WHAT YOU MISSED

Class:
Date:
Lesson:

TODAY WE WORKED ON
[Name the idea or skill from the lesson.]

START HERE
[Give the exact page, file, or link and the first step.]

AN EXPLANATION OR EXAMPLE
[Include the part a student needs before trying the work.]

DO THIS FIRST
[Name the work to begin with and how to show the answer.]

THIS CAN WAIT
[Say what the student should leave until later or until you meet.]

IF YOU GET STUCK
[Explain how the student can ask for help and what to bring or show you.]

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COMPLETED EXAMPLE

Class: Math
Date: Monday
Lesson: Comparing prices

TODAY WE WORKED ON
We compared prices by finding the cost of one item.

START HERE
Read the notebook example below. Divide each total price by the number of items.

AN EXPLANATION OR EXAMPLE
Six notebooks cost $9. Divide $9 by 6 to get $1.50 per notebook. Four notebooks cost $7. Divide $7 by 4 to get $1.75 per notebook. The six-pack has the lower price per notebook, even though the pack costs more.

DO THIS FIRST
Compare 3 folders for $6 with 5 folders for $9. Then compare 4 pens for $3 with 6 pens for $6. Show the cost of one item for each offer. You can work on paper.

THIS CAN WAIT
Extra practice. We will check these two comparisons before you start more.

IF YOU GET STUCK
Circle the step that is confusing and bring this note to me when you return. We will decide what to work on next.


NOTES FOR TEACHERS

Use this note in any subject when an absent student needs a clear starting point. The completed unit-price example is intended for middle school. Adapt the wording and amount of work for your students.

Cost: free. No AI tool or student account is required. Use paper, a class page you already have, or a PDF reader that supports fillable forms. Before sharing, add the lesson explanation and select the work the student should begin with.

Replace the bracketed prompts before sharing the blank note. Keep the explanation short enough to help a student begin. Follow your school's expectations for missed work, and make individual arrangements privately.

The example is made up to show how the note can be used. It is not a report of a lesson Paul taught. It contains its own practice questions, so it does not depend on a missing worksheet. When comparing prices, assume the items are otherwise equivalent.

Example answer key:
Folders: $6 divided by 3 is $2 each. $9 divided by 5 is $1.80 each. The five-folder offer has the lower price per folder.
Pens: $3 divided by 4 is $0.75 each. $6 divided by 6 is $1 each. The four-pen offer has the lower price per pen.

The PDF has a fillable blank page and a completed example. Type in the blank page and save a separate copy, or print it and write on it. Field support varies by PDF reader. Check the saved copy before sending it. Print page 1 for a blank note or page 2 for the example.

You may copy and adapt this original resource for your own teaching.
Version 1.0 | September 14, 2026
Related article: https://edtechalchemy.com/2026/09/14/an-absent-student-needs-more-than-a-link/
