lists – Teaching In Public

Yesterday Was a Tough Day – The Comeback

Posted on August 27, 2019 by teachinginpublicblog

Yesterday was a tough day. Read about it here – https://teachinginpublic.home.blog/2019/08/27/tough-days-happen/

But that doesn’t mean that today has to be a tough day. It’s important to treat every day like a new day but that’s difficult for students who haven’t learned that skill or live in a constant state of stress. … it’s also difficult for adults who have and haven’t learned that skill.

So what can you do to reset the next day? (This is after you’ve worked out what’s really bothering you and given yourself time to be emotional if that’s what your mind or body needs to do)

Start with something small. Do something deliberately for yourself. Take a bath, read a book, take a nap, cook something special, etc. So something small but do it just for you.
Take care of yourself. Go to bed early, pack your lunch or pick out your outfit the night before, etc. Do something to slow yourself down and make sure the next day starts a little easier.
Change. Yesterday didn’t go as planned? Do something about it. Politely tell someone how they made you feel, ignore the person or issue if it isn’t that big, remember that everyone has tough days and it’s okay, and decide to make today different. Move on (in a healthy fashion) and make today go how you want it to go.

It sounds like a simple solution but you have to take each step and think through them to deliberately begin to take back control of yourself and your day. It can be emotional, messy, and hard but your future self will thank you.

Determined,

Teaching In Public

My Classroom Favorites and Where to Find Them

Image• Posted on August 15, 2019August 18, 2019 by teachinginpublicblog

Education

My Classroom Checklist for Back to School

Posted on August 12, 2019 by teachinginpublicblog

Unpopular opinion – I’m ready for summer to be over. I miss my students and the routine of going to work every day.

However, that doesn’t make back to school easy. It’s actually a season of high anxiety, stress, and (insert negative moods here).

It’s obvious when I prepare and when I don’t for a new school year.

Unprepared me – stands in room frustrated, has to take multiple breaks to calm down but doesn’t get much done in between breaks, rushes around, and takes twice as long to get everything done.

Prepared me – stands in a room checking things off my list and making a plan, takes multiple breaks to not overwhelm myself and keeping my checklist up to date, feels calm when setting up instead of rushed, and takes half as much time (or feels more positive and productive with the time I did take).

Checklists can be as vague or specific as you want as long as it works for you! I have found that the more specific I am, the better! This is in part because I check things off more frequently which gives me a greater sense of accomplishment quickly. It also makes my brain happy since I feel like I won’t forget something accidentally.

Below is my list for this school year. Feel free to print it, copy and paste it, and make it your own! OR just use it for inspiration for your own list.

Things anyone can do –

peel stickers off desks and chairs
vacuum carpet
wipe desks, chairs, shelves, countertops, and teacher desk
unpack cabinets
organize/sort items from cabinets and supply order
unpack class library
inventory class library
sort class library in genres
take down posters
remove staples from wall
remove painters tape from table
move table and stools
move carpet
set up posters
set up PBS gems and tickets
cut and organize tickets
cut genre labels
label library by genre
put away supplies
unpack and organize new curriculum
check and inventory furniture
sharpen pencils
check markers

Things I have to do –

Print

genre labels
class signs
504s, IEPs, EL accommodations/modifications
new building phone list
class lists
binder paperwork (meetings, notes, etc.)
Back to School paperwork

Buy

new stool
Astrobright paper
plastic vase for gems
bottled water
snacks (long shelf life)

Laminate

genre labels
class signs
new posters
class lists

Setup

class website
turn in bins
teacher desk
technology (double check)
binders (meetings, each class, sub plans, etc)
class calendar
lesson plan book

Things I need hubs to do –

put together new shelf and drawers
dust up high
move furniture
check/fix cabinets that don’t lock

*If you do feel overwhelmed, take a break! Re-evaluate your list. Maybe you need a more or less specific list or maybe you need to add time frames to keep yourself on schedule. I ALWAYS have someone help me over the summer. Sometimes it’s a younger cousin, family friend, etc. This year I needed more help than usual since I’m over 4 months pregnant. I asked for students to help from my previous year and my husband helped me for a day with any heavy lifting or handy things. There’s no shame in asking for help (see my previous post – https://teachinginpublic.home.blog/2019/08/05/teachers-need-help-too/ ). If you have helpers, I suggest having a checklist for them too or make your list categorized like my list – things YOU have to do, things you need someone specific to do (like a custodian, etc), and things you can have anyone do.

peacefully yours,

Teaching In Public

P.S. Check out my NEXT post (August 13th, 2019) for WHERE to find some of the resources I use in my classroom!

