Summer Planning Techniques
Invest time in planning and preparation for the upcoming school session during your summer break in order to make your school year focused and more manageable. This week, we offer suggestions for planning for the upcoming school year.
This Week's Tips
Implement a Three-Tiered Approach to Planning (Monday)
Multi-level planning insures sequential progression toward state or district mandated objectives. Study the curriculum guide developed by your state or district, and then develop a topic outline for the year. Reduce this topic outline to a two-level outline by plugging in skills and content related to the major topics you intend to cover. Daily lesson plans become the third tier, which can be written at the beginning of or during each major unit of study.
Revamp Classic Units (Tuesday)
Evaluate the effectiveness of the units that have become the mainstay of your curriculum. Update evaluation tools to include authentic assessments and expand student project choices to encompass various learning styles. Reconfigure your methods of presentation to include technology such as PowerPoint presentations or WebQuests.
Plan Field Trips and Special Presentations (Wednesday)
After considering your curriculum for the upcoming school year and studying the school calendar, book special presentations or guest speakers early. If you will be taking a field trip during the school year, reserve busses early and make necessary reservations as early as possible. A little pre-planning during the summer can alleviate the stress of planning special events for your students during the school year.
Create a Class Web Site (Thursday)
Develop a web site for your class during the summer to improve communication once school reconvenes. Include daily or weekly lesson plans along with homework assignments. Encourage students who are absent to visit the website for information concerning the lessons and assignments they missed. This is also a great way to keep parents informed and in touch!
Participate in Professional Development Activities (Friday)
Participate in at least one carefully selected professional development activity during the summer. Review your curriculum before attending in order to be attuned to ideas or information applicable to your content. Keep a small notepad at hand and jot notes concerning strategies or ideas you could incorporate in your classroom.
