I'm in a Developmental Strategies class and Lesson and Unit planning is a large per of the work we get assigned and this video and perspective on lesson planning is an absolute GOD-SEND!
Thank you so much! It gets to be overwhelming, especially with multiple preps. From what I remember when I was in college, our assignments were always to plan for one lesson or one unit for one class. That may not be realistic for when you start teaching. I wish I knew about that back when I was in college.
Wow! Here it is January and I’m about to start this! You started in December...so obviously I was destined to be here. I was just thinking I have to get two weeks together. It’s ok...it’s Thursday so it will be a long weekend...but it’s ok because it will be worth it. I feel like I’m always scrambling.
It takes some time to completely switch over to this way of planning. Also, some weeks challenge the routine. Like when there’s holidays or snow days, but I wouldn’t go back.
@@BusyMissBeebe Well, you're right. It's extremely hard to get two weeks in advance while you are already in the thick of it...especially when you want to make guided notes and all that. I did take your idea and started making the booklet, but they do take time. I think if I just do two weeks of "regular" note-taking, I could get two weeks in advance. I will be able to get ahead of the game during spring break provided that I actually work over the break LOL...I usually just "spring break" it. Also...another challenge is that I have three preps and one 50 minute planning - the struggle is real.
This was extremely helpful. I have 2 semesters to go until I start student teaching and I’m very nervous about being able to keep up with everything that I have to do. My biggest concern with becoming a teacher is not actually being able to live a good life (exercise, travel, have self-care days, spend time with friends and family, get enough SLEEP, etc.) because I know the job is challenging and it doesn't end once you go home. I think now I understand what you meant when you said you are grateful for having an “end”. I can’t wait to try out this method. I have such a hard time with managing my time and getting into a routine but this seems like a great strategy. I will check out the blog posts to see your update and how you were able to incorporate the unit planning into your method.
I'm so glad this was helpful to you! Teaching is a lot of work, constantly. It is had to balance everything, but with some time, experience, and good habits, you will get there. Best of luck with everything!
And I’m the elementary teacher you speak of who has to plan for 5 subjects! I’m trying not to work outside of my contract hours but I don’t have a prep period to do so.
I hear you. Sometimes I like planing at home because I can get comfy and work for longer than just one class period, but other times I like to get my planning done at school so I can relax at home. I couldn't imagine not even having the option. It's terrible that you don't have even one prep to take care of all the work that is required of you. :(
I grade the day an assignment is due or an assessment is taken. I prioritize grading while I’m at school so I don’t have to take it home (because I prefer planning while I’m home). I collect notebooks the day of a test. I check them during tests in between circulating. Good luck for your first year and beyond!
Love the organization. I teach a 3rd/4th class(around 7 students) so any suggestions of how to plan for two grade levels would be greatly appreciated! Do you always stay 1 week ahead?
Thank you! I was able to stay 1 week ahead this whole year, which was a goal for me, not a given. The courses that I teach are not really grade specific. I actually had students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 in the same class. I didn't have to do anything special for the different grades. If for example I had a section of 7th grade math and 8th grade math specifically, I would probably plan the same way I described. The different courses would had different curriculum requirements, and that is what would guide my planning. I hope that helps, but if you have any clarifying questions, I would be happy to answer them. :)
Hey! I am not sure if you are still responding to questions but I wanted to find out if you figured out how to deal with the unit and lesson plan submission requirements.
I'm working on getting absolutely everything up and updated for interactive notebooks - but not on TPT. I put everything up on my blog - with a few exceptions. You can check it out at busybeebe.blogspot.com under the "INB Pages" tab.
I love this. I am going to starting doing this and try to plan for second semester of the 22-23 school year.
Awesome! Let me know if you have any questions.
This is awesome! I love how you designate certain days for certain tasks! Awesome idea for keeping yourself sane
Thank you. It’s a tip I leaned from Angela Watson’s Truth for Teachers podcast.
I'm in a Developmental Strategies class and Lesson and Unit planning is a large per of the work we get assigned and this video and perspective on lesson planning is an absolute GOD-SEND!
