Resources and Annual Planning

Whenever I start a project, I like to have an idea of where I think I am going. I think that annual planning is wonderful in helping me get the general picture of where the long path of an entire school year will lead my class. I think that taking the time to look over units and plan them out over the long term while looking at the actual days that I will have with my class can be very useful. It gives a longer look at day to day tasks so I can relate everyday lessons to the class’ long term goals. I think it will be easier to change the plan if necessary when I know what I am doing in the larger picture of things.
I view an annual plan as a road map that tells me where I want to go. The only disadvantage that I can see with annual planning is if school administration or others insist that the class does not deviate from the set course. Taking a detour every once in a while can be very rewarding. I want to be able to spend a little more time on subjects that interest my students, or that can be taught with amazing resources and opportunities that I find along the way. As long as the plan is flexible, it is useful!
Thinking though resources can help to make learning more engaging. I would hate to plan things day to day, only to realize that I missed an amazing trip, speaker or hands on lesson because I did not start by thinking about the experiences that I could bring to my class by using the resources available to me. Part of finding resources includes asking parents what they can bring, but I also plan to keep museums and other organizations in the community in mind while planning. While working at the museum, I have attended workshops that involve environmental education. Most of the workshops give me at least one great idea or resource. All of the workshops give me time to talk to teachers and other educators about what they do. I always come away from them inspired by my peers.