1 00:00:00,960 --> 00:00:03,540 Heidi: This is episode 234 of Teacher Approved. 2 00:00:05,280 --> 00:00:09,720 You're listening to Teacher Approved, the podcast helping 3 00:00:09,720 --> 00:00:13,440 educators elevate what matters and simplify the rest. I'm 4 00:00:13,440 --> 00:00:13,980 Heidi. 5 00:00:14,160 --> 00:00:17,340 Emily: And I'm Emily. We're the creators behind Second Story 6 00:00:17,340 --> 00:00:20,280 Window, where we give research based and teacher approved 7 00:00:20,280 --> 00:00:22,920 strategies that make teaching less stressful and more 8 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:26,385 effective. You can check out the show notes and resources from 9 00:00:26,385 --> 00:00:28,785 each episode at secondstorywindow.net. 10 00:00:29,145 --> 00:00:31,905 Heidi: We're so glad you're tuning in today. Let's get to 11 00:00:31,905 --> 00:00:32,445 the show. 12 00:00:35,745 --> 00:00:38,625 Emily: Hey there. Thanks for joining us today. In today's 13 00:00:38,625 --> 00:00:41,925 episode, we're laying out a plan for how to stay on top of your 14 00:00:41,925 --> 00:00:45,765 December essentials and still find time to prep for January, 15 00:00:46,005 --> 00:00:48,390 and we're sharing all of our best tips for work packet 16 00:00:48,390 --> 00:00:48,990 success. 17 00:00:48,990 --> 00:00:51,750 Heidi: But let's start with a try it tomorrow, where we share 18 00:00:51,750 --> 00:00:54,090 a quick win that you can try in your classroom right away. So 19 00:00:54,090 --> 00:00:55,290 Emily, what do we have this week? 20 00:00:55,650 --> 00:00:58,410 Emily: Tomorrow, invite your students to write a quick thank 21 00:00:58,410 --> 00:01:02,010 you note. It can be to a classmate, another teacher, a 22 00:01:02,010 --> 00:01:05,190 school staff member, or even to themselves. 23 00:01:05,790 --> 00:01:08,850 Heidi: I love that. You can keep it simple. You know, just fold 24 00:01:08,850 --> 00:01:12,135 up a piece of paper and let them write one or two sentences. The 25 00:01:12,135 --> 00:01:15,735 act of showing appreciation helps kids slow down, reflect 26 00:01:15,735 --> 00:01:16,815 and connect with others. 27 00:01:17,415 --> 00:01:19,875 Emily: It's such a great way to infuse a little more gratitude 28 00:01:19,875 --> 00:01:22,335 into the day. And bonus, it only takes two minutes. 29 00:01:22,815 --> 00:01:25,575 Heidi: If you like this idea or anything else we share here on 30 00:01:25,575 --> 00:01:28,395 the podcast, would you take a second and give us a five star 31 00:01:28,395 --> 00:01:31,275 rating? Ratings and reviews are one way that new listeners find 32 00:01:31,275 --> 00:01:33,840 us, so every one is actually a huge help to us. 33 00:01:34,800 --> 00:01:39,000 Emily: December in the classroom is a strange mix of joy and 34 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:42,240 chaos. On one hand, there's so much to love about this time of 35 00:01:42,240 --> 00:01:45,600 year, the excitement, the traditions, the sparkle in the 36 00:01:45,600 --> 00:01:49,200 kids eyes. Being a teacher in December can be so much fun. 37 00:01:49,740 --> 00:01:53,400 Heidi: But on the other hand, you're juggling performances, 38 00:01:53,400 --> 00:01:57,045 assemblies, half days, absences, and a level of collective energy 39 00:01:57,045 --> 00:01:59,565 that makes you wonder if someone filled the water fountain with 40 00:01:59,565 --> 00:01:59,925 Red Bull. 41 00:02:01,185 --> 00:02:03,465 Emily: In the past, maybe you've tried white knuckling your way 42 00:02:03,465 --> 00:02:06,105 through lessons while half the class is absent and the other 43 00:02:06,105 --> 00:02:09,045 half is bouncing off the walls, or maybe you just gave up 44 00:02:09,045 --> 00:02:09,885 entirely. 