I Just Got a Teaching Job- Now What?!- Curriculum Overview (and Freebies)!

Well. It's that time of year where I can't seem to go shopping without picking up $20 worth of classroom stuff. Tonight I went to Goodwill, Target, Jo-Ann Fabrics, and Dollar Tree. That's 3 different spots to get things for $1, and a $0.69/ children's book section. And I checked out that $0.88 area at Wal-Mart yesterday.

Oy. I don't even want to tell you how much I've spent.

I think I need an intervention.

If you are anything like me, you're sick of the posts full of questions. I know new teachers have a lot of questions to ask, but still- I'm glad to be writing something different today!

I know it is SO tempting to go in your room first, but really- what's more important, setting up a bulletin board, or knowing what the heck you are going to teach this year?

Curriculum SHOULD be your priority. After all, you weren't hired as a Classroom Cutesifier- you were hired as a Teacher.

And actually, considering your curriculum first will help you set up your room in a way that fits how you teach. Plus, it will tell you what things you really need. (Go ahead and order Spaces and Places. DO IT.)

I mean, if your school is huge into guided reading, you need a space for that. If your school uses Mountain Math, you need to plan the wall space in your classroom. If there is a priority on hands-on science, where will you do it?

Knowing a little about your curriculum needs to come before setting up your room! And start a list of "must haves" for your classroom setup as you look through the curriculum.

Download freebie on Google Docs {here}

When you look at your curriculum, it's probably going to be overwhelming. And that's okay.

Reading curriculum, in particular, tends to be packed full of way more things than I think any teacher can ever possibly fit in. Don't freak out. Most likely, no one expects you to do all of it. Even the schools I have been in that made strongly encouraged me to use the basal, they understood that series like to include a lot of extra resources in case you need them, but that you'll only have time for the ones your students truly need.

If you haven't already, ask your mentor teacher:

• What subjects do I have to teach?
• Are there certain programs I have to use to teach them?
• Do I have to stick to the "book," or am I free to supplement it?
• Do I have a certain curriculum schedule I have to follow?
• What way do you teach each subject? Does everyone do it that way?
• Could you show me how you plan long-term for the year? Could I maybe have a copy of your document?
• What does your daily or weekly schedule look like? Can I see? (They may not have one from the current year, but even looking at last year's will be helpful.)

(I know, I know- I said I wasn't going to do the question thing! That's it- I promise!)

Every school- and even, every grade level within each school- will be different. It will be hugely important to find out what's required, what's recommended, and what's preferred. (Because, that first year, it just may not be worth it to rock the boat if all of your teammates do common planning a certain way.)

And, seriously, don't feel shy asking to see how they do it (or if you can walk around their classroom to get ideas, and maybe even take pictures!)

One of my co-workers last year made this terrific form that outlined our reading stories, spelling lists, vocabulary lists, E/LA skills, etc. for every week of the year. I can't tell you how helpful it was to not have to look these up each week in my teacher's edition. She'd already created it (because she's WAY more organized than I am!) and was happy to share! I would *highly* suggest you ask your entire grade level if they have any long-term planning documents- chances are, someone does, and it will save you a lot of time!

If not, there are plenty of options for year-long planning online and on TpT- or, here's a document from me to get you started! Tweak to your heart's content :)

Get the PDF with Pea Whimsy from Kevin and Amanda {here}, or get the editable .doc file {here}!

If your college curriculum or some other program is convincing you to go "rogue" and abandon the basal, make sure you check if that's okay.

To be honest, sticking with some sort of pre-determined scope and sequence- whether it be from the basal or your district calendar or state guidelines- will really help you keep on track that first year.

Say it with me: The Basal Is Not Evil.

Especially for a first year teacher.

Just plan on sticking with it, and as you plan each week, look at what's there. If it's a good lesson, use it- and if not, substitute and supplement. But do that on a weekly basis- not on a "starting from scratch every day of the year" basis.

If you start trying to reinvent the wheel in every subject that first year, you will have a much harder time. Please don't do that to yourself. Start with some kind of plan that you can abandon as needed :)

My school doesn't have a specified science or social studies curriculum, really, so I worked out math and reading and then matched up science and social studies with the basal where it made sense. Really, even if you do have a science/ social studies curriculum, get reading, math, and writing organized first.

Make sure you look over the standards for your grade (whether they be Common Core or state-specific- right now, my state is in an awkward transition with a little of both!). Get to know what sorts of things are a part of each program- you don't have to read every lesson, but look at one week of reading plans and one week of math plans, especially.

Remember- his is just the quick-overview stage to help you start brainstorming what your day will look like! No need to stress over details just yet :)

Please leave a comment if you snag the freebies!