1 00:00:01,020 --> 00:00:03,510 Heidi: This is episode 266 of Teacher Approved. 2 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:08,910 You're listening to Teacher Approved, the podcast helping 3 00:00:08,910 --> 00:00:12,690 educators elevate what matters and simplify the rest. I'm 4 00:00:12,690 --> 00:00:13,410 Heidi. 5 00:00:13,410 --> 00:00:16,560 Emily: And I'm Emily. We're the creators behind Second Story 6 00:00:16,560 --> 00:00:18,840 Window, where we give research-based and 7 00:00:18,840 --> 00:00:21,930 teacher-approved strategies that make teaching less stressful and 8 00:00:21,930 --> 00:00:25,380 more effective. You can check out the show notes and resources 9 00:00:25,380 --> 00:00:28,290 from each episode at secondstorywindow.net. 10 00:00:28,290 --> 00:00:31,155 Heidi: We're so glad you're tuning in today. Let's get to 11 00:00:31,155 --> 00:00:35,175 the show. 12 00:00:35,775 --> 00:00:39,375 Emily: Hey there. Thank you for joining us today. In today's 13 00:00:39,375 --> 00:00:43,245 episode, we are sharing seven small get ahead tasks that you 14 00:00:43,245 --> 00:00:46,815 can knock out in 10 minutes each, plus we've got a 15 00:00:46,815 --> 00:00:50,325 teacher-approved tip for setting up your email signature. 16 00:00:50,325 --> 00:00:53,115 Heidi: But first, let's start with a try it tomorrow, where we 17 00:00:53,160 --> 00:00:55,950 share a quick win that you can try right away. Emily, what's 18 00:00:55,950 --> 00:00:57,690 our suggestion this week? 19 00:00:57,690 --> 00:01:01,320 Emily: Okay, this week set up one small area of your home as a 20 00:01:01,320 --> 00:01:04,560 summer command center, just a spot, it can even just be a 21 00:01:04,560 --> 00:01:09,000 basket or a shelf or part of your desk, for any school stuff 22 00:01:09,000 --> 00:01:12,540 that comes up over the summer, because stuff will come up even 23 00:01:12,540 --> 00:01:15,480 when you're trying not to think about it. You know, a binder you 24 00:01:15,480 --> 00:01:18,195 brought home or a sticky note with an idea you don't want to 25 00:01:18,195 --> 00:01:23,235 lose or something you couldn't resist at the school supply 26 00:01:23,235 --> 00:01:24,765 aisle. 27 00:01:24,765 --> 00:01:27,105 Heidi: That you'll want to know where it is when August hits. 28 00:01:27,105 --> 00:01:27,675 Emily: Yes. 29 00:01:27,675 --> 00:01:29,655 Heidi: Or you know, even stuff for your own kids' schooling, 30 00:01:29,655 --> 00:01:32,325 because school's gonna start sending paper soon. 31 00:01:32,325 --> 00:01:35,565 Emily: Yep, there's always so much kids' stuff, and right now 32 00:01:35,565 --> 00:01:38,610 those things are probably scattered. So designate a home 33 00:01:38,610 --> 00:01:42,510 base for your school stuff. That way when you're finally ready to 34 00:01:42,510 --> 00:01:44,760 think about school again, you won't have to spend the first 20 35 00:01:44,760 --> 00:01:47,250 minutes hunting all the things down. 36 00:01:47,250 --> 00:01:50,310 Heidi: And if you like this idea or anything else we share here 37 00:01:50,310 --> 00:01:53,400 on the podcast, would you take a second and give us a five-star 38 00:01:53,400 --> 00:01:56,520 rating and review? Ratings and reviews are one way that new 39 00:01:56,520 --> 00:01:59,940 listeners can find us, so every one really does help. 40 00:01:59,940 --> 00:02:02,955 If you have been here for very long, you know that we have a 41 00:02:02,955 --> 00:02:06,945 two-part recipe for summer success that we call recovery 42 00:02:06,945 --> 00:02:10,455 and readiness. We love it so much. We've talked about it 43 00:02:10,485 --> 00:02:13,575 every summer, going all the way back to 2022. 44 00:02:13,600 --> 00:02:17,320 Emily: Hey, it's a good idea, but we need that clip from 45 00:02:17,320 --> 00:02:20,470 Brooklyn Nine-Nine where Boyle says, 'You've told us this story 46 00:02:20,470 --> 00:02:23,680 many times,' and Captain Holt shouts, 'And you'll hear it 47 00:02:23,680 --> 00:02:24,250 again!' 48 00:02:25,510 --> 00:02:30,040 Heidi: Yes, i put my finger up to enunciate here, and we are 49 00:02:30,040 --> 00:02:33,730 going to do it again, because it's that important. We are on a 50 00:02:33,730 --> 00:02:37,495 mission to make teacher summers as incredible as possible, and 51 00:02:37,495 --> 00:02:41,485 that starts with recovery and readiness. You need recovery to 52 00:02:41,485 --> 00:02:44,215 refill your tank after a draining school year, and you 53 00:02:44,215 --> 00:02:46,465 need readiness, so you don't drain it again the second you're 54 00:02:46,465 --> 00:02:47,755 back in the classroom. 55 00:02:47,755 --> 00:02:50,755 Emily: So, in the recent episode, episode 262, we walked 56 00:02:50,755 --> 00:02:53,665 you through how to plan for summer recovery, and in episode 57 00:02:53,665 --> 00:02:57,415 263 we replayed our episode about setting boundaries around 58 00:02:57,415 --> 00:03:00,760 work time. So today, let's look at the readiness piece of 59 00:03:00,760 --> 00:03:02,620 recovery and readiness. 60 00:03:02,620 --> 00:03:05,440 Heidi: And this is not the dive into your curriculum map kind of 61 00:03:05,440 --> 00:03:09,130 readiness, that's too much. Instead, we've got simple tasks 62 00:03:09,130 --> 00:03:12,130 that get the productivity ball rolling without requiring a 63 00:03:12,130 --> 00:03:13,690 full-time commitment. 