuck in a meeting, or just needed a mental health day (and who doesn’t?), the last thing you want is to spend hours writing detailed instructions that’ll probably be ignored anyway.
And if the sub isn’t a music teacher? You already know what’s coming—“They just watched a movie, hope that’s okay!” 🙃
But what if you had sub plans so easy your students could practically run the lesson themselves? What if the theme was something fun, familiar, and actually aligned with your standards?
Why Instrument Families Are the Perfect Sub Plan Topic
✔️ They’re engaging
✔️ They’re educational
✔️ They don’t require any actual instruments
✔️ And most importantly... you don’t need a music degree to teach them
With the right resources (spoiler alert: I’ve got some good ones), even a sub who doesn’t know the difference between a trumpet and a tuba can still lead a meaningful, music-themed class.
Here’s What You Leave. Here’s Why It Works.
These activities are fun, structured, and come with answer keys and visuals—because we all know “music sub” usually means “random person who got pulled from lunch duty.”
⭐️ Click on the name of the activity or the picture to learn more about it! ⭐️
🎶 1. Instrument Family Bingo
What it is: A classic Bingo game where students match instruments to their names or families.
Why it works for a non-music sub:
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It comes with calling cards and visuals, so the sub literally just reads off the paper.
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It’s bingo—odds are, they already know how to play.
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It keeps the whole class engaged without chaos (you know, the dream).
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Bonus tip: Leave candy or stickers for winners. Instant motivation.
✂️ 2. Instrument Family Foldable Activity
What it is: A printable, hands-on activity where students create a foldable booklet for each instrument family.
Why it works for a non-music sub:
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Answer keys are included. Boom.
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Kids can work independently or in small groups.
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Bonus points for the fact that they’ll be writing and folding—aka, quietly busy.
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Teacher translation: You come back to a class that didn’t explode and they learned something.
🧩 3. Instrument Family Puzzles
What it is: Students match puzzle pieces to group instruments with the correct family.
Why it works for a non-music sub:
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The puzzles are self-checking—hallelujah.
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No music knowledge required. Just logic, visuals, and a decent pair of scissors.
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Works great as a center, partner game, or early finisher activity.
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Bonus: Leave it out year-round. These puzzles are perfect for fast finishers.
🧠 4. Instrument Family Memory Game
What it is: A classic memory-style card game where students match instruments to their families.
Why it works for a non-music sub:
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Kids already know how to play memory—no explanation needed.
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It’s simple, fun, and sneaky-smart.
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Great for centers or smaller classes where you want to keep the vibe chill but productive.
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Warning: Highly likely students will want to keep playing even when time’s up.
Sub-Friendly, Kid-Approved
All of these activities come with easy-to-follow directions, visuals, and most include answer keys or self-checking formats. Which means the sub doesn’t have to guess. You don’t have to stress. And your kids? They’ll actually keep learning while you’re gone. What a concept. 😂
Pro Tips for a Smooth Sub Day
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Leave a “Sub Survival Sheet” with exactly what to do and what to say. Keep it simple.
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Put all activities in a clearly labeled Sub Folder or Tub.
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Appoint a responsible student to help guide things (you know who your class “assistant manager” is).
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Give students a heads-up before you’re gone: “You’re in charge of making this go well.” Works like magic.
Instrument families make the perfect sub plan theme: easy to prep, flexible for any age group, and packed with learning. Plus, with these no-stress resources, your classroom basically runs itself—even if your sub thinks a clarinet is a type of dessert. 🤪
Ready to prep your no-panic sub plans? I’ve got you covered with everything linked above. 👆🏼 Go ahead and print them, toss them in a folder, and enjoy the sweet peace of knowing your kids are learning something actually music-related while you're away.
You deserve it. 😉
