I recently looked into using an online planner. I like all of the pretty planners that I see people using.. <Erin Condren...SWOON> but I'm finding that my home life is pretty much a taxi cab service with my kids involved in sports and music. I spend a lot of time sitting in the soccer center <thank you free wifi>, and on the softball field.. <thank you nearby Dunkin Donuts>. I don't like carrying around my planbook, so I figured I would check it out. The online planbook I like the best is PLANBOOK.com
They give you a free 30 day trial and then they are only $12 for the whole year. Thanks to a fabulous friend, I got a free year. Thank you Diane!
The online planbook allowed me to put in all of my information, color code it.. ok the OCD side of me LOVES that feature, and organize it in as much detail and space as I need.
Here is an example of my plans this week: Sorry the picture appears blurry, not sure why.
This picture basically shows my first ELA block, but it continues with the math and social studies plan. One of the things I like about the online planbook is the idea that I don't have to write the same material over and over again. For example, you can see that my homeroom information is the same. I only had to write that once, and apply it as a template, and it repeats every day that I want it to.
If I need to add something to a particular day, for example a reminder to collect something, I can edit the box for that particular day. There are a ton of videos about how to use the Planbook on Youtube, so when I haven't been able to figure something out, I just check there.
Here is what I LOVE:
- I can view my plans as a single day, week or month
- I can add standards directly into the lesson
- I can bump an entire day of plans... SNOW DAY ..WOOT WOOT or extend plans for a single class in case I need to finish something the next day.
- I can save my plans as a PDF and print them for a paper copy if I have a sub OR I can send the PDF as an attachment to our school secretary if I am unexpectedly out sick.
- I can attach pdf files to my plans so I can print them at school.
- There is an app for use on my ipad.
My principal does not require us to submit lesson plans weekly, but being able to send them electronically would be a plus in my book.
I do want everyone to know that in NO WAY am I affiliated with Planbook.com, I just like their product, and for people who don't do well with a paper planbook, it is worth a look.
Stop on over and visit Holly and see what everyone is trying on a Tuesday.. Stay warm! While your are there, check out the awesome giveaway that Holly is hosting along with Joanne at Head over Heels for Teaching. They both have reached 1000 followers on Bloglovin and are having a week of great giveaways!
This seems like a great planning site. I've always been a paper planner. Last year, I was required to submit my plans electronically using a specific format that they gave us, and I HATED it. Not only did it take forever, but I also had to write things on my calendar for easy access. I like that this has an app... that's a HUGE bonus!
ReplyDeleteI love using Planbook.com! I used it last year and this year. I bought the two year subscription because it was just a little bit cheaper.
ReplyDeleteRissa
Keep Calm and Hoot On
Wow! This sounds awesome! I go back and forth between writing and typing each year. I can't quite find the right fit. I have an Erin Condren this year in hopes that I would use it because it was cute and expensive. And I have used it. I'm not sure what I'll do after this year. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
I like it too, Michele! It even has standards for Ontario Curriculum!
ReplyDelete-Lisa
Grade 4 Buzz
I have used planbook.com for about 3 years. It is awesome! Each year I just merge the new lesson plan book with the previous years and PRESTO my lesson plans are done for the year. Yep! for the year. I do have to do some cut and pasting and move things around but pretty much they are done. I love it! Hope you do too.
ReplyDeleteLooks interesting! I might have to check it out. It might be nice to have my plans saved for the year. I rewrite them every year. There are times I want to remember what I did the year before.
ReplyDeleteI would like to try this out. I have tried so many different systems, and this one seems like it would suit my needs quite nicely. Thank you for sharing this site.
ReplyDeleteMary
Fit to be Fourth
Thanks for the shout out Michele! :) A few of my friends at a neighboring school were just raving about this! They love it! They also attach links to videos/websites too! I think I'm going to have to make the switch...do you think I could do it mid-year or should I wait until summer to play with it?
ReplyDeleteJoanne
Head Over Heels For Teaching
This is the second link up this week for planbook.com and I definitely need to check it out! I am like a taxi cab too and work off my computer so much. Right now I type my plans in word in a template but I would love to be able to insert the standards easily. Thanks for linking up, BBB!! :)
ReplyDelete~Holly
Fourth Grade Flipper
I LOVE PLANBOOK! I really can't say enough great things about it. It has truly become a lifesaver for me. SO worth the $12!!!
ReplyDeleteAlison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
Love that it already has the standards for us. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLiz
Beach Teach