How do you organize your lessons?

Over the years I have tried several different ways of organizing my lessons that I bring to class each week. Each time I think it is the way to go, but alas, it always falls short of what I consider efficient and effective. Last year I came up with this method and I plan on using it again this year. Now I finally have something I can use that keeps me from leaving things behind and I can find what I want when I need it.



How I organize my activities:




• Large 2 inch binder with a clear pocket on the front where I store this month’s lesson schedule and activities.








• Avery #11907 Tab Dividers. You can print your inserts on the computer by using the Avery perforated tab insert sheet that is provided in the packet to make it nice and neat.




I label the pockets:


• Daily Schedule

• Substitute Feedback Form

• Objects Used at Mass Cards

• People at Church Cards

• Celebrating the Mass (lesson)

• Celebrating the Mass (activity)

• Lesson Plan

• Activity

• Craft

• Mini Book or Story Wheel

• Game

• Puzzles/Worksheets

• Take Home Sheet (last week)

• Take Home Sheet (today’s)

• Class Contact List




How to you organize your CCD activities? Please leave a comment for others to get ideas.

How do you organize your CCD activities?

To be a good CCD teacher you must be organized. Knowing where your activities are is crucial for a catechist so you can find what you want when you need it. Searching for certain items can be stressful and since most catechists are volunteers time is something they do not want to waste.



How I organize my activities:


• Lesson Plans- large 3 inch binder with dividers for each lesson.






• Craft Patterns and File Folder Games- Portable file box with a handle and everything is in individual labeled file folders. I can carry this around to where I want in the house so I can do my lesson plans.













• Activities/Puzzles/Worksheets etc.- 2 separate 3 inch binders labeled OT & NT. I use Avery Plastic 2 Pocket Insertable Tab Dividers #11907 and organize the activities by Bible story or subject. You can print your inserts on the computer by using the Avery perforated tab insert sheet that is provided in the packet to make it nice and neat. I also have a 2 inch binder labeled Mass (for Children Discover the Mass: Lessons, Crafts, Cutouts, and More by Mary Doerfler Dall) and use Avery 2 Pocket Tab Dividers for it as well. I label the pockets by the lessons in the book and in the 2 pocket dividers I store lesson plans and copies of the craft cutouts.


• Substitute Teacher Packet- 2 inch binder with Avery #11907 Tab Dividers.





• Craft Supplies & Games- craft/games storage closet





* All materials, lesson plans, crafts, activities, etc. are on my computer and backed up on a CD so I can make extra copies whenever and wherever I want or need them.



How to you organize your CCD activities? Please leave a comment and add to the list.

Organize Your Materials

Knowing where your activities are and keeping them organized is critical for a CCD teacher. Having all of the materials you need for each particular lesson in a well organize and an accessible place makes it easier for you to find it quickly so you can use it with your students within a moments notice. This will also cut down stressful times for you while you look for a certain activity and allow you to plan your lesson the way you want it to be.

Here are some examples on how to keep your materials organized:

1. Keep it in a binder with dividers for each subject.


2. Have a small portable file box container with a handle so you can carry it easily and have everything in individual files.


3. Have color coded dividers/files for the binder or file box for keeping materials organized. A color coded dot can be placed on a unit of your teacher’s curriculum book that match the corresponding dividers/files. That way, the chapters that cover that unit will be together and in order.


4. Have your activities grouped accordingly for each subject with what you need to teach the lesson. For example:

Lesson Plans
Activities
Music
Worksheets
Coloring Sheets
Puzzles
Crafts
Games
Skits
Quizzes/Tests
Bulletin Boards
DVDs, Videos, PowerPoint presentations, Flannel Boards, Transparencies, etc.
Journal Writing
Take Home Sheet/Homework


5. Have all materials and lesson plans backed up on a CD so you can make extra copies whenever and wherever you want or need them.


How do you organize your materials?