Issue 2 I Winter 2024

Did Someone Say, "Extra Day"?

In honor of Leap Day, February 29, 2024, we’re looking at small things teachers do to make the most of their time in the classroom. Just like the daily minutes we accrue to “add on” February 29 every four years, there are lots of little things that can end up making a big difference in your work/life balance each week. Bonus: Many are empowering for your students and peers, too!

Break it Down

It sounds basic, but sometimes we need a reminder that big projects are less intimidating when broken down into more manageable tasks.

Newer teachers: Crafting a lesson plan for each month can feel overwhelming.

• Start with a few milestones and build around those dates.
• Take some time upfront to marry the scaffolded instruction found in Teacher Editions/Guides with your original ideas to craft a unique plan that highlights your strengths as an educator.

Your students will benefit in the long run, and you’ll end up with something that feels great for you!

Lead teachers: Corralling a group of teachers to work together can feel like a chore. Why not host an icebreaker where you invite your team to identify their best qualities, then assign tasks accordingly? Chances are, you have a natural-born organizer or a social butterfly waiting to come out of their cocoon. You’ll help peers get acquainted, maximize strengths, and delegate tasks simultaneously. Speaking of …

Ask for Help

Your best worker bees could be the students in your own class!

Most students—especially in the earlier grades—rightly think their teachers are the best and look for opportunities to help. Don’t be afraid to delegate chores like handing out/collecting, putting away, tidying up, etc. After a bit of modeling and some positive reinforcement, your students will understand how you like things done.

• Create a laminated chart of chores and ask for volunteers at the beginning of each week. Invite students to sign-up for tasks with a dry-erase marker tethered to the board. Too many enthusiastic volunteers? Website prodigygame.com suggests using plastic dining plates as back-up whiteboards (genius!). Have students put down their name for upcoming weeks.
  
  
  

  Idea & Image from Prodigy

  
  Nominate students to sign up based on a “great job” you’ve noticed that week or previously. You’ll be reinforcing positive classroom citizenship while recruiting quality workers.
• Ask students to help color anchor charts or contribute to classroom decorations for doors and billboards. They’ll take pride in their work being on display and you’ll have a conversation starter for classroom visits. (Speaking of classroom visits, check out the Family Conference Summary freebie in this edition of The Hive!)

Celebrate the Small Stuff

Sometimes the smallest win can make the biggest difference in your day. Many SEL programs focus on mindfulness and positivity—and with good reason. Even tiny gains can help us reset and refocus to tackle bigger things. Three things to keep in mind:

• “Aha” moments are for educators, too! Teachers are the ones who enable these moments of discovery and joyful learning. Take pride in your students’ accomplishments—you helped make them happen.
• Model self-confidence by recognizing your efforts for a job well done. Add a sticker to your laptop or pin a button on your sweater. Enthusiasm can be infectious!
• Many teachers appreciate the satisfaction that comes from crossing off items on a good old to-do list. Not into to-dos? Write down your “dones” after the fact. Take a minute on Friday afternoon to see everything you’ve accomplished for the week.

Do you have a time-saving tip or suggestion for celebrating the small stuff? We’d love to hear it! Share your thoughts, and we could feature your ideas in an upcoming edition of The Hive.