These October lesson plans for 5th & 6th grade math and ELA are full of Halloween and pumpkin activities that your students will love! These lesson plans with October curriculum themes can be used to fill several days of your math and ELA blocks or as sub plans and you can rest easy knowing they are busy with meaningful math and language arts activities while you are away.
Please look through the preview which includes an overview of the October lesson plans for 5th & 6th grade PLUS sample pages. Additionally, please note that these sub-plans are NOT editable. They are print-and-go!
The October lesson plans for 5th & 6th grade math include:
“October Math Sub Plans” Binder or Folder Cover
This adorable cover can be at the front of your folder or binder! The back cover is also included.
“October Math Sub Plans” Binder Spines
These spines will work if you put your plans in a 1″, 1.5″ or 2″ binder!
Table of Contents
A list of everything that is included!
Note to Teacher
This note to YOU explains what you must do to prepare the sub plans. Basically, you just need to print, copy, etc!
Ghost- Themed Thank You Notes to your Substitute(s)
These print-and-go thank-you notes are ghost themed! They are a half page so you can save on paper and ink.
Pumpkin Themed “How Did Your Day Go?” Substitute Notes Form
This substitute notes form gives your sub a space to write students who did well, those who struggled, what they didn’t get to, and any additional notes. Perfect to be sure you know just how the day went. It also includes the fun witch theme!
Witch Themed Substitute Punch Cards
These punch cards make a great behavior incentive for JUST when there is a sub- a.k.a. when students may need a little more help! These will do the trick!
Copies for Students List
A clear layout of what you, a staff member, or the sub will need to copy for the students for the entire day
Math Lesson Checklist
This is where you let the sub know which lessons to use for the day. You can check a box to let them know to use ALL the lessons for a full day of plans, OR you can check individual lessons you would like used during your ELA block.
THREE math lessons that each include lesson plans and activities with October curriculum themes to go with each of the following lessons:
Quick Math Review: These quick reviews will go over grade-appropriate math content. 2 versions are included, one for each grade level, per lesson. A total of 6 quick math reviews are included.
Fluency Practice: These include quick problems that the students should be able to solve quickly. 2 versions are included, one for each grade level, per lesson. A total of 6 fluency practice pages are included.
Math Riddle: Students will need to solve the math problems to find the answer to the monthly themed riddle. 2 versions are included, one for each grade level, per lesson. A total of 6 fluency practice pages are included.
Word Problems: Each lesson includes two pages of word problems. Use the one that is most appropriate or use both and differentiate. A total of 6 word problem pages are included.
What’s The Question? Each lesson ends with a “What’s the Question?” Backward story problem. The students are given an answer and need to come up with a problem that has their answer. Then, they will brainstorm who and what the problem is about, write the problem, and draw a picture. Three of these activities are included.
Math Game: See more about the games listed below.
Color by Number/Math Problem: 3 total color-by-math problem pages are included.
Card Game Math Lesson
A set of cards are included, as well as instructions to play Go Fish and War with the same set of cards. Cards are included in color and black and white!
Acorn Alley Math Board Game
Students will practice fact fluency and story problems with a FUN and engaging math game! A game board, dice (to fold and glue), game pieces, and game cards are all included. Your kids will want to play it over and over! A colored version of the game has also been added in case you want to use it for more than just sub days, but black and white is also included.
Answer Keys & Worksheet Guides
Answer keys are included for ALL student worksheets
The October lesson plans for 5th & 6th grade math and ELA include:
“October ELA Sub Plans” Binder or Folder Cover
This adorable cover can be at the front of your folder or binder! The back cover is also included.
“October ELA Sub Plans” Binder Spines
These spines will work if you put your plans in a 1″, 1.5″ or 2″ binder!
Table of Contents
A list of everything that is included!
Note to Teacher
This note to YOU explains what you must do to prepare the sub plans. Basically, you just need to print, copy, etc!
Ghost-Themed Thank You Notes to your Substitute(s)
These print-and-go thank-you notes are ghost themed! They are a half page so you can save on paper and ink.
Pumpkin Themed “How Did Your Day Go?” Substitute Notes Form
This substitute notes form gives your sub a space to write students who did well, those who struggled, what they didn’t get to, and any additional notes. Perfect to be sure you know just how the day went. It also boasts a fun pumpkin theme!
Halloween Substitute Punch Cards
These punch cards make a great behavior incentive for JUST when there is a sub- a.k.a. when students may need a little more help! These will do the trick!
