Preparation is Paramount

This past week has taught me that preparation is paramount. I was so overwhelmed with my first few weeks of teaching that I was spending hours, like 8 of them, planning for one class period. I was stressed out, exhausted, mad at myself and I was not enjoying my job at all. Then, I went in the opposite direction for a week or two. I just made broad, general plans and resolved within myself that I would not touch anything related to work once I left school. That decision resulted in a happier home life, but made school life a bit chaotic. I found myself concerned that I didn't have enough for the students to do. They were happy, but I knew that I was short changing them and me. So, this week, I tried to merge the over analytical side of me with the lackadaisical side of me to see what would happen. It was a huge success!!! I planned a general lesson over the weekend and then went in and planned out a day in specific detail. I learned that detail came more easily when I worked from the broader plan. I recognized a big change in the students' interest level, as well. They were more engaged. I learned that there is a happy medium between over planning and not planning at all.  I am still working at becoming more efficient with it, but at least I know that I can do it. I like the "I know what we are doing next" feeling better than the "I hope this works and I wish I had something else for them to do" feeling.  Balanced preparation is the key.....too much is stressful and not enough is equally as stressful. I just might be onto something with this teaching thing!