64 00:03:13,690 --> 00:03:17,350 Emily: And bonus, they can all be done in 10 minutes or less. 65 00:03:17,350 --> 00:03:20,200 Part of why back to school prep feels so heavy is that prep 66 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:23,785 comes in two very different sizes, and we tend to lump them 67 00:03:23,785 --> 00:03:27,655 together. The big heavy stuff is things like rethinking your 68 00:03:27,655 --> 00:03:30,265 whole reading block or overhauling your classroom 69 00:03:30,265 --> 00:03:34,075 management plan. That work is real, and it's important, but 70 00:03:34,075 --> 00:03:36,895 you don't have to deal with that in June. 71 00:03:36,895 --> 00:03:40,015 Heidi: And then the other tasks, the small light stuff is 72 00:03:40,015 --> 00:03:43,015 different. There are the little decisions that don't take much 73 00:03:43,015 --> 00:03:47,140 mental energy on their own, but if you leave all of them for the 74 00:03:47,140 --> 00:03:50,290 last week before school, they just kind of pile up into one 75 00:03:50,290 --> 00:03:52,270 giant stressful heap. 76 00:03:52,270 --> 00:03:55,480 Emily: And that's what these seven tasks are. The small light 77 00:03:55,480 --> 00:03:59,260 stuff pulled out of the heap and spread across the summer. You do 78 00:03:59,260 --> 00:04:01,450 them whenever the mood strikes. 79 00:04:01,450 --> 00:04:03,130 Heidi: You know what, and if the mood never strikes, that's fine 80 00:04:03,130 --> 00:04:07,300 too. Think of this like a menu, not a checklist. Pick the ones 81 00:04:07,300 --> 00:04:09,955 that sound appealing, and you can just ignore the rest. 82 00:04:09,955 --> 00:04:13,435 Okay, let's get started. Number one is to decide what you're 83 00:04:13,435 --> 00:04:15,475 wearing on the first day. 84 00:04:15,475 --> 00:04:18,055 Emily: And it's a little crazy that we're starting with this 85 00:04:18,055 --> 00:04:21,055 one, but we like to live on the edge. 86 00:04:21,085 --> 00:04:24,265 Heidi: Yeah, we're adrenaline junkies around here, and doing 87 00:04:24,265 --> 00:04:27,505 this task now has two big benefits. The first is 88 00:04:27,505 --> 00:04:31,660 practical: it removes a decision before the stress hits, because 89 00:04:31,660 --> 00:04:34,780 if you don't do this now, picking a first day outfit is 90 00:04:34,780 --> 00:04:37,540 going to drop to the bottom of your to-do list. 91 00:04:37,540 --> 00:04:39,760 Emily: Yeah, and then that's how you end up standing in front of 92 00:04:39,760 --> 00:04:42,640 your closet the night before school, or heaven forbid, the 93 00:04:42,640 --> 00:04:46,030 morning of the first day of school, stressed, trying on 94 00:04:46,030 --> 00:04:48,040 clothes, trying to figure out what you're going to wear, and 95 00:04:48,040 --> 00:04:51,190 just praying that you can find something that isn't wrinkled. 96 00:04:51,190 --> 00:04:53,350 Heidi: The second benefit of doing this right now is more 97 00:04:53,350 --> 00:04:57,265 fun, because doing this now gives you this little rush of 98 00:04:57,265 --> 00:05:01,165 being ahead. Even if you don't get anything else done to prep 99 00:05:01,165 --> 00:05:04,945 for school this summer, you still get to say my first day 100 00:05:04,945 --> 00:05:08,215 outfit is picked out and hanging up in the back of my closet, all 101 00:05:08,215 --> 00:05:09,355 ready to go. 102 00:05:09,390 --> 00:05:13,320 Emily: And that sentence, it will feel amazing in August, but 103 00:05:13,320 --> 00:05:15,960 it is even more of a rush when you get to say it in June. I'm 104 00:05:15,960 --> 00:05:19,920 not gonna lie, I thrive on this kind of a rush, it's my favorite 105 00:05:19,920 --> 00:05:23,220 kind of getting ready is to be super ready, like so far in 106 00:05:23,220 --> 00:05:26,220 advance. I'm way less motivated to do it if it's like only a 107 00:05:26,220 --> 00:05:30,270 week away. So do it super early, because even though it's such a 108 00:05:30,270 --> 00:05:33,210 small thing, it makes you feel like you've got it together. 109 00:05:33,705 --> 00:05:36,585 Heidi: And you know what, this genuinely is a 10 minute task. 110 00:05:36,585 --> 00:05:39,555 Just pull out three outfits from your closet, try them on, pick 111 00:05:39,555 --> 00:05:42,285 the one that you can imagine, you know, walking around for six 112 00:05:42,285 --> 00:05:45,135 hours, 'cause you're not gonna get a break, and then hang it 113 00:05:45,135 --> 00:05:47,385 somewhere where you can get to it, and you'll remember where it 114 00:05:47,385 --> 00:05:48,735 is, so you're ready to go. 115 00:05:48,735 --> 00:05:51,135 Emily: And if you're someone who likes to buy a new outfit for 116 00:05:51,135 --> 00:05:54,105 the first day, more power to you. Go ahead and start shopping 117 00:05:54,105 --> 00:05:56,580 now, so that you can get that task off your list as soon as 118 00:05:56,580 --> 00:05:57,900 possible. 119 00:05:57,900 --> 00:06:00,930 Heidi: Okay, our second 10 minute task is to pick your 120 00:06:00,930 --> 00:06:03,900 first read aloud of the year, and you can decide, does this 121 00:06:03,900 --> 00:06:06,810 mean your first classroom chapter book read aloud or a 122 00:06:06,810 --> 00:06:09,060 picture book for the actual first day of school, or you 123 00:06:09,060 --> 00:06:11,550 know, pick both if you want to do that. 124 00:06:11,550 --> 00:06:13,740 Emily: Start by scanning your bookshelf and checking the 125 00:06:13,740 --> 00:06:17,370 library app to see what sounds good. If you need a copy, put a 126 00:06:17,370 --> 00:06:20,835 hold on it or order it now, so it shows up with plenty of time. 127 00:06:20,835 --> 00:06:23,625 Heidi: Read alouds are some of the best community building that 128 00:06:23,625 --> 00:06:26,655 you will do all year, and they couldn't be simpler or more 129 00:06:26,655 --> 00:06:30,495 enjoyable. I think they might be my favorite part of teaching. 