Most teachers I know don't love planning. It's their least favorite part of teaching, the part that takes a lot of time and a lot of energy - and then you have to go teach.
Not me.
Planning is my absolute favorite part of teaching, and probably the part I miss the most (now that I'm a coach) - along with seeing my plans in action and, of course, reading out loud with my students.
There's nothing like a carefully laid plan. How can I get/keep their attention and engagement? How can I put the responsibility for their learning on them? How can I get them to reflect on their process/progress/engagement/interactions?
Thinking about all of those things, then implementing them, then observing/reflecting/analyzing how impactful it all was, and doing it all again the next day? That was my lifeblood as a teacher.
I had the opportunity this afternoon to share some of that energy and excitement with a teacher I'm working with. It got me excited to go into work tomorrow and to see how what we planned comes to fruition. We're already thinking about how we're going to respond, come the next day and what our kids are able to do.
I can't wait.
Not me.
Planning is my absolute favorite part of teaching, and probably the part I miss the most (now that I'm a coach) - along with seeing my plans in action and, of course, reading out loud with my students.
There's nothing like a carefully laid plan. How can I get/keep their attention and engagement? How can I put the responsibility for their learning on them? How can I get them to reflect on their process/progress/engagement/interactions?
Thinking about all of those things, then implementing them, then observing/reflecting/analyzing how impactful it all was, and doing it all again the next day? That was my lifeblood as a teacher.
I had the opportunity this afternoon to share some of that energy and excitement with a teacher I'm working with. It got me excited to go into work tomorrow and to see how what we planned comes to fruition. We're already thinking about how we're going to respond, come the next day and what our kids are able to do.
I can't wait.
Planning was my favorite part of being a classroom teacher too! I miss it now that I teach online and my job is so different, but I loved, loved, loved thinking through all the cool ideas, the ways to present them, how to get the kids engaged and connected, how they might respond... Planning is the best!
ReplyDeleteSo happy there are people out there like me! :)
DeleteOh wow, I love planning too. Not just when it comes to teaching either. I am a planner addict. My friend always teases me because I usually buy a couple until I find the right one.
ReplyDeleteI love planning for a lot of the same reasons you mentioned. It's that excitement that you are making choices that will lead to those ah ha moments, and if it doesn't work just right, there's always tomorrow.
I actually spent a ridiculous amount of money every year making my own planner until I just embraced not needing a planner! I tend to change up what I wanted/needed too often.
DeleteI am right there with you. I absolutely love planning. I love researching methods, talking to colleagues, and seeing what else I can try to help my students learn the most and stay engaged. Planning is what gets me excited about my lessons.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post!
Yes! Forget the pre-packaged books that tell me what to do! :)
DeleteThanks for reading!
I, too, love planning. I will admit, however, that I enjoy planning for my literacy block MUCH more than planning for math. Given that I spent 18 years as a 7th grade English teacher and then 4 as a lit coach before switching this year to 3rd grade, that makes sense! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe all have those things we love! I always hated planning for writing - wish I had found this community sooner.
DeleteThanks for reading!
Ah, I love to hear the passion and excitement in your voice! I can think of a few teachers who would roll their eyes about planning, but it is essential! Purposeful planning is responsive teaching. It just needs to be done! Happy you are joining in again this year, Ashley! Happy planning ... and writing!
ReplyDelete~Michelle
Responsive teaching is the heart of who I am as a teacher, and planning is one really important piece of that. Thanks for stopping by Michelle!
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