I never thought of sharing this idea until a friend of mine told me she had never thought of using photo books this way.

Every year, I photograph my classroom once it’s put together for the new year. I take more as I change parts of my room through the year. Finally, I pack everything up and take pictures of my jam packed closets.

Then, I head over to Walgreens.com and upload the photos. Once they are uploaded, I turn them into a small photo book. The downside is the small book can only take 25 photos. If you go with the larger bound book, there are more options.

I use this over the summer and throughout the school year to do a lot of things!

Think about what I may need to purchase or find for the following year based on what I used and what I put in my closets/cabinets.

Explaining an area or concept in my classroom (always easier with visuals).

Where does this go? Do I want it to stay there? (This is helpful when I’m setting up for the new year and I can look back at where it was the year before.)

and more!

This photo book is a lifesaver for me! It makes reflecting, setting up, and tearing down so much simpler for me. It gives me a clear idea and a concrete image to work from.

Want to know how I did it? Check out my how-to below! Also!!! If you’re seeing this post right away, you’re in luck! Walgreens has a half off coupon code right now until June 22, 2019 – JUNEBOOK which brought my total from $6.99 to $3.49!

Load your photos at Walgreens.com

Creatively yours,

Teaching In Public

Teacher Tip – Save Time, Sanity, and Money!

Education

A Day Teaching Middle School in 25 Doggo Pictures

Posted on May 8, 2019 by teachinginpublicblog

It’s teacher appreciation week! If you have no idea what teachers go through on a daily basis… you’re probably making decisions for all educators 🤦‍♀️ kidding! But only sort of…

Here’s a look at my day today in middle school (made more understandable by way of doggo photos).

“Do I have to be up this early? I’m comfy with cuddly doggos. Snooze button!!!”
“wait… I can’t be late! I’M THE TEACHER!!!!”
“Must eat quickly!”
“Oh! Hello students! I am wide awake and smiling even though I haven’t finished my coffee! I was almost late today. I was told about a student schedule change 5 minutes ago. I was told about a spec Ed observation in my worst class ten minutes ago. I know you need a smile and to feel important! I am trying my best to be everything you need regardless of my own state of mind or needs.”
“Good morning! It’s time to work on your bell ringer! Please try each challenge and work for the next 5 minutes. We will go over it when time is over. If you are finished before time, please read.”
My face when someone says, “what am I supposed to do?” “I don’t have a pencil.” “They won’t stop looking at me!” “Can you tell him not to touch my paper?” I can continue but, yes, these are SIXTH graders… in flippin’ MAY who don’t have a PENCIL!!!!!!! 🤯
“I’m loving the participation but we need to remember to RAISE OUR HAND so everyone can be heard and be respected.” It’s. Flippin’. MAY!!!! 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️
Start instruction… “why are you out of your seat?” Oh sorry, I’m not supposed to phrase it that way, “I feel disrespected when you get up to sharpen your pencil as soon as I begin instruction. Please go back to your seat and sharpen it at a more appropriate time.”
Mixed emotions when I announce, “here is your notes page. We are going to go through this instructional video and take notes. I will pause the video as we watch so everyone can take notes and discuss the information. Please put your name, block, and date on your paper before we begin.” “Omg! Notes!?!” “Omg! We have to work?” “Can’t we have a free day?” “Why do we have to take notes?” 😳
“So much writing! Why do I have to take notes again?” “Is this a grade?” “Can’t I just start the writing piece without taking the notes?”
“someone is at the dooooooooor!” Even knowing the expectations… at least two students try to answer the door at the same time.
“I’m bored. I mean, I have to pee. Can I go to the bathroom? … what do you mean not now? Ugh!!!!!!”
“Pleas put your chair completely on the floor. I don’t want you to fall.” (I said it four times in ten minutes to the SAME student) “OMG! LEAVE ME ALONE!” (I couldn’t resist saying calmly and without emotion…) “I will if you’re sitting correctly.” And then moved on with instruction.
The same student mentioned above crumples their paper because I won’t let them leave the room. I give them an extra copy. They crumple this copy because they are already behind and think I’m moving too fast because I didn’t go back for them to catch up. So, I give them a third copy and plan to assign them lunch detention. The student visits the counselor then returns.
My face when that student catches up faster than any student who has been there the entire time. 🤦‍♀️ Why couldn’t you do that in the first place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Raised hand, “Yes! What does this mean?” “What time is it? I’m hungry.” 🤦‍♀️😳
My face as I say, “Thank you for raising your hand but that is an off-task question.”
“What’s that in the window!?” My sanity FLYING away!
“Let’s move on! Now that we are finished with notes, you have 20 seconds to put it in the notes section of your binder. (Counting) okay! You should now have your notes away! Let’s change gears to a group project!”
“Group what!”
“Do I get to pick my group?”
“Nope!” 🤪
This is the face I see… them hanging on every word as I explain the project… now that I FINALLY have their attention.
“Wait… it’s that easy?” “Yes!! It is!” They had 15 minutes to plan a presentation for their class about 1 class rule. They were assigned groups and rules. They had to explain one example of following that rule and why it’s important for you to follow it, for your classmates that you follow it, and your teacher that you follow that rule. They present tomorrow!
Bell rings! That means it’s time to go! MUAHAHA! Except!!! I intercept them at the door and make sure they leave one by one so they don’t sprint down the hall and fall on their face.

