TIPS FOR DRAFTING STELLER HOLIDAY LESSON PLANS

As I sat down to plan out my holiday run with my firsties, my head started to spin a bit.  Even though planning for this fun season is exciting, it can be a bit overwhelming.  I found myself asking, "With only three weeks until Christmas Break, how am I going to get it all in this year?"  

Anyone else have this feeling?  There are SO many stellar projects to get in this time of year and you can leverage learning in the classroom like NO OTHER. Not only do you have those all time favorite lessons, but you also want to fit some new ditties into the mix. However, with holiday performance practice, mandatory planning days, specials, classroom assistant schedules, minimum days, a district evaluation, and other required additions this month, it ain't easy to schedule things out. It's enough to make your head spin and jack up that heart rate . . . especially when you are on a new team and they want you to take the lead this year. GULP! 

After backing away last weekend, I was able to take a deep breath and figure out a method that helped me get my planning angst under control. With just a few simple steps, I feel like I am ready to rock the next 15 days!

LONG RANGE IT
I was trying to figure out how to share my big plans without having to map out every detail in the plan book.  Then it hit me.  DUH . . . make a calendar and long range plan the month.  Just hit the highlights.  Not only will this give a good snapshot for you (and anyone you are sharing with), but it also allows you to figure out the "bigger ticket" items that will drive the theme or overall learning from day to day.  Here's a look at my chicken scratch . . . it proved to be the perfect start to my holiday planning process.  

FIND THAT OLD PLANBOOK
Most of you probably already do this, but it always helps to pull out past planbooks.  I suggest going back more than one year as different things make it into the mix depending on your schedule.  Now . . . if I could just decipher my cryptic notes :P  

TAKE A PICTURE WALK
I find that planbooks don't tell the whole story. After nine years in the classroom, I don't always take the most detailed notes in these.  In addition, I may see a new idea the night before and not add it to the book. (I am horrible about updating my plans if I take a detour . . . probably because I do it ALL of the time.)  With this said, looking back at photos is a stellar way to remember all of the cool projects you hit within a certain time frame.  Go back and look at EVERY December run of photos . . . I bet something is hiding in there that you forgot ALL about :)  

The Gingerbread Fact Family Houses were already on the list.

So were the fun Christmas "Sunnies."

However, I forgot all about Ms. Lemons BME Light Craftivity.

This one made the best display two years ago . . . I put it back in this year!

PERUSE TPT/PINTEREST AND PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAP
Although most of my schedule is set for Christmas, new ideas are a must every year. It keeps things interesting for you and allows you to target new concepts and standards.  This year I added a few awesome ideas to the mix.  Sure, the themes are pretty much the same as it has been every year for little old me (gingerbread and into Christmas Around the World), but I found/came up with some killer additions for this season!  Case and point . . . 

The perfect addition to my GB unit.
It incorporates all of my favorite versions!
CLICK HERE to check it out.

Can you tell I am on a Gingerbread kick?
Love this packet from Ms. Simmons :)
CLICK HERE to check it out.

Sentence Writing Warm-Ups have become a daily must for me.
In less than 10 minutes a day, you can mold stronger writers :)
CLICK HERE to check it out.

Here's my latest creation
This packet takes Christmas Around the World into your math block!
CLICK HERE to check this new EDITABLE product out :)

PLACE THE "MUST DO" AND "FAVORITES" FIRST
Now that you have done all of your research, you are ready to pencil in your plans.  When I did this yesterday, I placed all of my MUST DO and FAVORITES first.  I did all three weeks worth.  Then, I went back and filled in the holes with my extras.  It worked like a charm.

Next week (and the week after) I will be able to roll through quickly.
All the main items have been placed and I can plug the holes.
#outsmartingtheplanbook 

It's a messy process . . . well, at least for me.
However, for the first time in FOREVER, I feel like I'm dialed.

Alright, there you have it.  A little outline on how to create amazing December plans that strive to get ALL those beloved projects and activites into the mix.  If you have any additional tips regarding holiday lesson planning, I would love to hear them.  

Before you go, here are a few freebies you might want to cram into your books as you plan today. 

On that note, I am out.  It's tome to start preppin' those plans of mine. Have a wonderful week . . . I'll see you again soon :)