1 00:00:01,020 --> 00:00:03,660 Heidi: This is episode 217 of Teacher Approved. 2 00:00:04,740 --> 00:00:09,180 You're listening to Teacher Approved, the podcast helping 3 00:00:09,180 --> 00:00:12,900 educators elevate what matters and simplify the rest. I'm 4 00:00:12,900 --> 00:00:13,440 Heidi. 5 00:00:13,680 --> 00:00:16,800 Emily: And I'm Emily. We're the creators behind Second Story 6 00:00:16,800 --> 00:00:19,800 Window, where we give research based and teacher approved 7 00:00:19,800 --> 00:00:22,380 strategies that make teaching less stressful and more 8 00:00:22,380 --> 00:00:25,845 effective. You can check out the show notes and resources from 9 00:00:25,845 --> 00:00:28,125 each episode at secondstorywindow.net. 10 00:00:28,125 --> 00:00:31,425 Heidi: We're so glad you're tuning in today. Let's get to 11 00:00:31,425 --> 00:00:31,965 the show. 12 00:00:36,439 --> 00:00:39,919 Emily: Hey there. Thanks for joining us today. In today's 13 00:00:39,919 --> 00:00:43,059 episode, we are talking about the back to school sandwich. 14 00:00:43,059 --> 00:00:47,079 That's what happens right before and right after that very first 15 00:00:47,079 --> 00:00:49,959 day with students. And we're sharing a suggestion for how to 16 00:00:49,959 --> 00:00:51,999 wrap up your first day with a little bit of fun. 17 00:00:52,719 --> 00:00:55,479 Heidi: But first, let's start with a try it tomorrow, where we 18 00:00:55,479 --> 00:00:58,359 share a quick win that you can try right away. Emily, what is 19 00:00:58,359 --> 00:00:59,619 our suggestion this week? 20 00:01:00,200 --> 00:01:03,500 Emily: This week, try creating a teacher prep soundtrack for 21 00:01:03,500 --> 00:01:06,560 yourself. Put together a playlist of songs that energize 22 00:01:06,560 --> 00:01:10,160 you and make you feel confident, whether it's upbeat pop or 23 00:01:10,160 --> 00:01:13,760 calming instrumental music or throwback hits that make you 24 00:01:13,760 --> 00:01:16,880 smile. Having a go-to playlist can be a game changer when 25 00:01:16,880 --> 00:01:18,140 you're setting up your classroom. 26 00:01:18,620 --> 00:01:21,260 Heidi: Music really can shift your whole mood and energy 27 00:01:21,260 --> 00:01:24,965 level. Plus, if you are feeling good while you're working, that 28 00:01:24,965 --> 00:01:28,085 positive energy carries over into everything you create for 29 00:01:28,085 --> 00:01:29,465 your students and their families. 30 00:01:29,465 --> 00:01:32,105 Emily: And if you have a new playlist every year, then it 31 00:01:32,105 --> 00:01:34,685 will be like when you hear those songs you can remember the year 32 00:01:34,685 --> 00:01:37,325 that you're setting up that classroom. That could be a fun 33 00:01:37,325 --> 00:01:37,565 idea. 34 00:01:37,565 --> 00:01:38,465 Heidi: That could be fun. 35 00:01:38,825 --> 00:01:41,105 Emily: If you like this idea, or anything else we share here on 36 00:01:41,105 --> 00:01:43,745 the podcast, would you take a second and give us a five star 37 00:01:43,745 --> 00:01:47,165 rating and review on Apple podcasts or Spotify? 38 00:01:48,170 --> 00:01:50,930 Heidi: Over the years, Emily and I have created an extensive 39 00:01:50,930 --> 00:01:53,750 library of back to school products. To help you find the 40 00:01:53,750 --> 00:01:56,870 tools that will make the start of your new year easier, today 41 00:01:56,870 --> 00:02:00,350 we are spotlighting our Guided Discovery resource. Tell us 42 00:02:00,350 --> 00:02:01,250 about this one, Emily. 43 00:02:01,250 --> 00:02:03,290 Emily: This one's one of our favorites, and we talked about 44 00:02:03,290 --> 00:02:07,430 it in detail in Episode 146. So the short version is that Guided 45 00:02:07,430 --> 00:02:10,475 Discovery is a hands on way to introduce students to your 46 00:02:10,475 --> 00:02:15,095 expectations around managing and using school tools. So if you're 47 00:02:15,095 --> 00:02:18,455 tired of smashed glue sticks and chewed pencils, this is the 48 00:02:18,455 --> 00:02:19,295 resource for you. 49 00:02:19,655 --> 00:02:22,715 Heidi: Now, it's got a long name because we need it to come up in 50 00:02:22,715 --> 00:02:25,715 search. So it's called the Guided Discovery of classroom 51 00:02:25,715 --> 00:02:29,075 procedures and rules for school supplies for back to school, but 52 00:02:29,075 --> 00:02:31,655 there is a link in the show notes if you want a shortcut. 53 00:02:32,195 --> 00:02:35,240 Emily: So in this resource, we give you a set of Google slides 54 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:39,080 and a scripted lesson plan for introducing more than 20 common 55 00:02:39,080 --> 00:02:42,380 school tools. So of course, we cover pencils and crayons and 56 00:02:42,380 --> 00:02:45,260 scissors, but there's also materials for dice and 57 00:02:45,260 --> 00:02:49,220 clipboards and magnet letters and Chromebooks. We tried to 58 00:02:49,220 --> 00:02:50,420 really cover all the bases. 