So familiar. I used to spend from 4 to 6 hours on a single lesson prep.
And they sucked.
Then, I really learned about lesson outcomes - and lesson steps.
Not the buzzwords. The realzies.
Since I’m a slow learner, it didn’t happen overnight. I tired, stumbled, made mistakes, but I kept going.
How to spend less time on preparing games and have more engagement in the class?
My rule of thumb when it comes to lesson planning:
1️⃣see the big picture first (why are they learning English? What’s their point B? And C?)
2️⃣See the nearest milestone (on the roadmap from A to 😎
3️⃣ What language subskills need most work right now?
4️⃣What content can I employ to teach those skills?
Now, the fun part.
Don’t reinvent the wheel - check for that content, perhaps it’s already out there - and you can adapt it to your learners.
I mean, don’t spend hours writing games/activities - just google for them. And use current textbooks. Alternatevely, adapt your textbook with AI.
I constantly learn about current methodology to stay on top of my game - and this really helps to minimize lesson planning - because I know where the student is going.
I understand what is happening in their head.
And from my reading I know whether it’s okay or we need to change tack.
Stop preaching and give me the tools!
Sure. I’ll be happy to share my books, ideas and online resources here in comments:
Provide your context: age, level, aims + type of English (general, business, exam, ESP, etc)
If you have a specific question, reach out to me personally @ielts_tutor_nb
Let’s free up valuable teacher time! ♥️
inspired by @infoasis