Copies for Students List
A clear layout of what you, a staff member, or the sub will need to copy for the students for the entire day
ELA Lesson Checklist
This is where you let the sub know which lessons to use for the day. You can check a box to let them know to use ALL the lessons for a full day of plans, OR you can check individual lessons you would like used during your ELA block.
ELA Lesson #1: October Fill-In-The-Blank
These basic fill-in-the-blanks allow students to fill in the blanks of stories using nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.! Students will get a kick out of these while practicing their parts of speech
Includes lesson plan & 4 worksheets
ELA Lessons #2: October Fixing Sentences
Students will fix sentences at an upper-grade level with these fun and engaging worksheets. These incorporate Halloween, Columbus Day, and pumpkin themes!
Includes lesson plan & 4 worksheets
Informative Writing Lesson: How To Make a Costume
Students will write step-by-step directions on how to put together a costume of their choice.
A lesson plan and 2 Graphic Organizers are included
Opinion Writing Lesson: Which Candy is Better?
Students will brainstorm 2 candies as a class and will write their own opinion piece about which candy is better!
Includes lesson plan and 3 Graphic Organizers
Reading Prompts & Lesson
2 reading passages are included at 2 different levels. Choose one to use or use both and differentiate! One of the passages is an informational piece about bats and the other is a narrative about a costume party.
A lesson plan is included to introduce the topics for each reading prompt as well!
Reading Lesson to use with ANY Book!
This reading lesson can be used for a class read-aloud OR silent reading of any narrative story. It is focused on visualizing as they read. The great thing is that it can be used over and over!
A lesson plan and 2 graphic organizers included
“Boo!” ELA Review Game
Students will practice their parts of speech AND figurative language with a FUN and engaging board game! A game board, dice (to fold and glue), game pieces, and game cards are all included. Your kids will want to play it over and over!
Pumpkin Craftivity
This interactive pumpkin craftivity has students write what they are looking forward to this year and illustrate it on the inside of a pumpkin. They will then put it together and decorate it!
Answer Keys & Worksheet Guides
Answer Keys and Worksheet Guides are included for ALL student worksheets.
WHAT HAVE PEOPLE SAID ABOUT MY SUB PLANS PREVIOUSLY? You can find these reviews on my “Ready To Go Sub Plans” on TpT, which follow the same formatting as these brand-new ones.
“These sub plans have been the BEST discovery I have made on TPT! Thank you for making these wonderful and all inclusive plans that are so easy to use, especially when you are sick and the last thing you want to do is write sub plans!”
“I have purchased several sets of emergency sub plans, and they just never fit my needs. These, however, are just what I’ve been looking for! Easy prep, easy for the sub to follow! I recommend this to anyone needing emergency plans.”
“These are fantastic! I purchased, copied, and stored in a sub tub. I told a neighbor where the tub was and all she did was put my tub on my desk and the day ran SO SMOOTHLY!”
Preview
October Math Preview:
October ELA Preview:
54 reviews for October Sub Plans 5th and 6th Grade Math and ELA Mini Bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Pareidolia Ink –
Perfect resource! I feel so much more prepared! I wish your other months had an ELA and Math combined option. I would buy more!
Reviewed on TPT
Educate & Rejuvenate –
Just saw this- sorry for the delay! October was crazy since my baby arrived. The future months will have math added through the year. Math is being released this year each month 🙂
Rated 5 out of 5
Ashley Patrick –
So Excited!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
CRISTAL W. –
Thank you for your hard work! This makes my sub plans much easier. Everything I need for math is here.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Morgan M. –
Great Resource!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 4 out of 5
Sonia E. –
Great for some students, but a little more like busy work for others (depends on the level of students in the class).
It is a great resource for when I am out and a substitute teacher is covering.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Courtney Holdren –
LOVE IT!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Mrs Schiesher –
This resource really came in handy this month. Thank you!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Kimberly L. –
My sub and whole class survived me being out thanks to this resource!
Reviewed on TPT
Rated 5 out of 5
Amy Bridges –
Great resource!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Colleen K. –
Good source.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 4 out of 5
Tammy B. –
This was given to students during a brief transitin period and they worked on it all month. They lpoved it.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Gwen C. –
I had a few personal days in October. This was perfect.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Sarah H. –
Great resource!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Hug Creations –
This resource was a life saver when I had to be out for a family emergency. A lot of great activities to use.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Brittany C. –
Great, thanks!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Meredith W. –
Awesome, thanks!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Amber H. –
Great for an emergency sub! Thank you!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 4 out of 5
Miss Bumbaco –
Great resource!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Tammy F. –
Great activates!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 4 out of 5
cassidy S. –
My student loved these activities in the morning and after lunch when we were starting our day!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Nicole H. –
Love these plans! Thank you
Verified review · Individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Nicole H. –
So happy I found this resource! Amazing time saver.
