Lesson Plan Updates and Tips

New Elementary Team Lesson Plan Template

To support the work of elementary teachers planning together as a team, there is a new template available that includes a standards selector on each tab. Now, you can all plan different subjects in the same file at the same time! You may even choose to use this template if you do not plan with a team.

Learn more about this template in the video below.

Update in All 13 Templates

The first six-weeks have allowed us to learn ways to better support you as you learn the new lesson planning system and as we work through bugs. One way we can facilitate faster support is by unlocking the Activate Standards tab. Now, if you need to troubleshoot an error with your standards, your peers and support staff will be able to make edits to that tab.

Additionally, we are working on some improvements to the programming behind your planner to make it use data more efficiently and therefore load more quickly. See the tips and tricks section below for other tips that will make accessing your standards more efficient.

Setting Up for the 2nd Six-Weeks

TWO CHOICES - read through both to help you make the best decision for yourself.

1. Start a new template:

With this option, you will get the latest updates described above.
Go to your lesson plan folder. Click New>Google Sheets> From a template and select the template that is best for you.
Click here for more information and reminders about starting a new template.

2. Make a copy of your 1st six-weeks file

With this option, you will not get the latest updates described above.
You will retain any formatting you may have customized.
Be sure to rename the file for the 2nd six-weeks.
Do you have an error in your current file or are the wrong subjects available in your standards selector? You will resolve that most efficiently by starting a new template instead. See the tips and tricks section below for an alternate option.
Click here for a tutorial on copying your file for the 2nd six-weeks.

YOU ARE THE OWNER OF YOUR PLANS

Remember that the whole goal of lesson planning in Google is to give you a space to plan how you really need to plan. The non-negotiables are that the Workshop Model is used for ELAR, Math and Social Studies and the 5E Model is used for Science. The lesson plan templates provide a format for designing lessons within these models; however, the goal is for you to be able to really make them your own. You are welcome to modify the formatting to suit your needs. While we have provided a tab for the Workshop Model, for example, if a teacher has a way to format it differently to help them better plan within the Workshop Model, they are welcome to do so.
The principal is the instructional leader of the campus and the authority on what is expected in your lesson plans. As long as your principal approves, the District supports that. The goal of lesson planning in Google is for teachers to be able to plan for what they authentically do – however that needs to look on the screen.

Take a moment to organize your lesson plan folder

Set Chrome as your default browser so even links from your emails will open in Chrome

Learn some cool tips for selecting standards that could help you be more efficient

Secondary Lesson Plan Template Fix - if you encounter an error in your standards or see elementary subjects in your standards selector, visit this link for a quick fix

Super Duper Advanced Tip: make your template connect to other standards databases. Like that new elementary team template but you need secondary standards? Learn how to mix and match here. Caution: some major techno jargon involved, but you may want to boldly give it a try! :)

Come to the Digital Learning Conference October 14 - lesson plan tips, support, and customization coaching available every hour!
The 3rd annual Fall Digital Learning Conference will bring together hundreds of educators to gain and share knowledge, resources, and new "superpowers" to rethink teaching and learning in Birdville classrooms.
Stay tuned for more information in the Digital Learning News.