This response could really use some organization, but here goes...
I am extremely organized. It pays off in time saving and in
education.
I make sure I know where I'm going through the year. I have a
general plan. Then I divide it up between "MUST do", "really
should do", and "extra."
I organize materials in a binder by unit. I do the same for the
pertinent computer files. This way I have a paper and digital copy.
Definitely work out the answers to homework before you even
assign it. It's a horrible feeling to assign something, have a
student ask about it, and discover that you don't know how to do
it either. It doesn't happen to me now, but it did far too often
as a first year teacher. If you don't know how to do one, it's a
good bet the kids don't either.
Try all labs before the kids. Some labs are poorly written,
don't work, or lack necessary instructions or ingredients.
Definitely make the kids accountable for a lab notebook at the
very least. I've found that they view labs as a break. Unless
they are held responsible, they don't write down measurements
and observations or, if they do, it's all over a piece of scrap
paper that is quickly lost. Some also will not seriously attempt
to get good measurements in the lab unless they are held
accountable.
I think lab reports are a great thing. I have my kids do a 1-2
page paper each week, but not always a lab report. Some labs are
simply observations and not worthy of the time.
For students who miss class, I keep a copy of any handouts
stapled to an absence slip (my own creation). They are
responsible to get it. I have all homework for the week posted
on the board every Monday. I also announce tests at least a week
ahead.
In addition, I use Blackboard, so any handouts and many notes
are accessible online.
Organization has saved me as a teacher. As I noted, my first
year or two suffered from a serious lack of organization.
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