Verified review · Individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Mary F. –
Great for extra practice and fun activities for halloween.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 4 out of 5
Noelle S. –
Great plans for a sub. Students were engaged and sub was happy.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Cindy M. –
Wonderful resource! Everything is prepped and ready to go for those moments that you need to plan activities on the fly.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 4 out of 5
Christina R. –
I needed items for an emergency sub tub and these are great
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Dana Roten –
This was perfect for my sub! The class enjoys the activities too.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Shannon F. –
Thank you!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Jessica F. –
This was a great resource for my students while I was out.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Andrea J. –
Exactly what I was looking for!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Rosegold Curricula Design –
The structure that was used to scaffold my students’ creation of their rough drafts was helpful.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Lindsay C. –
This resource has it all!!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Lacie F. –
Great product!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 4 out of 5
Rebecca M. –
This was great, thank you
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Ms Gordon’s Classroom –
Loved this!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Monica D. –
Love these!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Ellen B. –
These activities and substitute instructions are fantastic! These plans made having to be gone so much easier. I appreciated that I was leaving meaningful work for my students and easy-to-follow instructions for my substitute.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 4 out of 5
heather wright –
My students enjoyed this activity and were engaged.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Lisa S. –
This was a great quick resource to use with my guest teacher.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
The Happy Pencil Studio –
I absolutely love your sub plans! I have bought many different ones! Thank you for all your hard work!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 4 out of 5
Lacy H –
Nice resource. I wish the levels were split by file – would make it so much easier when trying to print and organize.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Andrea K. –
This was so easy to prep and use. I needed something last minute and this was perfect!
Reviewed on TPT
Rated 5 out of 5
Emilie Miller –
Thank you for these time saving resources. When you are in a bind, they sure became handy!
Thank you!
Reviewed on TPT
Rated 5 out of 5
The Blooming Behaviorist –
This had some fun ways for our students to be silly and have some fun during class.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Layla C. –
My students loved this resource. Thank you! I really appreciate the work you put into the resource.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Jessica A. –
This resource was a fun Spooky themed review activity that my students really enjoyed.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Sarah D. –
Love this resources, made it so easy for me to teach this standard!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Misty Powell –
This resource was exactly what I needed—super convenient and truly ready to use! It saved me so much time and kept my students engaged. You can tell a lot of thought and care went into creating it. Thank you!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Smile and Teach Me –
This is a great resource that I plan to use over and over again.
Reviewed on TPT
Rated 5 out of 5
Down the ELA Road –
This is an excellent resource that worked exactly as I hoped in my classroom.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Randi D. –
Worked really well, was quick and easy to use, helped immensely as a first year teacher!
Reviewed on TPT
Rated 5 out of 5
Caitlyn K. –
This teacher resource is absolutely fantastic! It’s well-organized, easy to use, and filled with engaging, high-quality materials that make lesson planning so much easier. The activities are creative, adaptable for different learning levels, and truly help students stay motivated. I especially appreciate how clearly the instructions are written. It’s a must-have for any classroom!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 4 out of 5
Tracey H. –
The reason for the 4-stars is one of the worksheets in section #2 had a wrong answer. My sub had to tell them the correct answer to get the write part of the puzzle. At least when I came back, my class said it was fun. That’s a win for me when searching for last-minute resources.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rated 5 out of 5
Julie C. –
This is so easy to use for sub plans! Easy to print and go!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Ask a Question
Have a question about this resource? Fill out the form below and I'll email you back as soon as I can! I am always happy to answer your questions.
Pareidolia Ink –
Perfect resource! I feel so much more prepared! I wish your other months had an ELA and Math combined option. I would buy more!
Reviewed on TPT
Educate & Rejuvenate –
Just saw this- sorry for the delay! October was crazy since my baby arrived. The future months will have math added through the year. Math is being released this year each month 🙂
Ashley Patrick –
So Excited!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
CRISTAL W. –
Thank you for your hard work! This makes my sub plans much easier. Everything I need for math is here.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Morgan M. –
Great Resource!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Sonia E. –
Great for some students, but a little more like busy work for others (depends on the level of students in the class).
