Strategies to Reduce Your Planning Time this School Year

We are going to start off today’s blog with your reflection question. How much time are you currently spending on your planning? Take a moment to reflect on this question. Think about this question and answer to yourself honestly where you stand. 

 This school year I have already found that my time planning for my Language Learners is slowly creeping up. I wanted to tackle this and get down to the core of the problem before the school year progresses any further. I know a lot of you out there are in the same exact situation. 

The beginning of the school year I have been loaded up with compliance paperwork. Over the summer, I usually prepare for compliance however this summer I was dealing with some serious burn-out. Last school year was really tough on me, so I used the summer to mostly refresh. As soon as I returned to the building, I felt a sense of overwhelm. This was mainly because I normally use parts of the summer to prepare for the upcoming school. 

I knew that in order not to slip in survival mode I had to change some habits immediately. 

I knew I had to tackle this head on. I first decided to reuse materials and lessons to save time on my planning.  For example, I created close read lessons the previous year. I decided to use the close read lessons with the lesson plans included for one of my classes. This allowed me to save so much time on planning since all I had to do was print and go. 

A second strategy I used was to use pre-made slides for my lessons that taught the standards. This allowed me to free up some time in my planning because I wasn’t spending time creating slides that accompany the lessons. 

A third strategy I used was to keep it simple. I have gotten into the habit of creating elaborate lessons. I have realized over time that my most effective lessons are the simple and effective lessons I have created. 

A fourth strategy I used involved printing. Printing can be time consuming. I have a selected time during the week where I print for the upcoming. This helps me to be organized and clear about what I am doing for the upcoming week. 

 This year I have three different preps, so I knew that creating materials for each class was unrealistic and time consuming. That is why I suggest finding quality and engaging lessons for your Language Learners that are pre-made. I am providing my close read lessons that include all four domains of learning at a low monthly price. These lessons are amazing in reducing your planning time. Go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereads to check them out. 

It can be tempting to create elaborate lessons but keep them simple! This will greatly reduce your planning time. Also, select a concrete day to do some printing and preparing for the upcoming week. 

Your next steps are simple. I would encourage you to look at your current planning strategies. Decide on where you need to make some changes and map out a plan. 

Also use some of the resources that were suggested in this episode. Join the Close Read Club for ready to go lesson plans. 

How are you planning to reduce your planning time this school year? Share your strategies in the comments.

Download the transcript to this episode here.