Batch Lesson Planning

Lesson planning is so fulfilling. . .when it’s finished! However, planning lessons can be a drag and take a lot of time without a plan going in. Enter batch lesson planning! Batch lesson planning will save you time, keep you focused, and help you prepare the best lessons you can for your students. Here are some FAQs about batch lesson planning and how to get started in your classroom!

What is Batch Lesson Planning?

First, batch lesson planning is a research-based method to planning lessons. Even people in the corporate world use “batch working”. The same principles can be applied to the education setting. Batch lesson planning means you are planning and organizing common lessons and units in one extended time period. Here’s the steps to get started with batch lesson planning.

First, choose a subject or content area and plan out multiple lessons at a time. Plan out one or two units or even a quarter worth of content! Once you get started, it’s easy! Begin by writing out the plans. Next, make all the copies you need. Then, prep materials and get supplies ready. Finally, upload lessons to Google Drive or Google Classroom when they’re ready for students.

Why Should you Batch Lesson Plan?

Batch lesson planning has so many benefits. Getting started with batch planning may seem overwhelming at first. It will take you a bit of time in the beginning, but it will save you so much time moving forward! Batch lesson planning helps you see the big picture of your lessons. In addition, it keeps your mind focused so you can plan and gather materials all at once. Also, batch lesson planning allows you to be prepared ahead of time for your daily lessons, substitute teachers, and unexpected absences. Having your lessons batch planned also makes it easy to share all your lessons and materials with your students.

When Should You Batch Lesson Plan?

Set aside a time to batch lesson plan. You’ll have to find a time that works best for you, but I always find that an extended period of at least an hour to get planning. Clear away distractions and spend some time just focused on planning!

How Should You Batch Lesson Plan?

Gather all the materials you need (lesson plan templates, books, digital materials), and get ready to plan! Again, clear away distractions like social media, TV, and children (if you can).

If you don’t have time to plan during the school day or an inservice day, consider heading up to school or locking yourself in a home office to have an extended, quiet period to plan.

I like to plan one subject area with multiple units at a time. That’s the essence of batch lesson planning. Focus on commonality to keep your focus.

Join the Classroom Organization Academy to learn more about batch lesson planning! Save even more time with ready-made lessons and materials. Have you tried batch lesson planning? How will you get started batch lesson planning in your classroom?