Let's Discuss
Below you will find our work plans and a rational for them. They will include what we really like about our plans and what we know doesn't really work. It is our hope that you will comment on our work plans as well as share your own and hopefully we can all help and enrich each other.
Heather's Work Plan
I started out by using one from Mandela. It is a weekly work plan that has spaces for: Spelling, Handwriting, Composition, Reading, Math, Cultural, and Other Works. As you can see, I have modified some of these and added more (Heather's Work Plan). Every week, I fill in individual and group lessons that will be given as well as any follow up work that needs to be completed. It is then up to each student to fill in the works that speak to them. Some of my students who have a hard time making choices, or those who persistently choose work that is too easy for them I will give them two works to choose from until they feel more comfortable making those choices or making appropriate choices.
As to what works well, I think that at the end of each week I have an excellent snapshot record of what a child has done and where they are heading. It also gives students the freedom to make several work choices throughout the week. They feel safer in making those choices because they have a framework that gives them boundaries.
What I don't feel works well is that they are constantly making it a competition to see who can finish their work plan first. They also set goals about how many works they can accomplish in a day or week. I think this takes away from their freedom to immerse themselves in a satisfying work. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
Meneca's Work Plan
My work plan has been adapted from one created by a co-worker. It lists the choices in the left hand column and allows children to choose work throughout the week. Once I tried listing the the lessons I was planning to give that week, but with 22 students it got complicated and I admit I made quite a few mistakes.
I fear that I've taken too much choice away from the children and find that when I try to give them choice they resist it.
Currently I'm meeting with students on Fridays to report and develop the next week's work plans, but I'm finding that it takes most of the work period. Even when I try to limit the time. Twenty-two children at 2 minutes each is 44 minutes and let's be honest I've never been able to get it done in two minutes.
What we Need:
In an effort to create better work plans and to share that with the broader Montessori community we need input from you, the teachers in the field. Please send us your thoughts ideas and most importantly your work plans. We can be reached at hmolaro@gmail.com. We hope to use this site as a helpful resource for all Montessorians.
