Sunday scaries? Not anymore! Imagine sipping your favorite drink, feet up, and fully relaxed because your weekly lesson planning is already done. No last-minute scrambling, no stress—just smooth sailing into Monday morning. With the right planning strategies, you can reclaim your weekends and enjoy well-deserved downtime. In this post, I’m sharing weekly lesson planning tips that will not only save you time but also give you peace of mind knowing everything’s ready to go. Let’s make your teaching week easier and more organized!
Weekly Lesson Planning Tips
1. Create a Weekly Lesson Planning Schedule
Set aside a focused planning block every week to map out your lesson plans for the following week. Whether it’s during your prep period, before school, or after dismissal, find a distraction-free window of time for planning. Shut the door, mute your notifications, and skip the hallway chats with coworkers (they’ll understand!). By getting ahead on your lesson planning, you free up the rest of the week to prep materials, adjust as needed, and enjoy some peace of mind—knowing that you’re already a step ahead for the next week.
3. Start with the Knowns
Write down all your “knowns” first. Block out your specials like art, P.E., and music, and be sure to check the school calendar for any assemblies, flag ceremonies, or special events that will impact your schedule. This way, you have a clear picture of your week and can plan around these non-negotiables without any last-minute surprises! It’s an easy way to set your foundation before tackling the rest.
3. Incorporate Routines
Schedule in your daily routines, like morning work, calendar time, and read-alouds, into your lesson plans. These consistent activities reduce the amount of planning you have to do and make your days run smoother. Plus, they allow you to create a reusable lesson plan template, saving you time by giving you a clear structure to follow each week. Simple and efficient!
4. Weekly Lesson Planning Tip: Batch Plan by Subject
Instead of jumping back and forth between subjects, tackle each one in chunks. Start by mapping out all your math lessons for the week in one go, then move on to the next subject. This approach not only brings consistency to your planning but also makes the whole process feel smoother. Having your scope and sequence, teacher’s edition, and long-range plans within reach will save you time searching for resources, making it easier to stay on track and focused. Plus, it’s way more efficient than planning subject by subject every day!
5. Materials Checklist
After your lesson planning is wrapped up, it’s time to get organized! Create a materials checklist that includes everything you’ll need—pages that need to be copied, anchor charts, manipulatives, and any other supplies. Having a clear list ensures you won’t be scrambling at the last minute, and it helps you stay on top of things. Plus, it makes prepping feel less overwhelming when you have a clear, easy-to-follow plan in place.
Bonus Weekly Lesson Planning Tips
These bonus tips will help you not only complete your lesson plans but also prep everything you need for the week ahead—so you can walk out the door on Friday feeling totally ahead of the game.
Prep Like a Pro
Say goodbye to the last-minute scramble! Create a weekly prep routine where you gather all your materials, handouts, and manipulatives ahead of time. Use your handy materials checklist to stay organized and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Set aside dedicated time each week—whether it’s during prep or after school—to get everything prepped and ready. If you can, enlist the help of a parent volunteer who can tackle the copying for you. Having everything ready to go ahead of time will save you so much stress and make your mornings run smoothly!
Prep Seasonal Projects Early
If you love incorporating seasonal projects into your lessons, set yourself up for success by prepping in advance! At the end of each month, carve out a little time to get everything ready for the next month’s activities. Create a project checklist, so you have all the materials, handouts, and supplies ready to go. Then, when you’re planning your weekly lessons, simply refer to your list and schedule those fun, engaging projects with ease. Knowing your activities are prepped and ready will give you peace of mind and ensure you’re always set for the next festive project!
Reflect and Adjust
At the end of each week, take a moment to reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Jot down quick notes like “adjust this activity” or “move this lesson up earlier next time.” Your future self will thank you for it! These little tweaks will help you streamline your planning and improve your lessons over time. By making these small adjustments, you’ll find that your lessons get smoother, more efficient, and easier to manage as the year progresses. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate your growth as a teacher!
By using these tips, you’ll save time and stress less during your weekly lesson planning. You will have more freedom to focus on your students—and maybe even keep your weekends for yourself! Don’t forget, for more helpful content, tips, and ideas to make your teaching life easier, visit my Instagram.
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