130 00:06:30,495 --> 00:06:33,435 Emily: Absolutely, and I just want to say, your kids are never 131 00:06:33,435 --> 00:06:36,885 too old to be read to. Like, I think there's value even in 132 00:06:36,885 --> 00:06:39,285 secondary teachers reading a novel out loud to their 133 00:06:39,285 --> 00:06:43,560 students, so prioritize this read aloud time. For us, it's 134 00:06:43,560 --> 00:06:46,530 the highlight of the day. We loved it so much, we dedicated 135 00:06:46,530 --> 00:06:48,660 our second ever podcast to it. 136 00:06:49,620 --> 00:06:52,140 Heidi: Way back then, back when we thought we would have an 137 00:06:52,140 --> 00:06:53,880 academic focused podcast. 138 00:06:54,030 --> 00:06:57,150 Emily: Yeah, it's it's grown since then. 139 00:06:57,300 --> 00:06:59,730 Heidi: Who knew we liked classroom management so much? 140 00:07:00,690 --> 00:07:02,280 Emily: We should have known, actually. 141 00:07:03,870 --> 00:07:06,735 Heidi: But picking that first title now means it's one less 142 00:07:06,735 --> 00:07:09,135 thing to worry about, and this is something that feels kind of 143 00:07:09,135 --> 00:07:10,725 fun, definitely not a chore. 144 00:07:10,725 --> 00:07:13,035 Emily: Yeah, choosing books is just never going to be 145 00:07:13,035 --> 00:07:17,055 unpleasant. Okay, our third 10 minute task is to pick your 146 00:07:17,055 --> 00:07:19,965 morning music playlist for the year. 147 00:07:19,965 --> 00:07:22,845 Heidi: Don't underestimate the power of a good playlist to set 148 00:07:22,845 --> 00:07:25,905 the mood. You can make a playlist out of songs that you 149 00:07:25,905 --> 00:07:29,640 already love, or use this as an opportunity to find something 150 00:07:29,640 --> 00:07:32,010 that somebody's already made, and you can just save it to your 151 00:07:32,010 --> 00:07:32,850 account. 152 00:07:32,850 --> 00:07:35,070 Emily: If you've never done morning music before, this is a 153 00:07:35,070 --> 00:07:37,950 chance to add a little spark to your daily routine in a way that 154 00:07:37,950 --> 00:07:41,490 doesn't amp the kids up. What you're going for is across the 155 00:07:41,490 --> 00:07:44,370 threshold moment, so when kids walk into your room, there 156 00:07:44,370 --> 00:07:47,370 should be a feeling that things are different in here than they 157 00:07:47,370 --> 00:07:50,640 were out in the hallway. Music is the easiest way to create 158 00:07:50,640 --> 00:07:54,015 that feeling, and it signals that you've arrived, you're 159 00:07:54,015 --> 00:07:56,655 somewhere calm and welcoming now. The day is starting, and 160 00:07:56,655 --> 00:07:58,455 you know what to expect. 161 00:07:58,455 --> 00:08:00,825 Heidi: Just a couple of practical notes: if this is new 162 00:08:00,825 --> 00:08:03,945 to you, you don't need a long playlist. You just need enough 163 00:08:03,945 --> 00:08:07,455 to cover arrival time, so maybe 15 or 20 minutes of music, and 164 00:08:07,455 --> 00:08:11,055 think about what you want that music to do. Morning music 165 00:08:11,055 --> 00:08:13,635 probably shouldn't be a dance party, not trying to get kids 166 00:08:13,635 --> 00:08:16,410 energized and loud right before you want them to settle. 167 00:08:16,410 --> 00:08:19,410 Emily: Yeah, the goal is usually the opposite, right? Something 168 00:08:19,410 --> 00:08:22,920 pleasant and fairly mellow, that takes the edge off the morning, 169 00:08:22,920 --> 00:08:27,360 so obviously instrumental works well, and quiet familiar pop at 170 00:08:27,360 --> 00:08:31,950 a low volume. You want kids humming but not bouncing off the 171 00:08:31,950 --> 00:08:32,850 walls. 172 00:08:32,850 --> 00:08:35,250 Heidi: And if making a playlist from scratch sounds like more 173 00:08:35,250 --> 00:08:38,565 than 10 minutes, we have some teacher-approved playlists on 174 00:08:38,565 --> 00:08:42,165 Spotify that you can use. There is a kid-friendly pop one, if 175 00:08:42,165 --> 00:08:44,325 you want a little more energy, although you might want to save 176 00:08:44,325 --> 00:08:46,335 that for, you know, your cleanup at the end of the day. 177 00:08:46,390 --> 00:08:47,230 Emily: Yes. 178 00:08:47,230 --> 00:08:50,290 Heidi: We also have a calming piano one, if you want more of a 179 00:08:50,290 --> 00:08:54,370 settled vibe, and we will link to those in the show notes. 180 00:08:54,370 --> 00:08:58,000 Emily: Okay, number four is to write your future you page. This 181 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:00,610 one is a little different from the others, it's less of a task 182 00:09:00,610 --> 00:09:03,160 and more of a reflection. 183 00:09:03,160 --> 00:09:05,920 Heidi: But don't skip over it, because it's not urgent right 184 00:09:05,920 --> 00:09:09,565 now. In summer, you have perspective. You're rested 185 00:09:09,565 --> 00:09:13,825 enough to know what matters, but school year you, especially in 186 00:09:13,825 --> 00:09:17,005 those first few overwhelming weeks, loses that perspective 187 00:09:17,005 --> 00:09:18,025 fast. 188 00:09:18,025 --> 00:09:21,865 Emily: Yeah, it gets crazy. So, write it down now, while you can 189 00:09:21,865 --> 00:09:25,225 still see clearly, and think about what you hope you remember 190 00:09:25,225 --> 00:09:28,225 when school starts, the things that helped you this summer that 191 00:09:28,225 --> 00:09:31,555 you want to carry forward, like getting outside or moving your 192 00:09:31,555 --> 00:09:35,290 body, or actually resting when you're tired, instead of pushing 193 00:09:35,290 --> 00:09:36,730 through all the time. 194 00:09:36,730 --> 00:09:38,890 Heidi: And then write down what's important to remember 195 00:09:38,890 --> 00:09:41,560 when things start to feel overwhelming. That might be 196 00:09:41,560 --> 00:09:45,370 permission like, I don't need to create every resource myself, or 197 00:09:45,370 --> 00:09:48,790 it might be a reminder like, my job is important, but it's not 198 00:09:48,790 --> 00:09:50,380 my entire identity. 