Earlier this year, before I even graduated from college, I bought an Erin Condren Teacher's Lesson Planner. I thought they were amazing and really wanted one, so I went ahead and bought one before I even had a job. I figured it'd be okay, even if I didn't get a job, because it's not pre-calenderized (lol, like my word?). I was able to pick up and start at the beginning of the planner, even when I started in November. No "wasted time".
Here's what I love about it.
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| the personalized cover - and the cute owl |
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| the colorful pages |
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| a student checklist section, with several pages - perfect for recording who brought back their report card envelopes, who's had a turn reading in the window, and more |
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| monthly calendars & "what's going on in..." lists |
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| love the format of the weekly planning pages - I set mine up by hourly time block, and it all works out perfectly |
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| lots of notes pages in the back - perfect for faculty and student services meetings |
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| positive encouragement throughout and lots of planning stickers |
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| a two-sided folder to keep my to-do lists and ideas, a plastic zip pouch, and a 2 year in advance calendar for 2012/2013 |
This planner is $50 - which is a bit hard to swallow for me...for something that my school actually makes for us and gives every teacher for free - with all of the school events already printed into the weekly calendar. If I'm at my school again next year, I won't buy another EC planner. I used the school's planner last year and it worked perfectly (it has most of the same features as this one, just missing the pockets and zip pouch in the back...and the stickers and checklist section...and I can't customize the cover). But considering that I won't be keeping my planner when the year is over, there's no sense in spending $50 to get it I suppose. (Seems like I'm talking myself out of this...lol.)
I'd like to eventually create my own planner. My school has a binding machine, so I'd be able to do it really easily and at a cheap price. If I ever do create my own, I'll show y'all. =]
To learn more about this awesome teacher's lesson planner, visit Erin Condren's store.
Disclaimer: I was not paid or sponsored to write this post. I simply wrote it because I love my planner and wanted to share.
Please don't throw this year's planner away! You'd be surprised how often you will look at it next year for details of special lessons, reminders of where your previous class was (lesson pacing) compared to your current class, lists of important phone number, addresses, or url's. May I also suggest recording "what worked" and/or "what I'd do differently" for lessons that you know you will be repeating. Previous years' planners are always a tremendous resource.
ReplyDeleteOh, I would love to see the one you'd create. I always buy one, which is more complete than the one they give us in our school; but still there are things I never use and things I miss. I'm always thinking about making my own, but I've never seriously got into the task.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thanks for sharing. There isn't much to choose here in Spain and it's good to get ideas. Although 50$ is too much for me too. ;)
I like that planner. But I make my own planner each year. It saves me from having to write some of the actitivies that we do every day or when specialist happen. I just use microsoft word and run copies and put it in a binder for the year. Super easy! I agree with the first comment don't throw it away you will look back at it!!
ReplyDeleteI just got an erin condren planner and I LOVE it. i'd been trying to use google calendar but, I have to have paper. it's the best.
ReplyDeleteI use an Erin Condren calendar for dates, etc. I started at a new school this year where the "extra" stuff is out the wazoo, so it helps me keep up with all of the paperwork and due dates I am responsible for. I love, love, love it! It helps me prioritize!
ReplyDeleteAs for a lesson planner, I just make a template for myself on Microsoft Word, so I can have things I do daily or weekly without rewriting. Plus, it makes it easy for running copies to turn into administrators, give to subs, etc.
Right now, Erin Condren is offering $10 off the teacher planners until 8/31/12, along with a free set of the new colorful pens. AND if use the codes "SAVE10". or "2012OFF" its an additional 10% off, bringing the cost down to around 38 including basic shipping.
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