How to Plan a Week of Curriculum in 30 Minutes
Curriculum & Planning

How to Plan a Week of Curriculum in 30 Minutes

Practical tips for efficient, high-quality curriculum planning that doesn't eat into your weekends.

Polpetto Team·Curriculum Specialist·2026-01-18·5 min read

Efficient Curriculum Planning

Planning doesn't have to consume your evenings and weekends. With the right approach, you can create meaningful, responsive plans in just 30 minutes.

Step 1: Start with Observations (5 minutes)

Review your observation notes from the week. What are children curious about? What skills are emerging?

Step 2: Choose a Focus (5 minutes)

Select 2-3 learning intentions based on what you've observed. Keep it focused.

Step 3: Plan Provocations (10 minutes)

Design 3-4 provocations that invite exploration around your chosen focus. These don't need to be elaborate.

Step 4: Prepare Materials (5 minutes)

List what you need and gather materials. Use what you have — the best provocations use simple, open-ended materials.

Step 5: Reflect and Adjust (5 minutes)

Look at your plan. Does it respond to children's interests? Is there space for child-led inquiry? Adjust if needed.

Polpetto Team

Curriculum Specialist

Every Polpetto article is written by our IB-certified curriculum specialist, drawing on years of hands-on classroom experience and deep pedagogical expertise. We share practical insights to support educators, schools, and families in creating meaningful learning experiences for young children.