59 00:02:50,420 --> 00:02:53,000 Heidi: Yes, and you definitely don't have to do all of them, 60 00:02:53,000 --> 00:02:55,925 but for any tools that you use, you will be so glad to have 61 00:02:55,925 --> 00:02:59,225 this. Each lesson covers the six parts of a Guided Discovery 62 00:02:59,225 --> 00:03:02,285 activity, so that you are inviting students into the 63 00:03:02,285 --> 00:03:05,105 process of establishing the standards that they are 64 00:03:05,105 --> 00:03:07,625 agreeing, hopefully, to follow all year. 65 00:03:08,285 --> 00:03:10,385 Emily: And what I really love is that for each of the school 66 00:03:10,385 --> 00:03:13,925 tools, there's a quick fun activity so students can 67 00:03:13,925 --> 00:03:17,127 experience using that tool right away. So for example, if you're 68 00:03:17,127 --> 00:03:19,490 introducing markers, there's a small coloring page. For 69 00:03:19,490 --> 00:03:22,130 clipboards, there's a short around the room scavenger hunt 70 00:03:22,130 --> 00:03:24,950 so they can practice using a clipboard. Each activity is 71 00:03:24,950 --> 00:03:27,230 targeted to keep things engaging, but also moving 72 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:51,705 Emily: Lots of o's in so. Plus, besides the lesson materials, 73 00:03:27,230 --> 00:03:27,770 quickly. 74 00:03:27,740 --> 00:03:29,960 Heidi: This is one of our resources that gets the best 75 00:03:29,960 --> 00:03:33,620 feedback. And here's a little share from Lynn, who said, "This 76 00:03:33,680 --> 00:03:36,320 has been a game changer for how my students use our classroom 77 00:03:36,320 --> 00:03:39,320 materials. It is easy to assume that kids will know how to use 78 00:03:39,320 --> 00:03:42,785 pencils and erasers, but they don't know my expectations. Now 79 00:03:42,785 --> 00:03:45,365 they do, and I am so much happier because 80 00:03:51,705 --> 00:03:54,105 there are a whole bunch of resources to help you address 81 00:03:54,105 --> 00:03:57,285 any hiccups down the road. When someone stabs the glue with 82 00:03:57,285 --> 00:04:01,005 their scissors or colors on the carpet, there are materials just 83 00:04:01,005 --> 00:04:03,165 waiting for you so you can address the problem right away. 84 00:04:03,825 --> 00:04:06,285 Heidi: So head to the show notes and grab the link for the Guided 85 00:04:06,285 --> 00:04:09,045 Discovery of School Tools resource. It will make your 86 00:04:09,045 --> 00:04:10,305 whole year run smoother. 87 00:04:11,505 --> 00:04:14,070 Emily: You know, we've been talking all summer about getting 88 00:04:14,070 --> 00:04:17,610 ready for back to school, and we realize that there's this one 89 00:04:17,610 --> 00:04:20,310 piece we haven't really addressed yet, and that's what 90 00:04:20,310 --> 00:04:23,370 happens right before and right after the very first day with 91 00:04:23,370 --> 00:04:23,910 students. 92 00:04:24,630 --> 00:04:27,450 Heidi: This time of year, it's really easy to lose yourself in 93 00:04:27,450 --> 00:04:29,910 all of the thoughts around classroom setup and getting your 94 00:04:29,910 --> 00:04:33,630 systems ready. You likely have a million checklists for labeling 95 00:04:33,630 --> 00:04:37,590 supplies, planning procedures or organizing desks. And of course, 96 00:04:37,635 --> 00:04:39,075 those things absolutely matter. 97 00:04:39,435 --> 00:04:43,755 Emily: Yeah, but we know you know how important they are. But 98 00:04:43,755 --> 00:04:48,135 often what gets overlooked is you as the teacher. How do you 99 00:04:48,135 --> 00:04:51,975 prepare yourself, both emotionally and practically, for 100 00:04:51,975 --> 00:04:54,615 that huge moment when your classroom goes from organized 101 00:04:54,615 --> 00:04:58,335 and empty to full of real kids? What do you do with all the 102 00:04:58,335 --> 00:05:01,200 nerves and energy and expectations leading up to that 103 00:05:01,200 --> 00:05:01,500 day? 104 00:05:02,280 --> 00:05:06,060 Heidi: And then in just seven short, or not so short, hours 105 00:05:06,060 --> 00:05:09,840 after they arrive, they all leave. The door closes, the room 106 00:05:09,840 --> 00:05:14,280 is quiet again, and I can feel that moment. You're just left 107 00:05:14,280 --> 00:05:17,040 standing in the whirlwind of everything that just happened. 108 00:05:17,340 --> 00:05:19,440 And that moment deserves some attention too. 109 00:05:20,220 --> 00:05:22,845 Emily: Yeah, so today we're talking about what we're calling 110 00:05:22,845 --> 00:05:26,385 the back to school sandwich. So it's not lunch, although, yes, 111 00:05:26,385 --> 00:05:28,605 definitely pack a lunch, especially on the first day 112 00:05:28,605 --> 00:05:32,205 you're going to want it, but the emotional and practical layers 113 00:05:32,205 --> 00:05:35,445 that surround the first day of school. Because just like a good 114 00:05:35,445 --> 00:05:38,385 sandwich, the most important stuff might be in the middle, 115 00:05:38,385 --> 00:05:42,045 sure, but without the bread and the toppings on either side, it 116 00:05:42,045 --> 00:05:44,000 just it all falls apart, and it's not nearly as tasty. 