199 00:09:50,380 --> 00:09:52,810 Emily: It's using the perspective summer gives you to 200 00:09:52,810 --> 00:09:55,465 make the start of the year a little gentler on yourself. 201 00:09:55,465 --> 00:10:00,025 Future you will be so grateful that summer you took 10 minutes 202 00:10:00,025 --> 00:10:01,135 to write it down. 203 00:10:01,135 --> 00:10:03,895 Heidi: But if you do this, just make sure to write it somewhere 204 00:10:03,895 --> 00:10:07,135 where you will actually see it again. Writing it on a napkin 205 00:10:07,135 --> 00:10:11,185 that you promptly lose is not super helpful, so put it in the 206 00:10:11,185 --> 00:10:13,825 front of your planner, or take a photo of it and make it the lock 207 00:10:13,825 --> 00:10:17,005 screen on your phone for the first few weeks, or tape it 208 00:10:17,005 --> 00:10:19,480 inside the cabinet that you open every day. 209 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:22,510 Emily: The whole power of this is the rereading. In the frantic 210 00:10:22,510 --> 00:10:25,960 pace of back to school season, you need this note front and 211 00:10:25,960 --> 00:10:28,840 center in order for it to do its job. So decide now where it's 212 00:10:28,840 --> 00:10:29,920 going to live. 213 00:10:29,920 --> 00:10:33,490 Heidi: And for club members, there is a page for exactly this 214 00:10:33,490 --> 00:10:36,370 in the Tired Teacher Planner, which is your club resource for 215 00:10:36,370 --> 00:10:39,640 June. It's already set up with prompts, so if you would rather 216 00:10:39,640 --> 00:10:42,685 not start from a blank page, it's waiting for you there. You 217 00:10:42,685 --> 00:10:46,075 can print it and write on it by hand, or type write in it, and 218 00:10:46,075 --> 00:10:47,995 then print it if that's your preference. 219 00:10:47,995 --> 00:10:51,565 Emily: Yeah, I always prefer to type if I have the chance. Okay, 220 00:10:51,565 --> 00:10:54,835 our fifth task is to update your teacher emergency kit. This is 221 00:10:54,835 --> 00:10:57,295 the little stash of personal essentials that you keep in your 222 00:10:57,295 --> 00:11:01,255 desk or classroom cupboard, so you can manage any human moments 223 00:11:01,255 --> 00:11:03,205 that get in the way of being a teacher. 224 00:11:03,205 --> 00:11:06,910 Heidi: Every teacher needs one of these, and most of us have 225 00:11:06,910 --> 00:11:10,930 learned that the hard way. You forget the advil one time, then 226 00:11:10,930 --> 00:11:13,270 you make sure you are always stalked after that. 227 00:11:13,270 --> 00:11:15,400 Emily: Yeah, if you're allowed to have pain reliever in your 228 00:11:15,400 --> 00:11:18,790 room, definitely grab that. Also, think of things like lip 229 00:11:18,790 --> 00:11:24,910 balm or hand lotion, nail clippers, a few protein bars, or 230 00:11:24,910 --> 00:11:28,090 crackers, maybe some electrolyte packets. 231 00:11:28,660 --> 00:11:31,720 Heidi: Oh yeah, don't forget the throat lozenges for your poor 232 00:11:31,720 --> 00:11:35,740 overused voice. Extra hair ties, contact solutions if you wear 233 00:11:35,740 --> 00:11:39,400 contacts. That one got me several times. Mints or gum, 234 00:11:39,400 --> 00:11:42,790 soft tissues instead of the cheap scratchy ones, make a 235 00:11:42,790 --> 00:11:45,220 list, so you can make sure you get it all. 236 00:11:45,220 --> 00:11:47,770 Emily: Yeah, the 10 minute version of this task is the 237 00:11:47,770 --> 00:11:51,250 taking inventory part, so look at what you've got, see what ran 238 00:11:51,250 --> 00:11:54,235 out last year, and make a list of what to restock. You don't 239 00:11:54,235 --> 00:11:56,815 have to go shopping right now, you just need the list. 240 00:11:56,815 --> 00:11:59,815 Heidi: We talked about this emergency kit back in episode 241 00:11:59,815 --> 00:12:04,015 209 and there is a page for it in the back to school readiness 242 00:12:04,015 --> 00:12:08,515 checklists with more than 30 suggestions already on it. It's 243 00:12:08,515 --> 00:12:12,265 digital, so you can edit it to just the things you use. 244 00:12:12,265 --> 00:12:14,305 Emily: And the back to school readiness checklists, if you are 245 00:12:14,305 --> 00:12:16,900 a club member, you can get that with your download credits, or 246 00:12:16,900 --> 00:12:20,320 if you're an annual member, you can download it anytime. And 247 00:12:20,320 --> 00:12:23,860 these things that we're talking about seem really small, because 248 00:12:23,860 --> 00:12:26,410 they are small, but when you're in the thick of those first few 249 00:12:26,410 --> 00:12:30,820 weeks, having this little kit to take care of your needs, it 250 00:12:30,820 --> 00:12:33,730 makes you feel noticeably more prepared. 