Teaching is a challenging profession, and teaching after Christmas break isn’t for the faint of heart. You work hard to make sure that your students are learning and progressing, and there’s always more to be done. But one of the most important things you can do as a teacher is bring ease into your classroom. Of course, this is more for you as the teacher, but hey, happy teacher, happy classroom. Here are 10 tips for bringing ease into your classroom!
Before we jump into the list, if you are a middle school ELA teacher looking for a FREE way to get your data organized and bring ease to your data process, check out this FREE Standards Based Data Tracker.
1. Create a Standard List of Assignments
A list of common, recurring assignments is something I really tried to dive deeply into last year while teaching during the pandemic. I knew I would be teaching hybrid, and honestly, I just needed to make sure the class assignments were a crystal clear as possible.
So I decided what my day, week, and month would look like, and honestly, I never really strayed from it. Every single week we did the exact same thing, and my students (and me) knew what to expect).
Sounds a little boring, but I promise it’s not. Here is a rundown of what that looked like for me:
-Daily: DLR, Vocab, ELA MiniLesson, Writing MiniLesson
-Weekly: DLR Quizzes, Vocab Quizzes, Reading Response, IXL Check
I label everything by week #, and every week my students know what to expect. I love it!
2. Ditch the Turn In Tray
Ditching the turn in tray, box, bucket, bin that never gets emptied, has been life changing for me! I don’t have a turn in tray this year. This is something else that slightly stemmed from last year covid. Since we did everything on the computer last year, I never really got out the turn in tray. Well, this year, even though we have switched to paper.
I ask students to create a pile on a different table, and then here is the real shocker, I grade it. Sometimes I just do a quick check, or sometimes I sit larger projects aside to grade on my next plan.
I rarely have papers on my desk, and without a turn in tray, I grade things faster and give them back to the students quicker. It has really helped my students get the feedback they need and the data I need to help guide them in the right direction.
This is a MUCH better system for me, instead of letting them sit in the turn in tray for days (sometimes weeks) lake leftovers in the refrigerator.
3. Declutter
I am an avid declutter! Life, home, car. I feel like “stuff” literally weighs me down. If I’m not absolutely in love with something, I typically trash or donate it. So, evaluate what is in your classroom. Is there stuff taking up space that you don’t use? Is there hand me down material from 10 teachers ago?
GET RID OF IT! You will be able to find things faster, and it will make life much easier. I promise.
4. Utilize Print & Digital Assignments
Having multiple forms of an assignment is a huge timer saver for me. When I’m planning out for the week, I always plan for a print and digital option. Now I don’t go crazy with it, BUT if there is one readily available, I note that in my plans, or I quickly try to find one. I don’t spend tons of time reinventing the wheel here.
Having both versions of an assignment helped me for a couple of reasons, but the main one is, I have students who are constantly quarantined.
If I already have a digital option planned, I’m not panicking trying to throw something together for the kids who are at home.
I’ve always been a massive fan of digital morning work. It helped me establish a solid morning routine. Having print and digital options is a huge lifesaver and brings ease into my day.
5. Use Your Plan Time Wisely- Shut Your Door!
I’m guilty, and you’re guilty. I’ve spent countless plan times talking. And don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely a need for friendship in schools, BUT it got to the point where I was not getting anything done during my plan time. And then I would act confused about why I wasn’t getting anything done. So I decided that I wouldn’t allow myself to talk until I had all of my plans done for the following week. I structured the week to be all planned out and copies done by Friday. Then, Friday, I could be social and talk to my teacher friends.
6. Find a Helpful Tech Tool
One of the great things that came out of virtual learning was the growth in tech tools. Tech companies texted to help fresheners and students, and it was amazing!
When I’m really struggling with something, I always ask myself if a tech tool would make my life easier. And normally, there is. Apps and extensions are amazing and do much and keep my classroom dining smoothly.
If you are looking for a FREE tech tool to help keep your data organized (I know you have data), check out this FREE Standards Based Data Tracker. This was designed specifically for 6th-8th grade ELA teachers. It is the perfect way to keep your data straight. Click here to gain instant access.
7. Be Consistent, But Pick Your Battles
Being consistent with expectations while also picking your battles is key to bringing ease into the classroom. You want to make sure that you’re holding students accountable for their work and behavior, but you also want to provide them with an environment where they can be successful. Finding the balance will take time, so stay patient!
8. Be Flexible
I’m sure you are PLENTY flexible. Especially if you were a teacher for the past two years. But this isn’t a hey roll with the punches kinda flexible. I mean, be flexible with yourself. Show yourself some grace and remember that done is better than perfect.
When things don’t go as planned in the classroom, it’s important to be flexible. Your flexibility will help keep things feeling lighthearted instead of tense or stressful. There will always be bumps in the road, so it’s essential to have a plan B ready to go!
9. Assign a Project
One way to make sure that your students are excited about coming to class is to assign projects they’ll love. After spring break, projects are my LIFESAVER! I can assign one large project, and it takes away the planning for the week, plus my students love creating and accomplishing larger tasks.
Students can do so many different types of projects, and it’s important to find ones that fit their interests and personalities. Here are some ideas for fun, engaging projects your students will love!
-A project where students create their own board game based on a topic or unit of study
-A project where students create a book or magazine about a topic they’re interested in
-A project where students make a movie or documentary about a topic they’re interested in
-A project where students design and create their own website or blog about a topic they’re interested in
-A project where students write an article about a topic they’re interested in
-A project where students create a song or rap about a topic they’re interested in
-A project where students build and document their own inventions
10. Evaluate What is Left to Teach
I’m a huge advocate for less is more, especially when it comes down to the second half of the year. Unfortunately, ease is an undervalued commodity in the classroom. When our schedules are packed, and we are constantly rushing from one task to the next, it’s easy for chaos to take over. However, by taking a few steps to evaluate what really is left to teach, we can reduce stress and create a more positive learning environment.
In teaching, we strive for a well-organized and inviting classroom. This goal is often easier said than done, however! With too much stuff crammed into every nook and cranny, our rooms quickly become cluttered and chaotic. Here are three tips to help you create an environment of ease in your classroom.
1) Less is more: stick to basics and eliminate extraneous materials when possible.
2) Group standards together: can you teach two things at once, so your students are exposed to them?
3) Is there something you don’t need to teach because students already know it?
Well, I hope you found at least one strategy to help you bring ease into your classroom! Whenever you find yourself struggling, take a breath and ask yourself, how can I make this easier. Sometimes your brain just needs a chance to stop and think.
If organization is one way you plan to bring into the classroom, check out this Data Tracker!
I made it specifically for 6-8th ELA teachers in mind. It is the perfect way to bring organization into your classroom.
