**UPDATE** You can now find an EDITABLE version of my Long Range Plans, Planning Calendar, and more in my newer Lesson Plan Series! What is the first thing you do to prepare for a new school year? Me? I have to have a plan. My husband says I kill all of the fun in things by overplanning. What can I say? I like to have a plan! Even if I don't always stick to it, it's good to know that you have a plan to fall back on. :) I actually start working on my long range plans in the spring of each year. I posted my plans last year and have received many emails about this year's plans, so here they are! I'm not sure how much help they will be since they're not "editable" but sometimes it just helps to see others' plans to get you pointed in the right direction. Just click on the image below to open up the file. I simply use Microsoft Word to create my LRP's. It's just a table that I have painstakingly merged the cells of to meet my needs. Yes, the process is very tedious and monotonous, but in the end, having my year laid on in this format is worth it! My LRP's go in the back of my lesson plan notebook for easy reference. In the front of that notebook, I have my "Planning Calendar" - this is a calendar of the year so that I can see the units (above) at a month's glance, as well as seeing other important school stuff - district dates, grade level duties, team birthdays, special holidays, etc. I also add my "flexible" read-aloud focuses for each month at the top in the "special notes" sections. Click below to see the full file. I'll be back soon to show you a glimpse of my full lesson plan notebook, but I hope seeing the "plan" helps a bit. What is your one organizational tool that helps you start the year on the right foot? Don't forget to enter my Office Max Tools for Schools Giveaway {$125+Value} - I'll post the winner TOMORROW!
