I've known this post would be coming, and honestly, I have been avoiding yet anxious to dive in. I've never done a yearlong plan *in advance* but all of your reasons for doing it are convincing me it will be worth the initial time and effort. I appreciate that it builds over time, and I don't have to know every detail of each week. Creating a backbone seems very attainable. Here I go!
OMG, the perfect time to start it is right now while you're in this transition. Make a chart with months down the side and time periods of the day across the top (whole group phonics, math, writing, etc.). And just start filling in as you go. Stay up on it. It will come together nicely and make each subsequent year of teaching easier. Plus, if you have teammates or get new teammates, it is easy to share what you do.
I've known this post would be coming, and honestly, I have been avoiding yet anxious to dive in. I've never done a yearlong plan *in advance* but all of your reasons for doing it are convincing me it will be worth the initial time and effort. I appreciate that it builds over time, and I don't have to know every detail of each week. Creating a backbone seems very attainable. Here I go!
OMG, the perfect time to start it is right now while you're in this transition. Make a chart with months down the side and time periods of the day across the top (whole group phonics, math, writing, etc.). And just start filling in as you go. Stay up on it. It will come together nicely and make each subsequent year of teaching easier. Plus, if you have teammates or get new teammates, it is easy to share what you do.