251 00:12:33,730 --> 00:12:36,190 Heidi: And if you've got a teacher friend or teammates that 252 00:12:36,190 --> 00:12:40,015 you like, consider adding some care items to their survival 253 00:12:40,045 --> 00:12:43,375 kits as a thoughtful back to school gift. It's a way to show 254 00:12:43,375 --> 00:12:45,745 that you're looking out for them, even when you can't be 255 00:12:45,745 --> 00:12:47,695 there to take care of them. 256 00:12:47,695 --> 00:12:51,145 Emily: Okay, our next task is to save five favorite community 257 00:12:51,145 --> 00:12:55,105 building activities to a week one folder. So search Pinterest, 258 00:12:55,105 --> 00:12:58,465 search your notes app, listen to some of our back to school 259 00:12:58,465 --> 00:13:02,230 podcast episodes. You can look through social media and your 260 00:13:02,230 --> 00:13:05,350 camera roll for whatever you've saved over the years, and just 261 00:13:05,350 --> 00:13:08,380 pick five of these ideas that you love and put them all in one 262 00:13:08,380 --> 00:13:11,140 folder or a note, so that they're ready to grab. 263 00:13:11,590 --> 00:13:15,040 Heidi: And this might be the most useful task on this list, 264 00:13:15,040 --> 00:13:18,430 because the success of your school year hinges on community 265 00:13:18,430 --> 00:13:21,760 building. Student cooperation depends on whether kids are 266 00:13:21,760 --> 00:13:25,255 willing to cooperate with your vision, and they're much more 267 00:13:25,255 --> 00:13:27,985 willing when they feel like their teacher likes them and 268 00:13:27,985 --> 00:13:31,105 that they matter in the classroom. So, having five good 269 00:13:31,105 --> 00:13:34,315 activities ready to go during the first week is really worth a 270 00:13:34,315 --> 00:13:35,335 lot. 271 00:13:35,335 --> 00:13:38,395 Emily: And remember, community building is not just filling 272 00:13:38,395 --> 00:13:41,605 time, it really is the foundation of your year, so when 273 00:13:41,605 --> 00:13:44,365 you're looking for your five ideas, try to pick a range, not 274 00:13:44,365 --> 00:13:48,490 five versions of the same thing. So maybe one quick icebreaker, 275 00:13:48,490 --> 00:13:52,990 something that gets kids moving, one that's calmer or 276 00:13:52,990 --> 00:13:56,860 partner-based, one full class activity, and one you can come 277 00:13:56,860 --> 00:13:59,290 back to and repeat throughout the year. 278 00:13:59,290 --> 00:14:02,170 Heidi: I found that something that works well as a morning 279 00:14:02,170 --> 00:14:05,260 meeting game is perfect for community building in the first 280 00:14:05,260 --> 00:14:07,870 week, and then you can just use it in morning meeting all year 281 00:14:07,870 --> 00:14:11,725 long. And doing this now means you can just browse calmly and 282 00:14:11,725 --> 00:14:14,005 pick good ideas instead of having to make do with whatever 283 00:14:14,005 --> 00:14:16,735 comes up first. You got time, pick the good stuff. 284 00:14:16,735 --> 00:14:19,915 Emily: Yeah, and even get some of the light prep out of the way 285 00:14:19,915 --> 00:14:23,245 early. If you want to do a team building STEM activity, maybe 286 00:14:23,245 --> 00:14:26,845 you can package supplies in bags while you watch TV. We love a TV 287 00:14:26,845 --> 00:14:30,325 task. It's no stress and the feeling of productivity without 288 00:14:30,325 --> 00:14:32,155 having to get off your couch. 289 00:14:32,390 --> 00:14:36,140 Heidi: Really, it's my favorite kind of productivity. That 290 00:14:36,230 --> 00:14:40,340 brings us to our final 10 minute task. Pick your one word theme 291 00:14:40,490 --> 00:14:43,660 for the year. Sit down with your coffee and jot down words that 292 00:14:43,690 --> 00:14:47,350 resonate with how you want next year to feel or how you want to 293 00:14:47,470 --> 00:14:47,800 show up. 294 00:14:48,330 --> 00:14:51,240 Emily: We've covered the one word theme idea before, back in 295 00:14:51,240 --> 00:14:55,410 episodes 27 and 86 so this isn't new for longtime listeners, but 296 00:14:55,410 --> 00:14:58,260 it's worth revisiting because it's such a simple tool. It's a 297 00:14:58,260 --> 00:15:02,040 nice exercise but the benefit comes when you use your word as 298 00:15:02,040 --> 00:15:05,760 a filter. So if your theme for the year is joyful, it reminds 299 00:15:05,760 --> 00:15:10,320 you to prioritize the kinds of lessons that you enjoy teaching. 300 00:15:10,620 --> 00:15:14,385 If your word is relaxed, it tells you to prioritize the 301 00:15:14,385 --> 00:15:17,325 systems that help your day move smoothly. 302 00:15:17,325 --> 00:15:20,205 Heidi: In my, like, third or fourth year of teaching, I chose 303 00:15:20,205 --> 00:15:24,255 the word present, because when I thought back to my memories of 304 00:15:24,255 --> 00:15:27,765 the previous year, most of my memories were of me looking down 305 00:15:27,765 --> 00:15:30,735 at my desk or at my computer screen instead of what was 306 00:15:30,735 --> 00:15:34,185 happening with my students. I was just so busy planning and 307 00:15:34,185 --> 00:15:37,860 prepping and worrying about the next thing, I was missing what 308 00:15:37,860 --> 00:15:41,490 it actually meant to be present and with my students. 309 00:15:41,490 --> 00:15:44,370 Emily: Well, I mean, it's easy to do because there's so much 310 00:15:44,370 --> 00:15:47,520 going on in a school day, and so you can just easily lose sight 311 00:15:47,520 --> 00:15:52,200 of what matters, so your word, your theme becomes your filter 312 00:15:52,200 --> 00:15:55,380 that helps you stay focused on your priorities. 