117 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:48,560 Heidi: So that first day is the filling. Stick with us here. 118 00:05:49,220 --> 00:05:53,240 It's big, it's flavorful, maybe even a little messy, but what 119 00:05:53,240 --> 00:05:56,000 you do before and after is what's going to hold everything 120 00:05:56,000 --> 00:05:59,300 together. And if you take care of those two pieces, the whole 121 00:05:59,300 --> 00:06:02,720 thing is a lot more satisfying and a lot less likely to fall 122 00:06:02,720 --> 00:06:05,060 apart and stain your cute new first day of school outfit. 123 00:06:06,440 --> 00:06:08,945 Emily: To make your back to school sandwich as sturdy and 124 00:06:08,945 --> 00:06:12,125 satisfying as possible, we're breaking it down into three 125 00:06:12,125 --> 00:06:15,425 simple categories of teacher self-care that apply before and 126 00:06:15,425 --> 00:06:17,405 after that all important first day. 127 00:06:17,780 --> 00:06:20,960 Heidi: First is emotional prep. This is all about checking in 128 00:06:20,960 --> 00:06:23,420 with yourself and making sure that you're grounded and headed 129 00:06:23,420 --> 00:06:27,620 in the right direction. Next is the logistical basics. These are 130 00:06:27,620 --> 00:06:30,500 the small, practical choices that make a big difference to 131 00:06:30,500 --> 00:06:34,340 your well being. And finally, comes your recovery plan. This 132 00:06:34,340 --> 00:06:37,760 is where you create space to breathe, reflect and regroup, 133 00:06:38,000 --> 00:06:41,105 because the way you land matters just as much as how you launch. 134 00:06:41,105 --> 00:06:44,705 Emily: So let's take a look at that bottom slice of bread. What 135 00:06:44,705 --> 00:06:47,705 you need to do before the first day to set yourself up for 136 00:06:47,705 --> 00:06:50,285 success. And we're gonna start where we always start by 137 00:06:50,285 --> 00:06:52,205 identifying our purpose. 138 00:06:52,205 --> 00:06:56,525 Heidi: Yes, it is so easy to get lost in the busyness that comes 139 00:06:56,525 --> 00:06:59,405 with back to school. That's how we end up running ourselves 140 00:06:59,405 --> 00:07:02,645 ragged, but somehow we still don't feel prepared, even though 141 00:07:02,645 --> 00:07:05,990 we're working nonstop. To combat this, we're going to take a 142 00:07:05,990 --> 00:07:09,530 couple of minutes to figure out what matters. First, stop and 143 00:07:09,530 --> 00:07:12,530 reflect on what kind of teacher you want to be this year. Think 144 00:07:12,530 --> 00:07:15,050 about the parts of teaching that bring you joy and the kind of 145 00:07:15,050 --> 00:07:17,030 impact you hope to have on your students. 146 00:07:17,640 --> 00:07:20,540 Emily: A great addition to this exercise is setting a one word 147 00:07:20,540 --> 00:07:25,160 theme to guide your year. Maybe it's steady or wonder or grace 148 00:07:25,160 --> 00:07:29,120 or joy, just one word that you can come back to when things get 149 00:07:29,120 --> 00:07:31,880 overwhelming. You can write it on a sticky note and put it 150 00:07:31,880 --> 00:07:33,680 somewhere where you will see it every day. 151 00:07:34,300 --> 00:07:37,120 Heidi: We talked about choosing a one word theme back in episode 152 00:07:37,120 --> 00:07:41,200 27 if you want to go back in time and revisit that. But we 153 00:07:41,200 --> 00:07:44,020 also have some guiding questions in our back to school readiness 154 00:07:44,020 --> 00:07:47,380 checklist, if you want a page that's already all set up to 155 00:07:47,380 --> 00:07:48,400 collect all of your thoughts. 156 00:07:48,400 --> 00:07:51,640 Emily: While you're in that reflective space, the readiness 157 00:07:51,640 --> 00:07:55,000 checklist resource also has a goal setting page, plus some 158 00:07:55,000 --> 00:07:58,225 more pages specifically focused on teacher prep, like a page for 159 00:07:58,225 --> 00:08:01,225 listing what you're letting go of, writing yourself permission 160 00:08:01,225 --> 00:08:03,985 slips, and writing a quick note of encouragement to yourself. 161 00:08:03,985 --> 00:08:06,745 You can print it and stick it in your plan book, your desk 162 00:08:06,745 --> 00:08:09,325 drawer, or even just take a screenshot and set it as your 163 00:08:09,325 --> 00:08:10,285 phone lock screen. 164 00:08:10,585 --> 00:08:13,885 Heidi: Oh, and set a reminder to take a photo of your classroom 165 00:08:13,885 --> 00:08:17,365 once it's all set up. You've worked so hard to get it ready, 166 00:08:17,665 --> 00:08:20,365 celebrate the moment before the kids come in and mess it all up. 167 00:08:20,365 --> 00:08:23,770 Emily: Now, let's talk about prepping your personal launch 168 00:08:23,770 --> 00:08:26,650 plan. You have to remember to take care of the human behind 169 00:08:26,650 --> 00:08:29,890 the teacher. So map out what your ideal morning looks like on 170 00:08:29,890 --> 00:08:32,890 that first day. When will you wake up? What will you eat? What 171 00:08:32,890 --> 00:08:34,450 music will help you feel grounded? 172 00:08:34,870 --> 00:08:37,330 Heidi: With that vision in mind, what can you do in advance to 173 00:08:37,330 --> 00:08:40,630 make morning smoother? Maybe pack your lunch, lay out your 174 00:08:40,630 --> 00:08:43,570 clothes, fill your teacher bag and get your own kids' backpacks 175 00:08:43,570 --> 00:08:47,155 ready the night before. Every little step you can do ahead of 176 00:08:47,155 --> 00:08:47,635 time helps. 