This is a shortened snippet of my daily life as a middle school teacher.

If you know a teacher, had a teacher, or are human… thank teachers! Check on them too because it’s May and most of us are not okay. We need a break. We need pencils. We need our sanity back!

Appreciatively yours,

Teaching In Public

Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness Month

Posted on May 3, 2019 by teachinginpublicblog

People with mental illnesses are often silenced because others don’t want to hear what they have to say, don’t understand, or their mental illness prevents them from speaking freely (or makes it very difficult).

What do you wish others knew about mental illness? Use your voice to spread awareness and understanding! ❤️

In solidarity,

Teaching In Public

Mental Health

Panic Attack Helpline

Posted on April 27, 2019 by teachinginpublicblog

These things do happen… I may be able to cope with my anxiety but I still have panic attacks from time to time. I have found three things that help me in those moment.

Manage my breathing – this is my first go-to strategy. Try to slow your breathing. Do the stereotypical, “breathe in… breathe out.” It takes practice and time but it helps me slow everything down and feel more in control.
5 senses – think of things for each of the 5 senses. It’s a bonus if you can do something with them. For example, I think of my sense of touch – petting my dogs. It’s a mental bonus if I can actually pet my dog as I think of the sensation. Go through every sense and really think about them. It takes your attention away from the attack and helps you ground yourself in the present.
Rule of 3 – think of 3 positives, 2 deep breaths, and 1 goal or thing you can work on related to your current anxiety. This is something I made up for myself and especially works when I have anxiety resulting in overthinking or negative self talk.

What helps you when you have a panic attack or high anxiety?

Dealing with an attack or anxiety? Try the strategies above or below in the comments. If you haven’t already, consider talking with a doctor or family member about your anxiety.

Mental Health

Anxiety Manifesting in Reality

Posted on April 25, 2019 by teachinginpublicblog

There’s still stigma attached to mental illness. I feel there’s only one way to combat that stigma – education.

As someone with anxiety, I feel the more I know about it, the more power I have over it. Anxiety is irrational and will be with me my entire life. It’s a friend who doesn’t know when they’ve overstayed their welcome.

Below are ways anxiety has manifested in my life.

Disclaimer – I am not a doctor or medical professional. Do not use this post as a diagnosis but rather to open a dialogue between yourself, your family, and your doctor if you feel you are struggling with mental illness.