313 00:15:55,380 --> 00:15:58,545 Heidi: Full transparency, I have to admit, I had very mixed 314 00:15:58,545 --> 00:16:02,535 success with staying present. But at least the sticky note on 315 00:16:02,535 --> 00:16:07,065 my computer reminded me to just walk away sometimes, just let it 316 00:16:07,065 --> 00:16:07,965 go for now. 317 00:16:07,965 --> 00:16:10,425 Emily: Yeah, because unfortunately having a one-word 318 00:16:10,425 --> 00:16:13,755 theme isn't just magic that means you will nail it every 319 00:16:13,755 --> 00:16:18,225 day, but even just having the word on a sticky note doing its 320 00:16:18,225 --> 00:16:22,080 job to kind of nudge you back on track more often than you would 321 00:16:22,080 --> 00:16:24,750 have been, that's that's a win. 322 00:16:24,750 --> 00:16:28,440 Heidi: So those are our seven minute tasks. Pick your first 323 00:16:28,440 --> 00:16:31,260 day outfit, pick your first read aloud, make your morning 324 00:16:31,260 --> 00:16:35,310 playlist, write your future you page, update your emergency kit, 325 00:16:35,310 --> 00:16:38,670 save five community building activities, and pick your one 326 00:16:38,670 --> 00:16:40,110 word theme. 327 00:16:40,110 --> 00:16:43,605 Emily: And if this kind of low pressure high payoff approach to 328 00:16:43,605 --> 00:16:46,185 getting ahead is appealing, we want to tell you about 329 00:16:46,185 --> 00:16:49,515 something. It's basically this episode, but bigger, and that is 330 00:16:49,515 --> 00:16:51,705 our upcoming summit. 331 00:16:51,705 --> 00:16:55,485 Heidi: Teacher Summer Talks is four days of short focus 332 00:16:55,485 --> 00:16:58,335 sessions designed to help you get ready for the new year 333 00:16:58,335 --> 00:17:01,755 without the overwhelm. It's the same energy as these 10 minute 334 00:17:01,755 --> 00:17:04,905 tasks, just more of it, and more guided. 335 00:17:04,905 --> 00:17:08,340 Emily: And if you've been to one of our teacher talks events 336 00:17:08,340 --> 00:17:11,700 before, you know that we like to have a lot of fun. We always 337 00:17:11,700 --> 00:17:16,170 have a fun theme, and I'll give you a little hint that this year 338 00:17:16,170 --> 00:17:23,070 is giving summer camp, parent trap vibes. It's going to be a 339 00:17:23,070 --> 00:17:26,700 real good time. You will not want to miss it. And the tickets 340 00:17:26,700 --> 00:17:29,790 are free, and they are available on July 1. 341 00:17:30,710 --> 00:17:33,770 Heidi: We will have all the details in the show notes. And 342 00:17:33,770 --> 00:17:37,340 if the seven tasks today felt good, teacher summer talks is 343 00:17:37,340 --> 00:17:39,380 the next natural step. 344 00:17:39,380 --> 00:17:41,180 Emily: Now, for our teacher-approved tip of the 345 00:17:41,180 --> 00:17:44,000 week, where we share an actionable tip to help you 346 00:17:44,000 --> 00:17:46,940 elevate what matters and simplify the rest. This week's 347 00:17:46,940 --> 00:17:50,570 teacher-approved tip is update your email signature. What do 348 00:17:50,570 --> 00:17:51,620 you got in mind, Heidi? 349 00:17:51,620 --> 00:17:54,905 Heidi: Well, okay, if you don't know, your email signature is 350 00:17:54,905 --> 00:17:58,535 that little block of text that automatically shows up at the 351 00:17:58,535 --> 00:18:01,715 bottom of your emails, and it can be a helpful tool in your 352 00:18:01,715 --> 00:18:04,895 parent communication. Your signature should include your 353 00:18:04,895 --> 00:18:07,895 name and contact info, obviously, and your office hours 354 00:18:07,895 --> 00:18:11,345 if you have them. But you can also add your response policy, 355 00:18:11,345 --> 00:18:14,345 something like I usually respond within two days during the 356 00:18:14,345 --> 00:18:15,035 school week. 357 00:18:15,485 --> 00:18:18,170 Emily: And then that line manages parent expectations 358 00:18:18,170 --> 00:18:21,500 before they even become a problem. It will let the parents 359 00:18:21,500 --> 00:18:25,400 know you're not going to be answering emails at 10pm. 360 00:18:25,640 --> 00:18:28,310 Heidi: They still might hope you'll answer at 10pm but yes, 361 00:18:28,310 --> 00:18:32,030 at least you've told them in writing what is reasonable. But 362 00:18:32,030 --> 00:18:35,000 email signatures can be even more. You can include a photo, a 363 00:18:35,000 --> 00:18:38,735 little icon, or a short quote if you want some personality in 364 00:18:38,735 --> 00:18:39,665 there. 365 00:18:39,665 --> 00:18:41,675 Emily: And if you don't have a signature yet, or if you want to 366 00:18:41,675 --> 00:18:44,225 update yours. The nice part is you can design the whole thing 367 00:18:44,225 --> 00:18:48,185 in Canva for free, even with a free account. It's really easy 368 00:18:48,185 --> 00:18:51,035 to make yours cute, but still professional, or you know, 369 00:18:51,035 --> 00:18:52,865 whatever your vibe is. 370 00:18:52,865 --> 00:18:55,625 Heidi: And in the show notes, we will include a link to a YouTube 371 00:18:55,625 --> 00:18:59,375 video that walks you through how to set all of this up in Canva, 372 00:18:59,375 --> 00:19:03,530 and we will include a second link about Canva's new email 373 00:19:03,530 --> 00:19:04,610 templates. 374 00:19:04,610 --> 00:19:07,790 Emily: Yeah, I mean, bonus tip: if you want to get really ahead, 375 00:19:07,790 --> 00:19:10,520 those email templates mean you can draft some of the emails you 376 00:19:10,520 --> 00:19:13,550 already know you'll need, like your welcome email, your first 377 00:19:13,550 --> 00:19:16,670 day of school email, and you know, the standard reminder 378 00:19:16,670 --> 00:19:20,450 email that you send before every school holiday. But that's only 379 00:19:20,450 --> 00:19:22,700 if you're ready to start thinking about school tasks, no 380 00:19:22,700 --> 00:19:23,540 pressure. 381 00:19:23,600 --> 00:19:25,025 Heidi: That's very optional. 