177 00:08:48,055 --> 00:08:50,335 Emily: We shared lots of good tips for this back in episode 178 00:08:50,335 --> 00:08:54,055 209 so give that a listen if you want a refresher. But another 179 00:08:54,055 --> 00:08:57,655 handy suggestion is to stock a desk drawer or a cabinet with 180 00:08:57,655 --> 00:09:01,795 your survival essentials. You may want to set up a day one 181 00:09:01,795 --> 00:09:06,055 emergency kit with things like tissues, band aids, lozenges and 182 00:09:06,100 --> 00:09:08,560 extra snacks that you want to have handy on the first day. 183 00:09:08,560 --> 00:09:12,100 Heidi: Yeah, in the first couple days of school, there just is 184 00:09:12,100 --> 00:09:14,980 not a lot of wiggle room if your contact lens gets dirty, or you 185 00:09:14,980 --> 00:09:18,700 get a stomach ache, you're kind of stuck. So make sure you have 186 00:09:18,700 --> 00:09:21,760 on hand anything that you don't want to be caught without. 187 00:09:22,360 --> 00:09:24,220 Emily: And I know we've mentioned this before, but one 188 00:09:24,220 --> 00:09:26,800 of the best gifts you can give yourself is not working late on 189 00:09:26,800 --> 00:09:30,040 the first day. So for that to happen, you need to prepare day 190 00:09:30,040 --> 00:09:33,985 two at the same time that you prepare day one. We promise it's 191 00:09:33,985 --> 00:09:39,805 not as tricky as it sounds. Episodes 144, 145, and 146 walk 192 00:09:39,805 --> 00:09:42,025 you through exactly how to streamline your first day of 193 00:09:42,025 --> 00:09:44,965 school plans and extend that process through the first week. 194 00:09:45,505 --> 00:09:48,145 Heidi: Think how happy you will be at the end of that first day, 195 00:09:48,145 --> 00:09:51,805 to waltz out of the school at 3:30 and have a long, relaxing 196 00:09:51,805 --> 00:09:55,510 evening ahead of you. But you know, first we need to make sure 197 00:09:55,510 --> 00:09:58,090 that that evening is actually relaxing. 198 00:09:58,750 --> 00:10:01,090 Emily: Start by deciding how you're going to transition when 199 00:10:01,090 --> 00:10:05,350 students leave. Will you sit quietly for five minutes, text a 200 00:10:05,350 --> 00:10:08,950 friend, take a walk around the building? Have a plan so you're 201 00:10:08,950 --> 00:10:12,550 not left floundering. And if you want a fun idea, make sure to 202 00:10:12,550 --> 00:10:15,160 listen to the end of the episode, because we have a fun 203 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:18,120 Heidi: Next create a cozy landing zone at home, pillows, 204 00:10:15,160 --> 00:10:15,171 tip to share. 205 00:10:18,180 --> 00:10:21,480 snacks, soft lighting your favorite show all queued up. 206 00:10:21,960 --> 00:10:25,560 Everything you need to really relax. Stock the recovery kit we 207 00:10:25,560 --> 00:10:29,460 talked about in episode 209. Make it easy to take it easy. 208 00:10:30,360 --> 00:10:31,320 Need that on a shirt. 209 00:10:31,380 --> 00:10:34,620 Emily: Yeah. Also make an intentional plan for how you can 210 00:10:34,620 --> 00:10:38,385 minimize demands for a few days. Maybe your kids get extra screen 211 00:10:38,385 --> 00:10:40,905 time for the first week of school. Maybe you're getting 212 00:10:40,905 --> 00:10:44,025 more takeout than you normally do, and that's totally okay. The 213 00:10:44,025 --> 00:10:46,665 start of the school year is just a season. It's not your whole 214 00:10:46,665 --> 00:10:46,965 life. 215 00:10:47,985 --> 00:10:50,745 Heidi: Alright. That is the before the first day of school 216 00:10:50,745 --> 00:10:57,945 bread slice. That's a sentence I never imagined saying. Make time 217 00:10:57,945 --> 00:11:01,005 to reflect on what you want to have happen, prepare for your 218 00:11:01,005 --> 00:11:03,390 personal launch, and set up your recovery plan. 219 00:11:04,110 --> 00:11:06,450 Emily: So next comes the filling, but we have spent all 220 00:11:06,450 --> 00:11:09,390 summer covering the middle of this sandwich—lesson plans, 221 00:11:09,390 --> 00:11:12,450 community building, classroom setup and so much more. If you 222 00:11:12,450 --> 00:11:15,990 need some ideas, make sure to scroll back to some of our past 223 00:11:15,990 --> 00:11:17,850 summer episodes in your podcast feed. 224 00:11:18,390 --> 00:11:21,630 Heidi: And now we can talk about the top slice of bread, what to 225 00:11:21,630 --> 00:11:24,690 do after you make it through that first day. We'll follow the 226 00:11:24,690 --> 00:11:27,435 same pattern as we did before, of figuring out your emotional 227 00:11:27,435 --> 00:11:30,435 prep, your logistical basics and then your recovery plan. 228 00:11:31,095 --> 00:11:33,615 Emily: Once the students leave, take five minutes to jot down 229 00:11:33,615 --> 00:11:36,495 what went well, what didn't, and what you want to try differently 230 00:11:36,495 --> 00:11:39,975 tomorrow. Celebrate small wins, even if the win is I made it 231 00:11:39,975 --> 00:11:43,635 through or I remember five names. Even small 232 00:11:43,635 --> 00:11:45,795 accomplishments deserve to be celebrated. 