I pride myself on being such an efficient and fast worker (my favorite compliment? “You are a MACHINE!”). I used to maximize all 45 minutes of my planning period like a champ. But I can’t lie—some of my teacher planning days weren’t exactly the productivity powerhouse I needed them to be, and I know I’m not alone. Many educators struggle to make the most of their planning periods due to a variety of classroom and administrative demands that just aren’t conducive to effective work. Plus, the added burden of having to switch your brain from “performing” in teaching to “planning” as a teacher in the future is a hard switch to make! But don’t worry, TikToker @strategicclassroom promises four top productivity hacks to reclaim your time and boost effectiveness in planning periods.
This teacher structures her planning period with four productivity hacks every day.
Let’s face it: The structure of a typical teaching day rarely supports optimal productivity. You’re expected to switch tasks frequently—bouncing between creative, analytical, and logistical activities with hardly any breathing room. Often, what little planning time you have is eaten up by inefficient meetings or unexpected classroom coverage.
Here are four productivity hacks from @strategicclassroom that you can start using during your next planning period.
1. Take 1-3 minutes to jot down exactly what you want to achieve.
@strategicclassroom recommends focusing on tasks that have the most impact and align closely with your daily and weekly goals. Don’t overcommit! Remember, if you only have 45 minutes, commit to 45 minutes of tasks—no more.
2. Use the Pomodoro method to stay focused.
This time-management method involves working in focused sprints. Work for 25 minutes, then allow yourself a 5-minute break—unplugged and away from your workspace. Repeat this cycle to maintain focus and prevent burnout. And leading to her next point, stay focused on just one task at a time!
3. Single-task instead of multitask.
Despite the temptation to multitask, sticking to one task at a time can significantly enhance your efficiency. Use a physical board or a prioritized to-do list to visually move tasks from “to-do” to “doing” to “done.” This can help keep your focus sharp and your priorities clear.
4. Create an environment that enhances focus.
Have a playlist ready that helps you concentrate. @strategicclassroom recommends Spotify’s “Energizing Focus” mix, which features minimal lyrics and can help maintain momentum with its upbeat rhythms. (A note to my fellow Millennials: When I really needed some mental juice flowing, I would play an Eminem playlist that my fellow third period planning teachers would hear and “know I was working hard.” Haha!)
These strategies aren’t just for school hours; they can also transform how you work outside of school. Stick to your contract hours by applying these same methods to manage and maximize your time effectively.
If you’re looking for more structured support, consider downloading the Teacher Timesavers Bundle from @strategicclassroom’s bio.
By integrating these productivity hacks into your routine, you can start to see a real change in how much you accomplish during your planning time. Not only does this make your days less stressful, but it also leaves you more prepared and perhaps even more excited about your teaching! And remember—this is a great way to structure your daily planning periods, but it is OK to give yourself grace on the days when you really just need to mentally unplug the whole 45 minutes. 🙂 We are in this together!