I don't like taking off because I'm kind of control freak about keeping all my students on the same point in their lessons.  Teaching Digital Design and Ceramics makes it difficult to find a substitute who will know what goes on in my classroom.   I keep a few assignments set aside as activities that students can work on while I am out for a day.
My Digital Design students are right in the middle of learning all the selection tools, layer masks and editing features of Photoshop.  It's a lot of learning and the kids talk about it being really hard.  I am out tomorrow so I will put their new skills to the test.  Students will be making their own crazy desktop images by combining images to make a unique design.  They will have to use selection tools, layer masks, and know how to duplicate images.  All the materials, including video tutorials showing students "how to" are waiting for them in Google Classroom.  When they come to class they will see my message, and get started on their own.  Having this ready for students helps me to get a substitute more easily because they know everything is taken care of.  It helps me because I know the kids will be busy while I am away. 

I have used Google Classroom in my ceramics room before, but not to the extent I decided to use it this year.  I am finding it's keeping students accountable for turning in work on time.  I have created a  makeshift Photo booth for students to photograph their projects. It's really just the  spray cabinet but now it doubles as a photo studio.   Each time they finish sketches, or a ceramics project they photograph their work and upload the image to the correct assignment.
This has helped tremendously as students don't always remember to put their names on the bottom of finished pieces.  It makes things easier to identify so if I need to take a closer look at projects, now I have a visual record of what project belongs to which student.   I can also leave written comments and let students know if something is missing.