Tips for Using Leveled Daily Curriculums In Your Classroom

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I adore the Leveled Daily Curriculums.

They are at the center of instruction in my classroom. Every student I have uses them, no matter their level. They are simple to use, super effective, and differentiated. Here are a few quick tips for using and organizing Leveled Daily Curriculums in your classroom.

Keep A Master Copy

I learned the hard way to keep a master copy. When I first started I only printed off the sheets I was using for each student. Because everyone was going at a different pace, and on different levels, it was a lot to keep up with. Now, I keep a master copy of each curriculum and level in a binder. This keeps everything all in one place and it’s at my fingertips to copy for students when they are ready.

Tips for Using Leveled Daily Curriculums In Your Classroom

Keep Easy Tabs On Who Is Doing What

When you have multiple levels of curriculums, it’s hard to keep everyone straight. Here’s my quick trick for keeping everything straight: list the name of the students on the front of the master binder. Then, keep a sticky note on the page where you left of with each student’s name on it. You’ll never lose track of your spot or who is doing what again! This also helps when you have students advancing from one level to another. Just erase the name off the old level and add it to the new level.

Student Work

Consider keeping a binder for student work. In my classroom, I have one binder (color coded) for each student with Leveled Daily Curriculums in them. I print one unit at a time for each subject the child is doing in keep them together in the binder. I laminate the anchor charts and add them to the front of the binder for easy reference. Then, when we are ready, I just pull the student binder and everything is copied and ready!

Color Code The Curriculum Map

This was a game changer for me. Color coding in my classroom is one of the only things that keeps me functioning. Every student has a color and all of their items are that color, from pencil boxes to work tasks to binders. I really go all out with color coding. Here’s another way to use it: color code your curriculum map to help address IEP goals. Once you’ve identified what level a student will work on, pull out the curriculum map and look at the student’s IEP goals side by side. Anything that matches, highlight in that color marker. For example, if Joey’s color is blue and his IEP goals is counting objects 1-5, I’d highlight that on the curriculum map in blue. Once you are done, you have a clear picture of how you are using the curriculum to meet IEP goals.

Have a System for Data

These curriculums create a ton of data for teachers to use. That’s wonderful, but you have to have a plan on how to store that data if you are going to use it. Each curriculum has a pre test, post test, and scoring rubric for each unit. I keep all of my pre tests, post tests, and scoring rubrics in a data binder (along with my PEAK PCA data, Bracken data, CARs data, HWT pre/post tests, etc). That way, I can easily reference how well the student is doing and the progress they have made. My students often stay with me from kindergarten through second grade. This system helps me keep my records clean and ready for the school year.

Print, Plan, & Go

This curriculum comes with everything you need. The time in my classroom is precious. My prep time is just a precious, since it’s often before school, after school, or over lunch. I’m always looking for ways to reduce my prep time while still making an impact. This resource is exactly that. It’s literally a print and go resource. It even comes with lesson planning formats for you to use.

Investment

I started using and purchasing TAH’s leveled daily curriculums well before I joined TAH’s team. They are an investment, but worth every cent.

Here are ways to break up the cost:

Don’t be afraid to ask your admin. The worst that could happen is that they say no.
Redeem TPT credits (credits are given by reviewing products you’ve already purchased. These add up quick!)
Purchase curriculums slowly, over time. It won’t hurt if you purchase one this year, then one next year. Start with your greatest need. I started with Math, Language Arts, then I moved to reading comprehension, science, and Social studies. I’ve recently added functional math and functional reading!
Splurge during a TPT sale! When TPT has 25% off, these are such a bargain!

I can’t imagine my classroom running without these amazing curriculums. With a little planning, you can have the Leveled Daily Curriculums up and running as soon as the same day as purchased!