233 00:11:46,335 --> 00:11:48,840 Heidi: And there is also a sheet for this in the back to school 234 00:11:48,840 --> 00:11:52,140 readiness checklist. We really have thought of everything. So 235 00:11:52,140 --> 00:11:54,300 grab that if you don't have it already. 236 00:11:54,960 --> 00:11:57,480 Emily: I always say we overthink things so that you don't have 237 00:11:57,480 --> 00:12:02,100 to. So you also want to set a reminder in your phone to take a 238 00:12:02,100 --> 00:12:05,580 photo of your classroom after the students leave. Notice how 239 00:12:05,580 --> 00:12:07,680 it's already changed because your students were there. 240 00:12:07,680 --> 00:12:10,500 There's something beautiful, really about seeing that 241 00:12:10,500 --> 00:12:11,400 transformation. 242 00:12:12,060 --> 00:12:15,465 Heidi: Once you've had a moment to recover and reflect, focus on 243 00:12:15,465 --> 00:12:19,305 the logistics of getting day two set up. Hopefully you have had a 244 00:12:19,305 --> 00:12:23,385 chance to prepare most of the materials in advance. If not, do 245 00:12:23,385 --> 00:12:26,205 whatever you can to make the morning of the second day flow 246 00:12:26,205 --> 00:12:29,925 as easily as possible. Yes, I know you are so tired right now, 247 00:12:30,225 --> 00:12:32,925 but you will probably still be that tired in the morning. 248 00:12:33,405 --> 00:12:36,570 Emily: A suggestion that might help us to plan one easy win for 249 00:12:36,570 --> 00:12:39,870 day two. So maybe it's a favorite read aloud, a simple 250 00:12:39,870 --> 00:12:43,350 game, or even showing a 15 minute video. Focus on teaching 251 00:12:43,350 --> 00:12:45,930 your essential procedures and activities to build your class 252 00:12:45,930 --> 00:12:48,690 community, and you'll have all the important stuff covered. 253 00:12:49,470 --> 00:12:52,050 Heidi: As you're wrapping up your work day, do what you can 254 00:12:52,050 --> 00:12:55,410 to protect your energy. It's totally okay to skip the chatty 255 00:12:55,410 --> 00:12:58,635 teachers lounge or to say, I need to recharge, I'll catch up 256 00:12:58,635 --> 00:13:01,875 with you tomorrow. It's okay to be smart about your limits, even 257 00:13:01,875 --> 00:13:04,275 if that teacher across the hall might not understand. 258 00:13:04,900 --> 00:13:07,900 Emily: Once you've cleaned up day one, and set up day two, and 259 00:13:07,900 --> 00:13:11,260 finally made it back to your front door, it's time to recover 260 00:13:11,260 --> 00:13:13,960 with intention. So treat yourself the way you would treat 261 00:13:13,960 --> 00:13:17,980 a tired toddler. Eat something comforting, take a warm bath if 262 00:13:17,980 --> 00:13:20,440 you like a bath, go to bed early. You've just done 263 00:13:20,440 --> 00:13:23,560 something incredibly hard, and you deserve that kindness. 264 00:13:24,160 --> 00:13:27,820 Heidi: Use that recovery kit you prepped, or start one now. Put 265 00:13:27,820 --> 00:13:30,625 on jammies as soon as you're home, do a puzzle, read a book, 266 00:13:30,625 --> 00:13:33,805 watch a movie, get out of coloring a book. Prioritize the 267 00:13:33,805 --> 00:13:36,205 things that give you the space to bounce back. 268 00:13:36,865 --> 00:13:39,265 Emily: Or if you've got a totally different personality, 269 00:13:39,265 --> 00:13:42,085 maybe you want to hit the gym, re-energize with a night out, or 270 00:13:42,085 --> 00:13:45,385 start a brand new project. This is not our journey, but we love 271 00:13:45,385 --> 00:13:46,105 that for you. 272 00:13:48,085 --> 00:13:51,190 Heidi: Whatever type of recovery you need is the right choice. 273 00:13:51,430 --> 00:13:54,190 And like we mentioned earlier, give yourself permission to 274 00:13:54,190 --> 00:13:57,790 lower the bar at home. Use paper plates. Let everyone zone out on 275 00:13:57,790 --> 00:14:01,570 their devices for a while. Order dinner without guilt. You're not 276 00:14:01,570 --> 00:14:05,050 letting things slide. You're being strategic when your energy 277 00:14:05,050 --> 00:14:05,890 is so limited. 278 00:14:06,550 --> 00:14:09,070 Emily: If you are someone with a tough inner critic, this can be 279 00:14:09,070 --> 00:14:11,890 hard to accept, but really, the best thing you can do during a 280 00:14:11,890 --> 00:14:14,590 stressful time is to give yourself grace. Nothing good 281 00:14:14,635 --> 00:14:17,215 comes from making yourself feel guilty for not meeting some 282 00:14:17,215 --> 00:14:20,755 random standard of perfection. Beating yourself up won't 283 00:14:20,755 --> 00:14:24,055 suddenly give you more energy. So be kind to yourself and 284 00:14:24,055 --> 00:14:27,355 accept that this is a normal part of such a huge transition. 285 00:14:28,135 --> 00:14:30,475 Heidi: I wish I had understood this back when I was teaching. 286 00:14:30,475 --> 00:14:31,375 Emily: I know. 287 00:14:31,435 --> 00:14:34,315 Heidi: I was, I would really beat myself up about not having 288 00:14:34,315 --> 00:14:37,540 it together. But you know what this is, just a few days, you 289 00:14:37,540 --> 00:14:40,420 will figure it out, and things will get back to normal, we 290 00:14:40,420 --> 00:14:41,380 promise. 