Methods of Organization

So, what kind of planner do you use--if you even use one? Are you the techno-savy Blackberry user... the creative calendar/portfolio stuffer... or the organized list maker? What types of things do you put in your planner? Does it go with you all the time or have a designated place--your desk, kitchen counter, car, etc? I'm really curious to hear any thoughts out there because...



I LOVE planners. This year I haven't found a personal planner that I've been thrilled about, and as a result, I have failed to record many of the happenings of 2008 thus far--truly sad for me. I think I've had a difficult time settling into one this year because I require a lot in my ideal organizer--a composite of a monthly glance, weekly glance, place to make grocery lists, book and movie lists, and a place to stuff favorite cards, quotes, lists, pictures. While I think Blackberries are cool and anticipate making the switch at some point, I still function best by hand-writing my things down. I love color-coding things with fun pens, and I remember things better if I have physically written them somewhere.



For school, my lesson planner calendar is this:



I like it because I can plan both of my preps out on the same weekly glance. There are inspiring teacher-y quotes. Jim Burke loves English teachers. There is a place to write out personal goals, professional goals, a "word for the week," and tips for teachers and teaching. There is also a monthly calendar and a place to write reflections about what has gone on that month--always a good place for venting.



In this lesson planner, I stuff copies of funny student responses, notes from faculty meetings, rubrics for current essays or projects, encouraging words from teacher friends and students, and extra-good writing that I get from students. It is a true culmination of my day's work. If you are interested in this organizer or any of Jim Burke's products you can order them here.



For personal use, random lists, quotes, funny things I see, responses to sermons, books, or conversations, I usually use my moleskine:



I prefer the ruled version so that I can write neatly, but several of my artistic friends enjoy the unruled version for sketches and such. I like the moleskine because it fits easily into whatever purse or bag I happen to be carrying.



My friend Britani inspired me this weekend with her cool planner, and it is worth looking into. In fact, you can buy one of your own here.



I like it because it is leather like a journal, has my monthly and weekly requirements, and actually has pages earmarked for book lists and movies lists, and all the other things aforementioned. Here are some pictures:












I think I might order one now! Happy Planning!

So, what kind of planner do you use--if you even use one? Are you the techno-savy Blackberry user... the creative calendar/portfolio stuffer... or the organized list maker? What types of things do you put in your planner? Does it go with you all the time or have a designated place--your desk, kitchen counter, car, etc? I'm really curious to hear any thoughts out there because...



I LOVE planners. This year I haven't found a personal planner that I've been thrilled about, and as a result, I have failed to record many of the happenings of 2008 thus far--truly sad for me. I think I've had a difficult time settling into one this year because I require a lot in my ideal organizer--a composite of a monthly glance, weekly glance, place to make grocery lists, book and movie lists, and a place to stuff favorite cards, quotes, lists, pictures. While I think Blackberries are cool and anticipate making the switch at some point, I still function best by hand-writing my things down. I love color-coding things with fun pens, and I remember things better if I have physically written them somewhere.



For school, my lesson planner calendar is this:



I like it because I can plan both of my preps out on the same weekly glance. There are inspiring teacher-y quotes. Jim Burke loves English teachers. There is a place to write out personal goals, professional goals, a "word for the week," and tips for teachers and teaching. There is also a monthly calendar and a place to write reflections about what has gone on that month--always a good place for venting.



In this lesson planner, I stuff copies of funny student responses, notes from faculty meetings, rubrics for current essays or projects, encouraging words from teacher friends and students, and extra-good writing that I get from students. It is a true culmination of my day's work. If you are interested in this organizer or any of Jim Burke's products you can order them here.



For personal use, random lists, quotes, funny things I see, responses to sermons, books, or conversations, I usually use my moleskine:



I prefer the ruled version so that I can write neatly, but several of my artistic friends enjoy the unruled version for sketches and such. I like the moleskine because it fits easily into whatever purse or bag I happen to be carrying.



My friend Britani inspired me this weekend with her cool planner, and it is worth looking into. In fact, you can buy one of your own here.



I like it because it is leather like a journal, has my monthly and weekly requirements, and actually has pages earmarked for book lists and movies lists, and all the other things aforementioned. Here are some pictures:












I think I might order one now! Happy Planning!