Teaching personnel calling in sick

Parents & guardians · Lesson plan · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What grade band is this lesson plan suitable for, and what are its learning objectives and timing?

This lesson plan is designed for middle school students, typically grades 6–8. The entire lesson should take about 45 to 60 minutes. Learning objectives include understanding why calling in sick responsibly matters at work, especially for teachers; practicing professional communication; and recognizing the impact of absence on others. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to role-play calling in sick and discuss the importance of honesty and planning in the workplace.

What materials are needed for this lesson?

No special materials are required. Typical classroom or home items will suffice:

• Paper and pencils/pens for note-taking or script writing
• A whiteboard or chalkboard (or a notebook) for writing key points and vocabulary
• A clock or timer to keep track of activity durations
• A quiet space for role-playing conversations

Parents or educators can use everyday household items to create realistic scenarios, such as a phone or a pretend work desk setup.

How can you warm up students or children to this topic?

Begin by asking students if they have ever had to miss school or a commitment because they were sick or had another important reason. Invite them to share briefly how they told someone and what they said. Then, introduce the idea that adults, including teachers, must also communicate when they cannot come to work. Explain that doing this properly helps everyone plan and keeps things running smoothly. Use a simple question to engage: “What would you say if you had to call your teacher’s principal and tell them you were sick and couldn’t come to work?”

What are the key direct instruction points about teachers calling in sick?

• Teachers have a responsibility to notify their school or principal as soon as they know they cannot come to work, usually before the school day starts.
• Communication should be clear, professional, and include essential information: the reason for absence (such as illness), expected duration if known, and any necessary instructions for coverage or lesson plans.
• Schools often have policies or preferred methods (phone call, email, or online system) for reporting absences. It is important to follow these to ensure the message is received promptly.
• Calling in sick is not just about the individual’s health but also about how their absence affects students, substitute teachers, and the school community.
• Honesty and responsibility matter: faking illness or calling in sick without a valid reason can harm trust.
• Teachers sometimes feel “guilty” about missing work, but taking care of their health helps them be better educators.
• Substitute teachers often rely on the information provided to continue lessons smoothly.

What steps should students follow in the main activity for practicing calling in sick?

1. Review a simple script together: Write down an example of what a teacher might say when calling in sick: “Hello, this is [Name], I’m calling to let you know I am not feeling well and will be unable to come to work today. I expect to be back on [date]. Please let me know if you need any information for my substitute.”
2. Pair up students: Assign one student to be the teacher calling in sick and the other to be the school secretary or principal receiving the call.
3. Role-play the call: Each pair practices the conversation using the script or their own words.
4. Switch roles: Give each student a chance to practice both sides.
5. Discuss how it felt and what was easy or hard about communicating clearly and politely.
6. Brainstorm alternative ways to inform the school: text, email, or using an online system, and discuss when each might be appropriate.
7. Highlight the importance of honesty and giving enough information without oversharing.

What discussion questions can you use to deepen understanding?

• Why is it important for a teacher to call in sick as early as possible?
• How might a teacher’s absence affect students and the school day?
• What are some polite and professional ways to communicate when you cannot go to work?
• How can teachers prepare for their absence to help substitute teachers?
• Why do you think teachers sometimes feel guilty about taking sick days?
• What do you think might happen if someone calls in sick when they are not actually sick?

How can you assess learning or use an exit ticket for this lesson?

Ask students to write a brief response to this prompt: “Imagine you are a teacher who needs to call in sick. Write what you would say in the phone call or message to your school principal.” Look for clarity, politeness, and inclusion of key information. Alternatively, have students explain in one or two sentences why calling in sick responsibly is important in a teacher’s job. This quick writing check shows their understanding of both communication and workplace responsibility.

How can parents or homeschoolers differentiate or extend this lesson?

For younger learners, simplify the script and focus on basic polite phrases like “Hello,” “I am sick,” and “Thank you.” Use puppets or toys to make role-play more engaging. For older students or those interested in career skills, extend the lesson by discussing how calling in sick differs in other jobs and why professionalism matters universally. Encourage students to write formal emails or practice leaving voicemail messages. Parents can relate the topic to their own work experiences or invite their child to observe real-life communication in family or community settings.

Frequently asked questions

What should a teacher include when calling in sick?

A teacher should provide their name, state they are sick and unable to come to work, mention the expected duration of absence if known, and offer any necessary instructions for substitute coverage. Keeping the message clear and professional helps the school plan effectively.

How early should teachers notify their school if they are sick?

Teachers should notify their school as soon as they realize they cannot come to work, usually before the school day starts. Early notice allows the school to arrange for substitute teachers and adjust schedules.

What if a student wants to call in sick for their own school absence?

Students typically need a parent or guardian to notify the school on their behalf. It’s important to teach children how to communicate honestly and provide necessary details like the reason for absence and expected return date.

Why do teachers sometimes feel guilty about calling in sick?

Teachers may feel guilty because they care deeply about their students and worry their absence could disrupt learning. However, taking time to recover is important for their health and effectiveness in teaching.

Can calling in sick affect a teacher’s job security?

Occasional, honest sick calls generally do not affect job security. However, excessive or dishonest absences could lead to disciplinary action. Following school policies and communicating professionally helps maintain trust.

How can parents support their child in learning these workplace skills?

Parents can role-play calling in sick with their child, discuss why honesty and communication matter, and relate these skills to the child’s own school attendance or family routines. Encouraging responsibility and clear communication early prepares children for future jobs.