It is a great resource for when I am out and a substitute teacher is covering.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Courtney Holdren –
LOVE IT!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Mrs Schiesher –
This resource really came in handy this month. Thank you!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Kimberly L. –
My sub and whole class survived me being out thanks to this resource!
Reviewed on TPT
Amy Bridges –
Great resource!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Colleen K. –
Good source.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Tammy B. –
This was given to students during a brief transitin period and they worked on it all month. They lpoved it.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Gwen C. –
I had a few personal days in October. This was perfect.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Sarah H. –
Great resource!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Hug Creations –
This resource was a life saver when I had to be out for a family emergency. A lot of great activities to use.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Brittany C. –
Great, thanks!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Meredith W. –
Awesome, thanks!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Amber H. –
Great for an emergency sub! Thank you!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Miss Bumbaco –
Great resource!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Tammy F. –
Great activates!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
cassidy S. –
My student loved these activities in the morning and after lunch when we were starting our day!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Nicole H. –
Love these plans! Thank you
Verified review · Individual resource in this bundle
Nicole H. –
So happy I found this resource! Amazing time saver.
Verified review · Individual resource in this bundle
Mary F. –
Great for extra practice and fun activities for halloween.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Noelle S. –
Great plans for a sub. Students were engaged and sub was happy.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Cindy M. –
Wonderful resource! Everything is prepped and ready to go for those moments that you need to plan activities on the fly.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Christina R. –
I needed items for an emergency sub tub and these are great
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Dana Roten –
This was perfect for my sub! The class enjoys the activities too.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Shannon F. –
Thank you!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Jessica F. –
This was a great resource for my students while I was out.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Andrea J. –
Exactly what I was looking for!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rosegold Curricula Design –
The structure that was used to scaffold my students’ creation of their rough drafts was helpful.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Lindsay C. –
This resource has it all!!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Lacie F. –
Great product!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Rebecca M. –
This was great, thank you
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Ms Gordon’s Classroom –
Loved this!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Monica D. –
Love these!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Ellen B. –
These activities and substitute instructions are fantastic! These plans made having to be gone so much easier. I appreciated that I was leaving meaningful work for my students and easy-to-follow instructions for my substitute.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
heather wright –
My students enjoyed this activity and were engaged.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Lisa S. –
This was a great quick resource to use with my guest teacher.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
The Happy Pencil Studio –
I absolutely love your sub plans! I have bought many different ones! Thank you for all your hard work!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Lacy H –
Nice resource. I wish the levels were split by file – would make it so much easier when trying to print and organize.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Andrea K. –
This was so easy to prep and use. I needed something last minute and this was perfect!
Reviewed on TPT
Emilie Miller –
Thank you for these time saving resources. When you are in a bind, they sure became handy!
Thank you!
Reviewed on TPT
The Blooming Behaviorist –
This had some fun ways for our students to be silly and have some fun during class.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Layla C. –
My students loved this resource. Thank you! I really appreciate the work you put into the resource.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Jessica A. –
This resource was a fun Spooky themed review activity that my students really enjoyed.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Sarah D. –
Love this resources, made it so easy for me to teach this standard!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Misty Powell –
This resource was exactly what I needed—super convenient and truly ready to use! It saved me so much time and kept my students engaged. You can tell a lot of thought and care went into creating it. Thank you!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Smile and Teach Me –
This is a great resource that I plan to use over and over again.
Reviewed on TPT
Down the ELA Road –
This is an excellent resource that worked exactly as I hoped in my classroom.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Randi D. –
Worked really well, was quick and easy to use, helped immensely as a first year teacher!
Reviewed on TPT
Caitlyn K. –
This teacher resource is absolutely fantastic! It’s well-organized, easy to use, and filled with engaging, high-quality materials that make lesson planning so much easier. The activities are creative, adaptable for different learning levels, and truly help students stay motivated. I especially appreciate how clearly the instructions are written. It’s a must-have for any classroom!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Tracey H. –
The reason for the 4-stars is one of the worksheets in section #2 had a wrong answer. My sub had to tell them the correct answer to get the write part of the puzzle. At least when I came back, my class said it was fun. That’s a win for me when searching for last-minute resources.
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle
Julie C. –
This is so easy to use for sub plans! Easy to print and go!
Reviewed on an individual resource in this bundle