School Year Planning: Getting Ready for Back to School
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Hey there, planners and parents!
Can you believe it? The back-to-school season is here! As a teacher and a mom, I know the whirlwind of emotions this time of year brings. But fear not! With the right planning, we can turn the chaos into calm and kick off the school year on the right foot. Today, I'm sharing my top tips on using a planner to get ready for the new school year. Grab your favorite planner, and let’s dive in!
Step 1: Setting Up Your Schedule
First things first, let's get those schedules in order. Whether you're a teacher, a student, or a parent, having a clear view of your daily, weekly, and monthly schedule is crucial.
1. Monthly Overview:
Start by filling in the important dates for the entire school year. This includes holidays, teacher workdays, school events, and any extracurricular activities. Having a bird’s-eye view of the year helps you stay prepared for what’s ahead.
2. Weekly Layout:
Break down your month into weeks. Write down your daily routines and any recurring activities. For teachers, this might mean planning out your lesson for the week. For students and parents, this can include after-school activities, study times, and family commitments.
3. Daily Details:
Now, drill down to the nitty-gritty details of your day-to-day life. This is where you can block out specific times for tasks, ensuring you stay on top of everything. Don’t forget to schedule some me-time and self-care!
Check out this Instagram Post where I feature one of my planner spreads from student teaching:
Step 2: Creating a Supply List
Next up, the infamous supply list. Whether you’re prepping your classroom or your kiddo’s backpack, having an organized supply list can save you time and stress.
1. Classroom Supplies:
If you're a teacher, jot down everything you'll need for your classroom. Think beyond the basics like pencils and paper. Consider decorations, organization tools, and any special supplies for projects or experiments. This year, I’m going to be a STEAM elective teacher with a non-traditional classroom. So for me, it’s going to be all about safety since students will have access to all sorts of power tools and engineering supplies.
2. Student Supplies:
For parents and students, make a list of everything needed for school. This includes notebooks, binders, pens, and any special items required by teachers. Don’t forget to check the school’s supply list if they provided one! Supplies don’t expire, so double check last years stash first! We used to have SO much college ruled filler paper from my middle school and high school days, that my younger siblings still had plenty to use (I’m the oldest of 4!)
3. Extras:
Always add a few extras to your list—like spare pencils, erasers, and notebooks. You never know when you might need them, and it’s always better to be over-prepared.
Step 3: Tracking Homework and Assignments
Homework and assignments can quickly become overwhelming without a system in place. Your planner is the perfect tool to keep everything organized.
1. Assignment Log:
Dedicate a section of your planner to track homework and assignments. Write down the due dates and any special instructions. For teachers, this is also a great place to note when you need to grade assignments.
2. Daily Homework Tracker:
Use your daily layout to note down the homework assigned each day. Break it into manageable chunks if needed, and schedule specific times to complete each task.
3. Project Planner:
For larger projects, create a mini planner within your planner! Break down the project into smaller tasks and assign deadlines for each part. This keeps you on track and prevents last-minute stress.
4. Teacher Information & Grading
If you have multiple teachers, this is a great spread to have. A page or two with all your teachers’ contact information and office hours. Also, once you’re given the syllabus, a page to show how each teacher grades will also keep you on track.
Check out this Instagram Post to see how I set up a bullet journal with all this information:
Bonus Tips for Planner Success
1. Color Coding:
Use different colors for different subjects or activities. This makes it easy to glance at your planner and know what’s coming up.
2. Stickers and Washi Tape:
Add some fun to your planning with stickers and washi tape. It makes the process enjoyable and adds a bit of flair to your pages.
3. Regular Check-Ins:
Set aside time each week to review and update your planner. This helps you stay on top of changes and keeps you organized.
Check out this Instagram Post that shows one of my digital planner spreads from Grad School! I color coded each class and used some stickers.
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With these tips, you’re ready to conquer the back-to-school season with confidence and style. Remember, planning isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about creating a sense of calm and control in your life. So grab that planner, get creative, and let’s make this school year the best one yet!
Happy planning, everyone!
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Let me know how you prepare for the school year and if you have any additional tips. I’d love to hear from you!
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