291 00:14:41,800 --> 00:14:43,840 Emily: Plus, I think most people don't have it together. We 292 00:14:43,840 --> 00:14:46,360 assume everyone else has it together. I think nobody has it 293 00:14:46,360 --> 00:14:51,160 together. And just remember the first day of school is just one 294 00:14:51,160 --> 00:14:53,800 day in a whole year of teaching, but it can feel so big and 295 00:14:53,800 --> 00:14:57,820 overwhelming. So remember that the real magic happens in how 296 00:14:57,820 --> 00:15:01,165 you prepare yourself, not just your classroom, and how you take 297 00:15:01,165 --> 00:15:02,125 care of yourself after. 298 00:15:02,125 --> 00:15:05,545 Heidi: We would love to hear your tips for what to do before 299 00:15:05,545 --> 00:15:08,545 and after the first day. Come join the conversation in our 300 00:15:08,545 --> 00:15:09,865 Teacher Approved Facebook group. 301 00:15:10,765 --> 00:15:13,105 Emily: Now for our Teacher Approved Tip of the Week, where 302 00:15:13,105 --> 00:15:16,345 we share an actionable tip to help you elevate what matters 303 00:15:16,345 --> 00:15:19,525 and simplify the rest. This week's teacher approved tip is 304 00:15:19,525 --> 00:15:21,985 to wrap up the first day of school was some fun. So tell us 305 00:15:21,985 --> 00:15:23,125 what you have in mind, Heidi. 306 00:15:23,125 --> 00:15:25,405 Heidi: Oh, I'm so excited about this, I'm doing little hand 307 00:15:25,465 --> 00:15:28,690 claps. That's probably terrible for the audio. Oh, but this is a 308 00:15:28,690 --> 00:15:32,470 fun one. Now, as you know, the first day of school leaves most 309 00:15:32,470 --> 00:15:35,890 of us just running on pure adrenaline. Once the kids leave, 310 00:15:35,890 --> 00:15:40,150 it's so easy to either dive straight into day two prep or 311 00:15:40,150 --> 00:15:42,970 get stuck in one of those never ending hallway conversations 312 00:15:42,970 --> 00:15:44,950 that somehow just suck your will to live. 313 00:15:45,340 --> 00:15:48,580 Emily: Yeah, that's why I love your idea of a quick cheers and 314 00:15:48,580 --> 00:15:51,760 chat check in with your grade level team, or maybe your 315 00:15:51,760 --> 00:15:55,240 teacher friends. It's just structured enough to feel 316 00:15:55,240 --> 00:15:58,300 special and meaningful, but it's light enough that it won't 317 00:15:58,300 --> 00:16:01,800 hijack your whole afternoon or require a lot of your energy. 318 00:16:02,640 --> 00:16:06,180 Heidi: So here's how to make it work. First, decide your goal. 319 00:16:06,240 --> 00:16:09,960 Are you looking to debrief the day, share a few laughs, or just 320 00:16:09,960 --> 00:16:13,320 celebrate that you survived? Decide if you are hosting in 321 00:16:13,320 --> 00:16:15,900 your classroom or somewhere else in the school, and then pick 322 00:16:15,900 --> 00:16:19,140 your timing. I would recommend right after dismissal, because 323 00:16:19,140 --> 00:16:21,920 you want to grab everyone before they scatter to start prepping 324 00:16:21,920 --> 00:16:22,460 for tomorrow. 325 00:16:22,000 --> 00:16:25,120 Emily: Then decide if you're doing this with your grade level 326 00:16:25,120 --> 00:16:28,360 team, just your teacher besties, or the whole staff. Keep the 327 00:16:28,360 --> 00:16:31,120 refreshments simple, but a little special. Grab some 328 00:16:31,120 --> 00:16:34,720 sparkling cider, a fun mix soda or even chocolate milk if that's 329 00:16:34,720 --> 00:16:37,480 your vibe. Don't plan on something like donuts or muffins 330 00:16:37,480 --> 00:16:40,660 that will require an extra errand before school, because we 331 00:16:40,660 --> 00:16:44,500 want this to be painless, not adding to your crazy first 332 00:16:44,500 --> 00:16:45,280 morning of school. 333 00:16:45,640 --> 00:16:48,445 Heidi: Oh, yeah, absolutely not. And the nice thing about 334 00:16:48,445 --> 00:16:51,085 limiting it to a drink is you can pick it up from the store 335 00:16:51,085 --> 00:16:54,445 weeks in advance, and it is really easy to make things a 336 00:16:54,445 --> 00:16:57,325 little more special with something as simple as those 337 00:16:57,325 --> 00:16:58,825 dollar store champagne flutes. 338 00:16:58,000 --> 00:17:01,840 Emily: Yeah, and nobody wants a bunch of extra work at the start 339 00:17:01,840 --> 00:17:05,320 of the school year, so disposable champagne flutes for 340 00:17:05,320 --> 00:17:09,520 the win. The next step is to send out an invitation a few 341 00:17:09,520 --> 00:17:11,920 days in advance so it doesn't get lost in the back to school 342 00:17:11,920 --> 00:17:15,160 chaos. Clearly promise that it will be very quick or people 343 00:17:15,160 --> 00:17:16,600 will not be excited to attend. 344 00:17:16,600 --> 00:17:20,080 Heidi: And then once everyone arrives, literally, set a timer 345 00:17:20,080 --> 00:17:24,865 for 10 minutes, 15 minutes max. This is really important. By 346 00:17:24,865 --> 00:17:27,445 setting a timer, you show that you understand how stressed 347 00:17:27,445 --> 00:17:29,605 everyone is and that you respect their time. 348 00:17:29,905 --> 00:17:32,725 Emily: And your time, because you still got stuff to do, of 349 00:17:32,725 --> 00:17:33,445 course. 