Stereotypical symptoms (the true ones) –

Panic attacks
Shortness of breath
Irrational thoughts
Overthinking

The not as talked about symptoms –

Feeling awkward (especially socially)
Wanting to be alone
Canceling plans
Difficulty taking a deep breath
Weight on chest
Irritability
Crying
Procrastination
Snapping at others
“Laziness”
Forgetfulness
Over/under eating
Feeling rushed or out of control
Heart palpitations
Eye twitching
Hands shaking
Dizziness
Flare up (if you have skin problems like psoriasis)
Leg shaking/foot tapping
Stumbling over words
Stutter
Repeating myself
Clenching teeth
Heart racing
Difficulty focusing
Difficulty making eye contact
Finger or pencil tapping
Difficulty standing or staying still
Difficulty falling asleep and waking up
Pushing people away

And more. I’ve had all of these symptoms at times. But what they don’t tell you about anxiety?

If you are able to “control” or understand your anxiety, it can be a strength (at times).

Now that I have gone through therapy and medicine and research and soul searching and… you get the picture… I’m able to use my anxiety to reflect and plan.

I ask myself these questions:

What is causing me to feel that way?
Is that a valid thought or not?
If it’s a valid thought, what can I do about it?
If it’s not a valid thought, then what is the truth?

I’ll give you an example.

Earlier today, I was feeling a little antsy, irritable, forgetful, and had a difficult time taking a deep breath.

What was causing me to feel this way? Well, spring break is quickly coming to a close and I still have to finish grading, planning, copying, teacher of the year (t.o.y.) paperwork, new t.o.y video, prepare for the t.o.y interview, and housework. I also realized that I’m almost broke until tomorrow.

Is it valid? Absolutely.

What can I do about it? I spent three hours in my classroom today and finished 2/3 of the grading, all of the planning, and a chunk of the t.o.y paperwork. I have a plan to finish the rest tomorrow except the copies since I have planning first on Monday. As for the no money situation, it’s a valid feeling but I had to remind myself that I already paid my bills, bought groceries, and get paid tomorrow with no need of buying anything today.

This thought process made me feel more in control, validated, and even successful because it enabled me to make a reasonable plan and diminish some of my current stressors.

Knowledge is power. The more we learn about mental illness, hopefully, the more normal it will be to have and talk about.

Powerfully yours,

Teaching In Public

Education

Transform Your Classroom One Day at a Time (in 10 steps) – Part 2

Posted on April 24, 2019 by teachinginpublicblog

Here are the rest of my tips to transform your classroom (all of which I employed Thursday)!

6. Grab their attention.

Attention getting strategies are a life saver!!! Grab their attention with a sound (like a chime or clapping), call and response, do something unexpected or silly, or the classic, just get quiet and still.

Extra tip: if you have an extra talkative or squirrelly group, get their attention and then release it within a minute or so. I like to give directions and then have students turn and talk to review them. I have them do one direction at a time every 10-30 seconds so I ask for and release their attention every 30-60 seconds.

I also use an acronym from Teach Like a Champion– STAR. Check the image on this post for more.

7. Provide choices.

Choices are everywhere! Give your students choices in how the complete an assignment, the topic they write or research about, partners, seats, and more!

My most common choices include project choices (essay or a creative option), seating options or partners (when I’m especially brave), consequences/warnings (do this or – don’t do this and), timing (do this before or after), and voting (lights on or off).

8. Add music.

This is flippin’ magic. I tested the theory last week. My class was getting louder as they worked on projects. I turned on instrumental music and just watched… it worked! I expected them to be talking but they were too loud! When the music came on, they started to decrease in volume throughout the room. This also helps during silent independent work. It fills the theoretical space and makes some students feel more comfortable.

Know your students! This can have the opposite impact on some students.

9. Trust them.

We’ve all heard of helicopter parents but have you heard of bulldozer parents? These parents clear obstacles for their children. Don’t be that teacher. Let them struggle a little. Guide them in how to persist in difficult moments. As teachers, we also need to help students feel trusted. They know when you don’t trust them. Give them opportunities to do the right thing, learn a lesson, or turn it around. They may just surprise you!

10. Reflect and teach them to reflect.

I have found that my best moments come after asking, “what went well and what didn’t? What did I do that benefited my students and what did I do that caused something to not go well?” Be honest with yourself. Usually, when I have issues in my classroom, it’s because I did something wrong. For example, waiting too long or short between responses, not planning effectively for transitions, or not addressing a behavior quickly or privately. We all make mistakes! Own it! Learn from it!