382 00:19:26,015 --> 00:19:28,295 To you wrap up the show we're sharing what we're giving extra 383 00:19:28,295 --> 00:19:30,785 credit to this week. Emily, what gets your extra credit? 384 00:19:30,785 --> 00:19:34,295 Emily: My extra credit goes to Hulken bags. 385 00:19:34,625 --> 00:19:35,585 Heidi: They have the worst name. 386 00:19:35,330 --> 00:19:39,052 Emily: I know, I know, but I mean they work hard like the 387 00:19:39,127 --> 00:19:43,892 Hulk, I don't know. So they are these collapsible, foldable bags 388 00:19:43,966 --> 00:19:48,285 that have like a sturdy base that has wheels, and then you 389 00:19:48,359 --> 00:19:52,752 can get the sides open, and they're thick, easy to wipe off 390 00:19:52,827 --> 00:19:57,294 material, but it, it looks kind of nice, it's a nice looking 391 00:19:57,368 --> 00:20:01,761 bag, and then it has various kinds of handles on it, so you 392 00:20:01,836 --> 00:20:05,782 can carry it in lots of different ways. You can do it 393 00:20:05,856 --> 00:20:10,398 right next to you, you can pull it behind you with the longer 394 00:20:10,473 --> 00:20:14,940 one, and the thing I love about these is you can fit so much 395 00:20:15,015 --> 00:20:19,631 stuff in them. They're so handy, like I needed to haul in like 396 00:20:19,705 --> 00:20:24,098 four big boxes of nothing but cake, little bunt cake things 397 00:20:24,173 --> 00:20:28,714 for a PTA meeting, and I could get them all in that bag, just 398 00:20:28,789 --> 00:20:32,810 barely, but I could. So they're just so handy to have. 399 00:20:31,970 --> 00:20:37,070 So I have the large one, and let me tell you, it is large, like I 400 00:20:37,070 --> 00:20:40,070 thought, oh, it's okay if I don't totally fill it up. No, 401 00:20:40,070 --> 00:20:43,250 this should be called Extra Large. It is so big. So then I 402 00:20:43,250 --> 00:20:46,295 got a medium for Christmas, because that's probably more 403 00:20:46,295 --> 00:20:50,285 what you're expecting with a large. So I would say the medium 404 00:20:50,285 --> 00:20:53,825 is more versatile, but it is really nice to have the Extra 405 00:20:53,825 --> 00:20:54,095 Large one. 406 00:20:54,095 --> 00:20:58,235 So I will say, though, Costco did come up with a knockoff, I 407 00:20:58,235 --> 00:21:01,805 think it's the Clever Me brand, which I have their collapsible 408 00:21:01,805 --> 00:21:04,745 laundry baskets that I have given extra credit to before, so 409 00:21:04,745 --> 00:21:07,430 I know they're a good company, and I did see somebody that I 410 00:21:07,430 --> 00:21:12,890 trust compare the two, and it stacked up pretty well. It was 411 00:21:12,890 --> 00:21:17,840 not as sturdy, like the wheels weren't as heavy duty as the 412 00:21:17,840 --> 00:21:21,320 Hulken bags, but they're like $40, they're way cheaper. 413 00:21:21,320 --> 00:21:21,740 Heidi: Oh, wow. 414 00:21:21,740 --> 00:21:25,460 Emily: So, but they only have one size, and it's like between 415 00:21:25,460 --> 00:21:29,360 the medium and the large sizes of the Holken. 416 00:21:29,360 --> 00:21:31,625 Heidi: I bet they come out with more sizes soon, though. 417 00:21:31,625 --> 00:21:34,715 Emily: Yeah, they might. They totally might. So, I did notice 418 00:21:34,715 --> 00:21:40,385 on Costco's website that there were quite a few reviews about 419 00:21:40,385 --> 00:21:43,805 the wheels not holding up, like after a few months. But there 420 00:21:43,805 --> 00:21:47,435 were plenty of people who said it was great, so it could be 421 00:21:47,435 --> 00:21:50,885 something worth looking into, but also, if you see a deal on a 422 00:21:50,885 --> 00:21:53,945 Hulken bag, might be worth just upgrading if you're gonna use 423 00:21:53,990 --> 00:21:56,480 them forever. So I'll like to both. 424 00:21:56,540 --> 00:21:58,250 Heidi: It'd be so nice to have that hauling stuff back and 425 00:21:58,250 --> 00:21:59,870 forth from school all summer. 426 00:21:59,870 --> 00:22:02,360 Emily: I know, especially that really big one. Well, honestly, 427 00:22:02,360 --> 00:22:05,090 even both, I have frequently had that thought of like, I would 428 00:22:05,090 --> 00:22:08,030 have loved these when I was hauling things in and out of the 429 00:22:08,030 --> 00:22:11,750 classroom, or schlepping, as the Hulken company would say, that 430 00:22:11,750 --> 00:22:13,760 these bags are made for schlepping. 431 00:22:15,350 --> 00:22:16,310 Heidi: I love it. 432 00:22:16,310 --> 00:22:18,200 Emily: What are you giving extra credit to, Heidi? 433 00:22:18,200 --> 00:22:21,455 Heidi: Okay, well, my extra credit goes to Jury Duty 434 00:22:21,455 --> 00:22:23,885 Corporate Retreat, but the bonus episodes. 435 00:22:24,485 --> 00:22:26,945 Emily: Because you already gave extra credit to the series, 436 00:22:26,945 --> 00:22:28,685 right? I didn't know there were bonus episodes. 437 00:22:29,015 --> 00:22:32,465 Heidi: I didn't either! This is such a fun little surprise. So, 438 00:22:32,465 --> 00:22:37,655 okay, to back up. Years, like, 2022 Jury Duty comes out, and 439 00:22:37,655 --> 00:22:40,685 it's a hidden camera show, kind of like, but everyone's an 440 00:22:40,685 --> 00:22:44,750 actor, except for one guy who thinks he's part of this 441 00:22:44,750 --> 00:22:48,710 documentary about being on a jury. And all this crazy, insane 442 00:22:48,710 --> 00:22:52,100 stuff happens, and everyone's like, Oh my gosh, that was 443 00:22:52,100 --> 00:22:54,650 hilarious, too bad they can never do it again, because now 444 00:22:54,650 --> 00:22:58,010 everyone knows. Well, they did it again, except now it's not a 445 00:22:58,010 --> 00:23:01,700 jury duty, they did it at a corporate retreat, and I think I 446 00:23:01,700 --> 00:23:04,250 like this one even better. I love jury duty, but corporate 447 00:23:04,250 --> 00:23:04,430 retreat... 