If you’re having trouble keeping lesson planning under control, I recommend sticky note lists! Why? Well, when things get super crazy and overwhelming, simple visual reminders can save you time and energy. For example, I have this note taped to my computer, where I see it everyday. Each time I start I new project, I simply go down the list to keep myself on track.
Approaching my project development process in this way prevents me from overthinking. I don’t waste time trying to remember what I need to do. The process is straight-forward and focuses my objectives and goals for each of my projects. Students in turn, benefit from well-planned, thoughtful projects.
Read on to see what I do for each step.
1. “I Can” Statements
Learn more about these in my Learning Targets Video! I type these into a document for easy access year-to-year.
2. Pull Davis cards
The Davis Art curriculum has fantastic art vocabulary and artist cards. There are images, sentence frames, and clear definitions. They even feature English and Spanish on one card! Because vocabulary guides my curriculum, it is essential to include when writing my learning targets and objectives.
3. Type Up Vocab, Elem(ents), & Principles
Our curriculum is guided by the exposure to, application of, and creation of the elements and principles. Using these essential words helps students continue to build upon their artistic foundations. Like the learning targets for each project, I type these up so that I can access the list whenever I need to.
4. Make completed example
Making the project ahead of time helps me to think through the whole creation process start to finish. When it comes time to introduce the project, I know it will be efficient. This doesn’t prevent or predict all issues, but it certainly helps!
Whether it’s lesson planning, putting up a display or writing a parent email, simply writing down 2 to 4 simple steps will help you expedite the process, leaving you time for other endeavors!
What do you do to prepare for a new project?
What sort of visual reminders do you keep around your desk?
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
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