Who doesn’t love a good to-do list? This may sound weird, but I don’t always stick to the same to-do list. I like to bounce around from one method to another. As one to-do list method becomes stale, I switch to another one. All of this to-do list switching has huge benefit though. I can recommend which to-do list method(s) may be right for you. Let’s take a look at some tried and true Teacher To-Do List Methods.
The Brain Dump
Let’s start with my favorite of all teacher to-do list methods. The brain dump is a list of everything that is on your mind, and it literally lightens your mental load. People aren’t meant to hold on to so much in their mind all the time. The trick is to just write down anything that comes to mind. It’s okay if it’s messy. Brain dumps are meant to be messy. Once it’s all down on paper, you can let the thoughts leave your mind.
Brain dumps are especially helpful anytime you feel overwhelmed or have a lot more to do than usual. After completing a brain dump, I like to use highlighters to help me organize. I like to either categorize my list, using highlighters to color code those categories, or use the stoplight method. Using the stoplight method, highlight anything that is an urgent priority pink, and highlight anything that is a priority, but not urgent, yellow.
Teacher To Do List Method: The Power of the Power List
I know you’re busy. Everyday we have a long list of things to do. That long list can be very overwhelming. Here’s where the power list comes in. A power list is a short list of about 3 tasks that are your MUST DO tasks for the day.
Power lists allow you to prioritize your to-do list, stay focused on what’s most important, and give yourself a boost by finishing these things first. (Hence the name “power list.”) Once you clear your power list for the day, feel free to move on to your less urgent tasks. Sometimes I like to write my power lists in my planner, but I usually prefer to write my power list on a Post-It note. By keeping my power list on a Post-It note on my desk, I am able to keep that list front of mind and stay motivated to complete it.
Brain Dump Meets the Power List
Often I find myself having to do a weekly brain dump, and then creating power lists from there for each day of the week. To streamline the process, I created a to-do list template that incorporates both into one convenient page. Rather than print out a new page each week, I uploaded the pdf into my Good Notes app so that I can make my to-do lists digitally.
The Time Block Teacher To Do List Method
With 5 different courses to teach, and planning periods that changed by the day, this method was especially helpful. This to-do list is organized by times of the day (or in our case, by class periods). As shown in the photo, I had the days of the week across the top of the list, and my potential planning periods down the side. For days that I didn’t have the planning period open, I would put an ‘X’ over the day. This helped me to keep track of my hectic schedule and when I could plan to complete tasks.
You can use this method to your advantage. For example, since I am usually the most productive in the mornings, I would schedule my heaviest tasks for my morning planning period, and my simpler tasks for my afternoon planning time. Overall, the block to do list allows you to schedule tasks for the times that will ensure the most success.
Routine Checklists
Routine checklists are a different kind of to-do list. These are for the things that need to be done repeatedly, but that you wouldn’t add to your usual to-do list. However, if it’s not something that you do every day, it can be forgettable. A checklist could be for tasks you do every Monday morning, Friday afternoon, or even monthly. In my classroom, I have a laminated Friday checklist, but you could also use Google Keep for your checklist if you prefer digital lists.
If you would like to be able to use all of these to-do list methods in one convenient place, check out my digital planner.
Getting ready for back to school? Don’t forget to check out my favorite Templates to Streamline Your Back to School Prep!
For more information about Teacher To Do List Methods and additional tips for color coding, watch my YouTube video where I show how I use my planner for to-do lists.