448 00:23:04,430 --> 00:23:07,835 Emily: I know, corporate retreat, something about this, 449 00:23:07,835 --> 00:23:10,205 the hero, I mean, that's what they call them, that's the 450 00:23:10,205 --> 00:23:14,375 person who doesn't know that it's all fake. I loved the guy 451 00:23:14,375 --> 00:23:16,835 in the first year, but he was a little more reserved. This guy 452 00:23:16,835 --> 00:23:20,225 was in it. The guy at corporate retreat is like he's our, he's 453 00:23:20,225 --> 00:23:22,655 becoming, he's a temp, he just barely met these people, but 454 00:23:22,655 --> 00:23:25,295 he's becoming best friends with them by the end of the week, 455 00:23:25,295 --> 00:23:29,240 like he.. Oh my gosh, I just love him so, so much. 456 00:23:29,930 --> 00:23:33,170 Heidi: He was a gem of a human, and the nice thing is, they 457 00:23:33,170 --> 00:23:36,170 don't ever set him out to be the butt of the joke. All of the 458 00:23:36,170 --> 00:23:38,360 character actors are the butts of the joke. 459 00:23:38,360 --> 00:23:38,840 Emily: Yes. 460 00:23:38,840 --> 00:23:41,210 Heidi: So they call him the hero because he gets to be the hero 461 00:23:41,210 --> 00:23:44,930 and save the day, and it was just so fun. Anyway, so I 462 00:23:44,930 --> 00:23:47,090 finished up the last episode, and I was so sad. And then it 463 00:23:47,090 --> 00:23:51,380 just immediately starts into the next episode, so they show you, 464 00:23:51,380 --> 00:23:54,335 there's an episode about where they show how they did it, how 465 00:23:54,335 --> 00:23:58,895 they set it up, like how they built this whole camp, like all 466 00:23:58,895 --> 00:24:02,435 of the places the cameras were hidden, and how they 467 00:24:02,435 --> 00:24:06,395 communicated when things went off the rails. I could watch 468 00:24:06,395 --> 00:24:07,595 multiple episodes of that. 469 00:24:08,190 --> 00:24:10,830 Emily: Yes, give me all the behind the scenes. I want to see 470 00:24:10,950 --> 00:24:11,310 it all. 471 00:24:11,780 --> 00:24:15,170 Heidi: James Marsden was in jury duty, and he came back to host, 472 00:24:15,170 --> 00:24:18,590 like, a reunion special with the cast, so that was so fun. 473 00:24:18,590 --> 00:24:20,210 Emily: Oh I want to watch that! 474 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:24,140 Heidi: They had the two hero guys sit down and have a talk 475 00:24:24,140 --> 00:24:27,620 about their experiences, and then they go through and they 476 00:24:28,010 --> 00:24:31,910 redo the corporate retreat episodes, but with the 477 00:24:32,180 --> 00:24:35,060 commentary from the people that were doing it, so that you'd be 478 00:24:35,060 --> 00:24:37,520 like, oh, well, in this moment you don't know what just 479 00:24:37,520 --> 00:24:40,310 happened, because over here we had to do this because you did 480 00:24:40,310 --> 00:24:43,220 this. And so it was so lovely. 481 00:24:43,220 --> 00:24:47,285 Emily: Are they watching it with the hero, so he's getting filled 482 00:24:47,285 --> 00:24:47,405 in too? 483 00:24:47,585 --> 00:24:49,805 Heidi: Yes, and they're asking, "Well, what were you thinking 484 00:24:49,805 --> 00:24:52,505 when she did this? And he's like, "I just thought that was 485 00:24:52,505 --> 00:24:57,725 weird, but this was, you know." So yes, highly recommend. 10 out 486 00:24:57,725 --> 00:24:58,235 of 10. 487 00:24:58,295 --> 00:25:01,835 Emily: I cannot get enough. I will absolutely be starting that 488 00:25:01,835 --> 00:25:02,105 tonight. 489 00:25:03,095 --> 00:25:06,410 Heidi: And the good news is I was on IMDB looking something 490 00:25:06,410 --> 00:25:09,920 up, and I saw that it looks like there's a season three coming 491 00:25:09,920 --> 00:25:10,460 out, so. 492 00:25:10,460 --> 00:25:13,250 Emily: Hopefully they've already been working on it sneakily, so 493 00:25:13,250 --> 00:25:15,590 that they could get another surprise in there. 494 00:25:15,620 --> 00:25:20,570 Heidi: Yeah, so this came out in 2026 and they filmed it in 2024. 495 00:25:20,570 --> 00:25:22,880 Emily: I know. I was kind of surprised how long it took just 496 00:25:22,880 --> 00:25:27,470 to edit it. I was like, seems like the setting up would be way 497 00:25:27,470 --> 00:25:30,110 more worse than the editing. But what do I know? 498 00:25:30,110 --> 00:25:34,775 Heidi: Well, that is it for today's episode. Pick one task 499 00:25:34,775 --> 00:25:37,895 off the list and enjoy how far ahead it makes you feel. 500 00:25:37,895 --> 00:25:40,805 Emily: And keep an eye out for the tickets for the Teacher 501 00:25:40,805 --> 00:25:45,755 Summer Talk Summit. They become available on July 1. 502 00:25:45,755 --> 00:25:49,655 Heidi: We hope you enjoyed this episode of Teacher Approved. I'm 503 00:25:49,655 --> 00:25:50,285 Heidi. 504 00:25:50,285 --> 00:25:53,570 Emily: And I'm Emily. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow 505 00:25:53,570 --> 00:25:56,090 or subscribe in your podcast app so that you never miss an 506 00:25:56,090 --> 00:25:56,540 episode. 507 00:25:56,540 --> 00:25:59,300 Heidi: You can connect with us and other teachers in the 508 00:25:59,300 --> 00:26:02,570 Teacher Approved Facebook group. We'll see you here next week. 509 00:26:02,690 --> 00:26:03,470 Bye for now. 510 00:26:03,470 --> 00:26:04,340 Emily: Bye.