! June 2013 - Primary Teachspiration



I was just remembering a project I worked on most of the summer quite a few years ago.  When you're teaching, time is precious.  You wonder how you will get it all done.  Making those weekly lesson plans definitely took a chunk out of my time.  So, that particular summer I decided I would make a lesson plan template on my computer and use it to make lesson plans for every week of the upcoming school year.  I used my plan book from the past year to guide me, making changes as needed.  I knew my schedule was going to be the same, and I would be teaching the same curriculum, except the Science was different. So I planned how I would teach the new Science lessons as I went along; it actually gave me more time to plan it in depth instead of just planning the basics.

I put in every subject, every lesson to be taught, times taught, recesses, everything throughout the day, just as I had always done.  Of course, I had to leave space for anything new that might be added. I also plugged in the GLE (which would now be the CCSS) code for each lesson, as we were required to do this in our plans.

I made the template using a table in Microsoft Word.  When school began, all I had to do was plug in only the particulars (page numbers, resources, etc.) each week.  Then I would simply tape it into my plan book.  It worked out beautifully.

If you're interested, grab this editable template and make it your own.
 Just make sure you have your Google Drive account open and click on the image.

Have a nice year! 
Say what?!? That's right; haven't you heard this one before? It's surprising that so many people really think a teacher has a full three months off school to do whatever. Let me tell them, first the actual time a teacher is out of school until required to return is about two months. Teachers must stay in school later and return earlier than students. On top of that, there are usually workshops, professional development, curriculum development, committee meetings, etc. she is required to attend during her "time off." Then, most of us begin to prepare for the next school year by at least the 4th of July, preparing plans, lessons, organizational materials, getting the room ready, and so on. So really, those of us who have been there know we have a full-time job like anyone else. The great thing is, we love our jobs! I always loved the excitement of every new year - new students, a new learning community,and new opportunities to reach a child.

As I reflect on all of this, I still remember the anticipation, the excitement, and yes the hard work I put in every year. I miss it, but I've found new joy in TpT to connect once again. In retirement, I now have the time to create in the way I wished I had time for when I taught. So, I continue to spend my summer preparing for the upcoming year. I love it!   Happy summer to all of you!!


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