School planning guide
A good term starts with a shared plan
Use this practical checklist with your teaching team and adapt it to your community, learners and local requirements.
Your term-planning checklist
Listen to your community
Ask learners and families which languages, cultural activities and everyday situations matter most to them. Review feedback from the previous term and identify a small number of shared priorities.
Confirm the essentials
Agree on term dates, class times, venues and team responsibilities. Check accessibility, equipment and how families will receive updates. Confirm current administrative and safety requirements with your state or territory association.
Plan learning together
Choose a theme for each class and describe what learners will be able to understand, say, read or write. Plan for different ages and levels. Include opportunities for students to bring their own stories, interests and cultural knowledge.
Welcome families
Share a plain-language welcome message covering class arrangements, what students should bring and who to contact. Invite families to share language experiences and cultural knowledge in ways that suit them.
Review and improve
Set a short team check-in during the term. Gather a few examples of learner progress and ask students what helped them learn. Record one change to try next term.
Find support in your state or territory
Your association can help with local school arrangements and current requirements.