Organize Your Weekly Plans!
Hey there teaching friends! Last week, when I did the post about Curriculum Mapping, Betsy K. asked in the comments about what my lesson planning crate was and so I thought maybe I would throw together a quick post to explain!
On Fridays, I always made sure my lesson plans were done for the following week, and then I started running copies and gathering my materials for the upcoming week, so that when I left on Friday (which of course, was not always right after contract time, but it is ever?), I would leave knowing that when I walked in Monday, I was set for the week. And in the case of the sick child on Sunday night, if a last-minute sub was needed, everything would be in place and ready!
My lesson plan crate was kept on a table, counter top, or has even been located on an extra student desk that was shoved against a wall. Inside, I place hanging files and matching file folders in whatever color scheme or theme you choose. {The ones in my picture are red and blue to match my Nautical Theme Classroom Essentials Resources.} Then, I place labels for each day of the week on my file folders. {You can find the days of the week labels I used in my picture, as well as additional plain labels as a freebie below.}
I then start going through my lesson plans, and start running any copies I need or manipulatives and placing them in the appropriate day folder. I also place my TE's (Teacher Editions) so they are standing up in the back of the crate. If there are manipulatives that are too large to fit in the crate, they go next to the crate on the table/desk.
Last, I usually place my lesson plan book/binder open to the week on the table/desk in front of the crate.
Super easy for anyone to walk in and find everything that is needed in one place and if a sub would be called at the last minute, I don't have to send a detailed email or call in to try to explain where to find everything. As a person who subbed for several years myself, I learned very quickly which teachers I LOVED to work for and which I was not keen on accepting jobs for when the calls came in. Knowing that the teacher out was prepared always made the difference in whether I wanted to cover that class.
On Friday, I always cleaned out any remaining copies or maniuplatives and filed, recycled, or put them away - and then gathered everything needed for the next week! It takes time to do, but will actually take you LESS time to pull everything together and run your copies at once, rather than having to travel back and forth to the copy room multiple times a week (plus, the line at the copier on a Friday afternoon is usually nonexistent). :)
How do you organize your lesson plans and supplies for the week? We would love to hear other suggestions as well in the comments below!
Happy planning!
