Then have the rest of the class try to guess which setting it was and to vote on the best story. Math puzzles that review skills from the year before especially in the form of wordproblems. Or shape poetry. The rule of thumb has to be that you enclose very clear instructions for the teacher who may or may not know what you are talking about. Tanagrams are also an instant hit especially if the children do it in groups or pairs.
Spelling bees are great but provide the sub with an appropriate list of words.
Putting on two or three short plays that are put together by groups to present to the class at the end of a set time. You have to supply the plays and even recommendations on who should be in each group or a way for that to be decided. Physical activities that are appropriate to the size of your room and the noise tolerance that exists in the classes vacinity. 8.Also try to leave some opportunities open like reading a story to the class which we don't often have enough time for. However supply the story, preferably stories - so that choices can be made by the students or teacher.