350 00:17:34,705 --> 00:17:37,585 Heidi: Then offer one or two simple questions for everyone to 351 00:17:37,585 --> 00:17:39,925 answer, something like, what made you smile today? Or, what 352 00:17:39,925 --> 00:17:42,925 are you proud of right now? This keeps things moving and makes 353 00:17:42,925 --> 00:17:45,910 sure that everyone gets a chance to share without it turning into 354 00:17:45,910 --> 00:17:49,090 a whole complaint session, or without a few strong 355 00:17:49,090 --> 00:17:52,330 personalities hijacking the whole thing. And finally, just 356 00:17:52,330 --> 00:17:54,370 wrap it up with a quick toast to the new school year. 357 00:17:54,370 --> 00:17:57,250 Emily: It's such a simple thing, but it can transform an 358 00:17:57,250 --> 00:18:00,010 exhausting afternoon into a moment of real connection and 359 00:18:00,010 --> 00:18:03,490 perspective, all while protecting your time and energy 360 00:18:03,490 --> 00:18:06,790 for getting ready for tomorrow. From time to time, we all need a 361 00:18:06,790 --> 00:18:09,535 reminder that we're not in this alone, and it's especially 362 00:18:09,535 --> 00:18:11,815 important to build those relationships with your 363 00:18:11,815 --> 00:18:12,535 coworkers. 364 00:18:12,535 --> 00:18:14,815 Heidi: If this sounds like something you would be 365 00:18:14,815 --> 00:18:18,595 interested in doing, we have a little freebie for you. We give 366 00:18:18,595 --> 00:18:21,475 you a step by step guide for how to organize a cheers and chat 367 00:18:21,475 --> 00:18:25,315 check in, and have an editable invitation that you can use. We 368 00:18:25,315 --> 00:18:28,915 even include ideas for your toast to the new year and some 369 00:18:29,095 --> 00:18:32,500 recipes. I'm using air quotes, a few simple recipes for some 370 00:18:32,500 --> 00:18:33,280 fancy sodas. 371 00:18:33,280 --> 00:18:37,780 Emily: Well, we're from Utah, so we know a fancy soda. Okay, so 372 00:18:37,780 --> 00:18:41,380 we were not gonna leave you all hanging, and we'll have a link 373 00:18:41,380 --> 00:18:44,200 to this in the show notes where you can go grab it for free. 374 00:18:44,260 --> 00:18:44,860 It's a freebie. 375 00:18:45,700 --> 00:18:50,680 Heidi: To wrap up the show, we're sharing what we're giving 376 00:18:50,680 --> 00:18:53,106 extra credit to this week. Emily, what gets your extra 377 00:18:53,106 --> 00:18:53,153 credit? 378 00:18:53,153 --> 00:18:53,572 Emily: I'm giving extra credit to ice cream taste testing. 379 00:18:53,572 --> 00:18:55,045 Heidi: Well, I would like to co sign that. 380 00:18:56,140 --> 00:18:59,080 Emily: Yeah, we did this as a family recently, and it was just 381 00:18:59,080 --> 00:19:03,160 so much fun. Everybody loved it. I got, I don't know, eight pints 382 00:19:03,160 --> 00:19:06,760 of fun ice cream flavor. So I went for, like, fancier brands 383 00:19:06,760 --> 00:19:11,560 or really unique flavors, and then I got those little plastic 384 00:19:11,560 --> 00:19:15,160 condiment cups, and then I put a scoop of each flavor into each 385 00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:17,020 cup. But I mean by scoop, it's probably more like... 386 00:19:17,020 --> 00:19:17,800 Heidi: A melon baller. 387 00:19:17,800 --> 00:19:22,105 Emily: Yes, a robust spoonful. So everyone could get, you know, 388 00:19:22,105 --> 00:19:25,585 maybe a couple spoonfuls out of it, just enough to taste, and 389 00:19:25,585 --> 00:19:30,505 then everyone would have a stack of cups to try. This way. I 390 00:19:30,505 --> 00:19:33,865 wasn't having to, like, run back and forth scooping for each 391 00:19:33,865 --> 00:19:36,325 flavor. I did all the scooping in advance, and then put it 392 00:19:36,325 --> 00:19:39,505 right back in the freezer to hold up. And then I numbered the 393 00:19:39,505 --> 00:19:41,021 cup so that we could all try the same one at the same time. And 394 00:19:41,021 --> 00:19:43,150 then we gave it a rating out of 10. I think last year we did it 395 00:19:43,330 --> 00:19:48,670 out of five, but the kids wanted to do it out of ten. And then I 396 00:19:48,670 --> 00:19:52,570 averaged all the scores. So our winner this year was Van Lewin, 397 00:19:52,630 --> 00:19:55,870 which my father speaks Dutch, and he let me know I am not at 398 00:19:55,870 --> 00:19:59,410 all pronouncing that correctly, but you'll forgive me. It is 399 00:19:59,410 --> 00:20:03,550 their pistachio flavor, and it was tasty and so fun. I loved 400 00:20:03,550 --> 00:20:04,052 it, and that was a really yummy flavor. 