Why Searching Pinterest is Killing Your Lesson Planning
I knew a teacher who prided herself on being spontaneous and “going with the flow” when it came to lesson planning. She planned one day at a time, preferring to scroll through Pinterest, deciding what she wanted tomorrow to look like only after today had come to an end.
This teacher was often seen scrambling for the right resource and rushing to make copies or locate needed supplies at the last minute. Her students found her lessons to be fun and engaging and they regularly produced bulletin-board-worthy finished products.
The problem? When she finally sat down to assess whether her students had met their learning goals, she was disappointed with the results.
Spontaneity can be fun when you’re planning a last minute trip or deciding what to have for dinner. However, it’s not a recipe for success when we’re talking about lesson planning. Planning without having a system in place leads to so much time wasted searching for activities and resources that might fit with what your students need to learn.
There is a better way.
To make lesson planning less time-consuming, less stressful, and infinitely more effective, you need a system. It starts with saying no to planning “Pinterest-style.”
What happens when you search Pinterest?
I like Pinterest. It is a great place for finding new recipes, decorating ideas for my home, or exploring possible new hairstyles. What it’s not great for is lesson planning. Why? Let’s talk about what happens when you do.
One “quick search” turns into an hour (or more)
We’ve all been there. You search for something specific on Pinterest and start scrolling through the results. Suddenly, something catches your eye that’s not exactly related to what you were looking for. But it looks interesting and might fit another need for a different lesson. Suddenly, you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole. By the time you get back to your original search - if you do - you’re amazed by how much time has passed.
It’s easy to get tempted by what’s pretty and cute
Pinterest is visual - it’s the images that draw you in. Clicking on an image of a perfectly designed display of colorful student work that would impress parents, admin, and colleagues is tempting. The problem? These eye-catching images might lead you to activities and crafts that don’t align to standards or lead to true understanding of content.
Now that we agree searching Pinterest isn’t the ideal approach to lesson planning, let’s talk about what is.
What happens when you have a system for planning?
The pitfalls of lesson planning via Pinterest searches can be eliminated by having a systematic method for planning. With a system, you feel confident and sure-footed, you know exactly what your lessons need to accomplish.
What does a teacher who uses a systematic method of planning look like?
She begins with the end in mind
She has planned out her year, starting with her destination. Knowing where she wants to end up at the completion of a unit allows for planning with a purpose. When she goes to search for materials to support her lessons, she knows exactly what she needs. No rabbit holes and no activities that are high on style but low on substance.
Check out this blog post to learn more about planning with the end in mind and other strategies to simplify lesson planning.
They plans lessons that are both engaging and meaningful
By working their plan and keeping their goals firmly in mind, they choose materials and activities that will engage their students and support learning goals.
He works his plan with confidence, eliminating day-to-day planning and lessening stress
This teacher has a plan. And he has confidence in that plan. He knows what his goals are for his students and his lesson planning supports those goals and aligns with standards. Working his plan allows him to make time for other things - including self-care. He is less stressed and more able to enjoy his job and his students.
Click the image below to save these ideas for later…
Ready for a systematic approach to planning that works?
Are you ready to implement a systematic approach to planning? Is it time to create a structured, repeatable system that reduces planning time, streamlines your work, and improves instruction?
I invite you to check out my Planned Just So course for teachers.
It’s the planning course that will take you from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to being empowered and in control. You’ll learn the systematic process of creating lesson plans that increases rigor for your students and frees up time for yourself.