It’s equally important to teach your students how to reflect. Help them reflect on behavior, learning, grades, effort. This is a lifelong skill! And one too many of our students don’t learn at home.

And that’s all folks!!!

Kidding! There’s lots of tips to transform your classroom! The key is wanting to be your best for your students. Be honest with yourself and your students. Pick one new thing to focus on and try it! A sure fire way to fail is to either refuse to admit your mistakes or to try to fix too many things at once.

What is your best tip for a new or struggling teacher?

Admittedly yours,

Teaching In Public

Education

Transform Your Classroom One Day at a Time (in 10 steps) – Part 1

Posted on April 22, 2019April 22, 2019 by teachinginpublicblog

This year our spring break felt like it would NEVER get here! April 18th was our last day of school before break.

We had just finished state testing for 7th and 8th grade ELA and Math and 6th grade ELA. Each week we test, our schedule changes so students test in the morning and have electives at the end.

THEN! We had one week of crazy schedule to make it fair to elective teachers but no testing.

THEN! We had a book fair and community event! Not to mention all the other crazy events leading to break. Needless to say, we were all feeling the struggle, students and adults alike.

My students were a little squirrel-y Thursday (you know… the day break is about to start, testing is over for the week, some students are checked out for the day…….. ). I can’t say I blamed them for being a little out of whack. So, I did everything in my power to help the day run smoothly, positively, and with a spark of fun.

Here are ten tips to transform your classroom (all of which I employed Thursday)!

1. Be consistent! and 2. Set high and clear expectations.

This should be employed at the start of the year and continued every day. If you didn’t start this year with high and clear expectations, it’s not too late! Start NOW! It will be an uphill battle but you can win!

One way I do this in my classroom is when explaining work time expectations. We have a brief class discussions about the assignment and what it should look or sound like when they are working and HOLD THEM TO IT! There’s a consequence for everything we do – positive and negative. You’re asking your students to misbehave if you have said to be silent during work but allow them to talk or said to work independently but allow them to work together. Say what you mean. These students have enough instability in their lives. They don’t need an easy teacher. They need a consistent one.

During an observation earlier this year, my VP heard me say, “you have 10 minutes to read your example essay, correct it, and grade it using our rubric. Go!” We had already gone over what it should look and sound like and how to accomplish the task. She told me later that she didn’t think they could do it in 10 minutes. They did it in 9 and a half minutes. My students accomplished the task by being held to a reasonable yet high and clear expectation.

3. RELATIONSHIPS!

This is the number 1 strategy you should have in your pocket. Students need to feel connected. When you have a positive relationship with your students, they will do almost anything for you and be the best versions of themselves. See my post, “Real Talk… the Secret to Teaching,” for more about relationships.

4. Be funny!

Don’t force this. It has the opposite impact if you try too hard to be funny. Look for moments where you can insert humor naturally. This could be a conversation with a student, the class, in the hallway, in a lesson, etc. I’ve gotten better at this over the years and it’s gotten easier.

I have students who just get me. They get my humor and sarcasm. Some students don’t so I’m careful to watch which kind of humor I use around them. These students though, I will sit at my desk for attendance and shoot a glance at them. If they’re looking at me, I make a face or sigh dramatically and they lose it! They find it soooooo funny!

Yesterday, I used humor to get my way. I asked students to clean up and only one followed directions. Instead of arguing, yelling, or any number of strategies, I decided to use humor. I turned on my class microphone and started singing the clean up song, we all know it. “Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share!” AND THEY JOINED IN! SIXTH GRADE STUDENTS! And they did what I wanted – cleaned up.

5. Take a break.

When you work out, you’re supposed to give your muscles a break and rest. Your brain is a MUSCLE! So, why not give your brain a break? It’s important to know your students here. Some students need a brain break that gets them moving and energized but others need a rest and quiet. I use both to accommodate my students. Not sure what this looks like? Check out some examples below.

Energizers – Jumping jacks, Simon says, four corners, fake Simon says (do the opposite), heads up 7up

Rechargers – (I’m sure there’s a name for it but I don’t know it) quiet time, 1 minute nap, 20 questions, silent reading break

Check in tomorrow for part 2!

One day at a time,

Teaching In Public