I distinctly remember this fear I used to have in grad school: that given my average pace of reading I could only read about 600 more books in my life. So I had to choose carefully and really make them count. I now realize it's a silly fear, but it explains a lot about how my brain operates and who I am as a person. ANYWAY, I've increased my reading pace since then, and quarantine has given me even more time to read! I'm definitely more of a non-fiction reader, but I dabble. Here I've outlined some of the more teacher-related books I've read this summer.
Month: July 2020
Webinar Replay: Backwards Planning – Creating a Curriculum from Scratch
Learn the 6 steps you need to create a curriculum from scratch!
Google Calendar Tips
I LOVE a good calendar. I could talk about all the different calendars I keep, but for today let's just focus on Google Calendar. I've tried many different calendar-type tools for lesson planning - physical print outs with notes scribbled all over, post-it notes, and online ones like Chalk or Planboard. But I finally found planning nirvana when I substituted for one of my dad's coworker's maternity leave. This teacher had the most brilliant, simple, USEFUL Google Calendar set-up. It was SO easy for me to take over for her because of this efficient system. And I've now used her system ever since!
Your Class Scope & Sequence, plus examples!
A scope and sequence for any class is a list of each unit name and the name of each lesson underneath that, in the order you want to teach them. It's often required by school administration but I find it SUPER USEFUL to keep me on track during the year.
Webinar replay: Making a Great Syllabus
https://youtu.be/h60wU4_Y_ew If you're looking for even more planning tips and tricks, grab a copy of my '20-'21 Teacher Planning Workbook!
What to include on your syllabus
The syllabus might be the most underrated document in teaching. It’s often SO boring, but it can be SO useful. Personally, I believe the key to a having a great syllabus is to make it short. Your syllabus should reference the key information for your class, and it should tell students and parents exactly what you expect.
Defining your Curriculum
What is a curriculum? In short, it's what you teach. Ok so you're good to go plan it now, right!? Let me take you through the steps I use to create my curriculum each year.
Summer 2020 Teacher Prep Ideas
"I don't know what the fall is going to look like so what can I even prepare now!?" - all teachers everywhere.
Virtual Teacher Interview: Kindergarten, Atlanta
I have SUCH a great interview for you today! We're hearing from Khalia Murray, of Ms. Murray's Corner, today. I met Khalia through our grad school network (the Relay Graduate School of Education, which has campuses all over the country). She's a kindergarten teacher in Atlanta, Georgia.
IT’S HERE!! Introducing the ’20-’21 Teacher Planning Workbook
The '20-'21 Teacher Planning Workbook is now LIVE on Amazon. Get your copy today! This workbook outlines the exact process I go through each year when I plan for the upcoming school year. If you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, stop thinking and worrying and just get the workbook! It takes you through every step to [...]
Julia Ziac 