Thank you so much! It gets to be overwhelming, especially with multiple preps. From what I remember when I was in college, our assignments were always to plan for one lesson or one unit for one class. That may not be realistic for when you start teaching. I wish I knew about that back when I was in college.
Wow! Here it is January and I’m about to start this! You started in December...so obviously I was destined to be here. I was just thinking I have to get two weeks together. It’s ok...it’s Thursday so it will be a long weekend...but it’s ok because it will be worth it. I feel like I’m always scrambling.
It takes some time to completely switch over to this way of planning. Also, some weeks challenge the routine. Like when there’s holidays or snow days, but I wouldn’t go back.
@@BusyMissBeebe Well, you're right. It's extremely hard to get two weeks in advance while you are already in the thick of it...especially when you want to make guided notes and all that. I did take your idea and started making the booklet, but they do take time. I think if I just do two weeks of "regular" note-taking, I could get two weeks in advance. I will be able to get ahead of the game during spring break provided that I actually work over the break LOL...I usually just "spring break" it. Also...another challenge is that I have three preps and one 50 minute planning - the struggle is real.
This was extremely helpful. I have 2 semesters to go until I start student teaching and I’m very nervous about being able to keep up with everything that I have to do. My biggest concern with becoming a teacher is not actually being able to live a good life (exercise, travel, have self-care days, spend time with friends and family, get enough SLEEP, etc.) because I know the job is challenging and it doesn't end once you go home. I think now I understand what you meant when you said you are grateful for having an “end”. I can’t wait to try out this method. I have such a hard time with managing my time and getting into a routine but this seems like a great strategy. I will check out the blog posts to see your update and how you were able to incorporate the unit planning into your method.
I'm so glad this was helpful to you! Teaching is a lot of work, constantly. It is had to balance everything, but with some time, experience, and good habits, you will get there. Best of luck with everything!
Brianne Beebe thanks!!
Where would you document your lesson reflections? I like that idea!
I use a Google Sheet to keep it all organized for the entire year.
And I’m the elementary teacher you speak of who has to plan for 5 subjects! I’m trying not to work outside of my contract hours but I don’t have a prep period to do so.
Stephanie Cefalo same here!
I hear you. Sometimes I like planing at home because I can get comfy and work for longer than just one class period, but other times I like to get my planning done at school so I can relax at home. I couldn't imagine not even having the option. It's terrible that you don't have even one prep to take care of all the work that is required of you. :(
I'm going into year 1 and I'm definitely going to do this. What days do you dedicate to grading? And do you collect their notebooks?
I grade the day an assignment is due or an assessment is taken. I prioritize grading while I’m at school so I don’t have to take it home (because I prefer planning while I’m home). I collect notebooks the day of a test. I check them during tests in between circulating. Good luck for your first year and beyond!
Oh my Goodness....thank you so much
I’m glad to be of help!
Love the organization. I teach a 3rd/4th class(around 7 students) so any suggestions of how to plan for two grade levels would be greatly appreciated! Do you always stay 1 week ahead?
Thank you! I was able to stay 1 week ahead this whole year, which was a goal for me, not a given. The courses that I teach are not really grade specific. I actually had students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 in the same class. I didn't have to do anything special for the different grades. If for example I had a section of 7th grade math and 8th grade math specifically, I would probably plan the same way I described. The different courses would had different curriculum requirements, and that is what would guide my planning. I hope that helps, but if you have any clarifying questions, I would be happy to answer them. :)
Hey! I am not sure if you are still responding to questions but I wanted to find out if you figured out how to deal with the unit and lesson plan submission requirements.
It takes me awhile, but I do respond to questions. I don’t usually don’t have to submit unit or lesson plans in my district.
How has this changed since the baby? I'm curious how your mommy teacher balance looks
I have a video for that: ua-cam.com/video/FGsLVPFBTPA/v-deo.html
Will be a high school teacher soon~~
Yay! Happy first year!
Are you going to put your interactive notebook set up and note templates on your tpt?
I'm working on getting absolutely everything up and updated for interactive notebooks - but not on TPT. I put everything up on my blog - with a few exceptions. You can check it out at busybeebe.blogspot.com under the "INB Pages" tab.
How long have you been teaching?
This is my year 6.
Brianne Beebe that's good I'm currently in college