Though this school year ended non-traditionally for most schools in America, and even around the world, you may already be stressing about next year. In fact, you may be stressing more this summer than you normally would as plans for next school year are up in the air! This stress is normal, but it’s also avoidable!
We talked previously about playing catch-up in the classroom. Some teachers may be planners through and through while others procrastinate down to the night before Back to School! Even if you aren’t one to plan ahead, you can probably imagine the stress relief if you are able to escape the constant game of catch-up. By dedicating this summer to planning next school year, you’ll not only reduce your stress, but you’ll also improve your teaching confidence, provide an organized and efficient plan year for your students, and begin the school year on the right foot!
There is no need to start from scratch. By using ready-made resources, planning tools, and teacher guides, you can easily plan through your summer and set yourself (and your students!) up for success next year, no matter what curve balls the world may throw at you!
Where do I begin?
Curriculum Mapping! You may be an experienced teacher – seasoned, even – but planning may still leave you at a loss. No clue how to pace your curriculum? Start with a Scope and Sequence which will help you lay out the entire year’s plan and allow you to ensure you check all the boxes this upcoming year.
For World Geography courses, check out the *free* World Geography Complete Course Scope and Sequence Curriculum Map.
If you’re teaching World History, try the *free* World History Complete Course Scope and Sequence Curriculum Map.
What’s next?
Classroom Management! Once you’ve set your Scope and Sequence and have a handle on the year’s curriculum, download the comprehensive Back to School Classroom Organization & Management BUNDLE to ensure a successful start to the school year!
This 80+ page bundle includes seating charts, organizational tools and posters, lesson organization, classroom management tools, first day activities, student organizers, teacher portfolio guides, and more! This resource covers dozens of individual products and a multitude of categories that will help you prepare for the first day back.
Lesson Planning! Check out this *free* Daily Lesson & Unit Plan Templates for Middle School or High School for lesson planning temples that are easy to use and will walk you through step-by-step. It is available in PDF or Google Drive format.
Advanced Placement (AP) Preparation! If you’re teaching an AP course, also take advantage of this Editable AP Introduction Syllabus & Summer Assignments Packet. It’s never too early to start prepping for your AP courses and this packet will set you up for success throughout the summer and into the school year.
Want to dive deeper?
Everything at your Fingertips! The ultimate guidebook, A Lesson Plan for Teachers, New or Old (Experienced, that is!) is a great resource for new and existing teachers. With advice, anecdotes, and tools to use in your high-expectations classroom, this read is a quick resource to set your mind at ease.
Though you are well-deserving of a break, a successful classroom won’t run itself. By starting your planning during the summer and developing a foolproof plan for next school year, you will prevent a lot of stress and sleepless nights in the fall! By preparing for the school year now, you’ll set yourself, and your students, up for success, and you will have the skills, confidence, and plans to run a thoroughly-managed classroom next year.
Happy Teaching!