401 00:20:04,052 --> 00:20:05,935 Heidi: Yes, I was shocked that the kids liked it. 402 00:20:05,935 --> 00:20:09,715 Emily: I thought that would be the least favorite, pistachio. I 403 00:20:09,715 --> 00:20:11,935 got it because I like pistachio, and I was like, Well, I'm 404 00:20:11,935 --> 00:20:14,815 getting it for me, but everybody loved it, even the kids. It was 405 00:20:14,815 --> 00:20:15,115 so good. 406 00:20:15,355 --> 00:20:17,395 Heidi: Yeah, it was really good. I've been craving it now. 407 00:20:17,815 --> 00:20:21,595 Emily: Highly recommend it. We also, in our family, celebrate a 408 00:20:21,595 --> 00:20:27,295 little holiday called flavor day, which is Labor Day. But 409 00:20:27,295 --> 00:20:31,300 when my youngest was younger, much younger, she thought it was 410 00:20:31,300 --> 00:20:35,320 flavor day, and kept calling it flavor day. And we decided that 411 00:20:35,380 --> 00:20:38,140 from henceforth it shall be known as flavor day. And so we 412 00:20:38,140 --> 00:20:41,320 usually go get ice cream. So if you would like to adopt flavor 413 00:20:41,320 --> 00:20:44,500 day for your own family. I think an ice cream taste test would be 414 00:20:44,500 --> 00:20:49,480 an excellent way to celebrate that. 415 00:20:49,480 --> 00:20:49,795 Heidi: Yes, that would be perfect. 416 00:20:49,795 --> 00:20:49,990 Emily: And this is the exact kind of thing we talk about on 417 00:20:49,990 --> 00:20:52,045 our other podcast, the Holiday Headstart. So if you want to 418 00:20:52,045 --> 00:20:56,125 hear more about traditions and ice cream, come on over to the 419 00:20:56,125 --> 00:20:58,885 Holiday Headstart. That was an unplanned plug. 420 00:20:58,180 --> 00:21:02,860 Heidi: And we really would love to have you there. If how we 421 00:21:02,860 --> 00:21:06,100 plan back to school resonates with you, you will love how we 422 00:21:06,100 --> 00:21:06,760 plan Christmas. 423 00:21:06,760 --> 00:21:09,160 Emily: Get a load of how we prepare for Christmas. 424 00:21:09,160 --> 00:21:11,380 Heidi: Oh, boy, yeah, we're not ready. 425 00:21:11,380 --> 00:21:15,460 Emily: We overthought that one too so you don't have to. What 426 00:21:15,460 --> 00:21:17,020 are you giving extra credit to, Heidi? 427 00:21:17,020 --> 00:21:19,540 Heidi: I'm giving extra credit to the book The Spell Shop by 428 00:21:19,540 --> 00:21:23,140 Sara Beth Durst. I think the second in this series just came 429 00:21:23,140 --> 00:21:25,360 out recently, which I haven't read yet, but just read the 430 00:21:25,360 --> 00:21:29,245 spell shop, and it was so sweet. I love a cozy fantasy. And this 431 00:21:29,245 --> 00:21:32,365 just checked all the right boxes. The blurb on Amazon calls 432 00:21:32,365 --> 00:21:36,565 it a hallmark rom com full of mythical creatures and fueled by 433 00:21:36,565 --> 00:21:39,985 cinnamon rolls and magic. And I could not have summed it up any 434 00:21:39,985 --> 00:21:40,225 better. 435 00:21:40,225 --> 00:21:41,425 Emily: Sign me up. 436 00:21:41,425 --> 00:21:45,130 Heidi: So I'm not sure how to pronounce this character's name. 437 00:21:45,130 --> 00:21:47,890 That is the downside to fantasy novels is like, how do we say 438 00:21:47,890 --> 00:21:49,990 these names? We don't know, so I'm just going to give it my 439 00:21:49,990 --> 00:21:54,610 best guess. But the premise is that librarian Kyla and her 440 00:21:54,610 --> 00:21:58,690 sentient spider plant Kaz, I was calling him Kaz, I don't know if 441 00:21:58,690 --> 00:22:02,110 that's right. They escape a revolution and return to the 442 00:22:02,110 --> 00:22:05,530 tiny island where Kyla grew up. Her goal is to build a life 443 00:22:05,530 --> 00:22:08,575 while at the same time hiding the forbidden magic books that 444 00:22:08,575 --> 00:22:11,515 she saved from the burning library. And so she ends up 445 00:22:11,515 --> 00:22:14,695 opening a jam shop that just happens to sell spells on the 446 00:22:14,695 --> 00:22:17,695 side. And of course, along the way, she learns that life is 447 00:22:17,695 --> 00:22:20,575 better when you have other people to trust. It's very sweet 448 00:22:20,575 --> 00:22:23,395 and imaginative. If you're looking for something to escape 449 00:22:23,395 --> 00:22:27,175 into, like after a long first day of school, it's just the 450 00:22:27,175 --> 00:22:30,055 perfect little getaway into imagination. 451 00:22:30,620 --> 00:22:33,740 Emily: Oh, I love it. I'm putting on my TBR right now. 452 00:22:34,920 --> 00:22:38,100 Heidi: That is it for today's episode. Remember to prep your 453 00:22:38,100 --> 00:22:41,460 back to school sandwich. Take care of yourself before, during 454 00:22:41,460 --> 00:22:44,520 and after that first day. You have got this and we are 455 00:22:44,520 --> 00:22:46,320 cheering you on every step of the way. 456 00:22:46,860 --> 00:22:49,920 Emily: And don't forget to grab our cheers and chat freebie from 457 00:22:49,920 --> 00:22:51,240 the link in the show notes. 458 00:22:53,880 --> 00:22:57,060 Heidi: We hope you enjoyed this episode of Teacher Approved. I'm 459 00:22:57,060 --> 00:22:57,600 Heidi. 460 00:22:57,705 --> 00:23:01,005 Emily: And I'm Emily. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow 461 00:23:01,005 --> 00:23:03,525 or subscribe in your podcast app so that you never miss an 462 00:23:03,525 --> 00:23:03,945 episode. 463 00:23:04,365 --> 00:23:06,705 Heidi: You can connect with us and other teachers in the 464 00:23:06,705 --> 00:23:09,945 Teacher Approved Facebook group. We'll see you here next week. 465 00:23:10,065 --> 00:23:10,785 Bye for now. 466 00:23:10,785 --> 00:23:11,745 Emily: Bye.