45 00:02:10,979 --> 00:02:14,039 Heidi: But there is a smarter way to approach December, one 46 00:02:14,039 --> 00:02:17,339 that keeps students engaged, protects your sanity and 47 00:02:17,339 --> 00:02:19,559 actually set you up for an easier January. 48 00:02:19,979 --> 00:02:22,699 Emily: That's what we're talking about today, how to plan content 49 00:02:22,699 --> 00:02:25,939 that works with the realities of teaching children in December. 50 00:02:26,320 --> 00:02:28,600 Heidi: So if you joined us last week, you'll remember that we 51 00:02:28,600 --> 00:02:31,480 shared the smooth December framework to help you get ready 52 00:02:31,480 --> 00:02:34,900 for January. Instead of trying to prep it all, focus on four 53 00:02:34,900 --> 00:02:38,500 specific things: your pockets of prep, your classroom reset plan, 54 00:02:38,500 --> 00:02:41,200 your student engagement hook, and your teacher comfort plan. 55 00:02:41,200 --> 00:02:43,720 Emily: If you missed that episode, definitely go back and 56 00:02:43,720 --> 00:02:46,360 check it out, because it lays the groundwork for what we'll be 57 00:02:46,360 --> 00:02:49,645 diving into today. Now that you've identified your pockets 58 00:02:49,645 --> 00:02:52,885 of prep, we'll make a plan for using them to tackle your 59 00:02:52,885 --> 00:02:54,205 December tasks. 60 00:02:54,205 --> 00:02:57,145 Heidi: And planning December starts with an important 61 00:02:57,265 --> 00:03:01,045 decision. When are you going to stop teaching new content? We 62 00:03:01,045 --> 00:03:06,505 call this, cleverly enough, your stop new content date, and it's 63 00:03:06,565 --> 00:03:09,745 basically what it sounds like. It's the last day that you'll 64 00:03:09,745 --> 00:03:12,325 introduce anything new to your students before winter break. 65 00:03:12,910 --> 00:03:15,970 Emily: Despite what your pacing guide may say, at some point in 66 00:03:15,970 --> 00:03:18,550 December, teaching new content really just stops being 67 00:03:18,550 --> 00:03:21,610 productive because kids are too distracted and the absences are 68 00:03:21,610 --> 00:03:22,570 too frequent. 69 00:03:23,050 --> 00:03:25,450 Heidi: And then you end up reteaching everything in January 70 00:03:25,450 --> 00:03:28,390 anyway, which means you aren't actually saving time by pushing 71 00:03:28,390 --> 00:03:30,730 through. You're just creating more work for yourself. 72 00:03:30,730 --> 00:03:33,790 Emily: So how do you figure out when that stopping point should 73 00:03:33,790 --> 00:03:36,775 be? A good rule of thumb is to plan to stop teaching new 74 00:03:36,775 --> 00:03:40,015 content about two to four school days before your winter break 75 00:03:40,015 --> 00:03:40,375 starts. 76 00:03:41,019 --> 00:03:43,299 Heidi: Now to figure out your specific day, ask yourself a few 77 00:03:43,299 --> 00:03:46,899 questions. First, what is your last full week of school? That's 78 00:03:46,899 --> 00:03:49,539 probably when you want to wrap up any new units. 79 00:03:50,300 --> 00:03:52,760 Emily: Second, when do interruptions start piling up? 80 00:03:52,760 --> 00:03:55,760 If you've got concerts, assemblies or parties scheduled, 81 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:59,180 those are likely to eat up a lot of your instructional time. 82 00:03:59,600 --> 00:04:02,960 Heidi: And third, which units absolutely must be finished 83 00:04:02,960 --> 00:04:05,780 before break? You might have to teach double math lessons for a 84 00:04:05,780 --> 00:04:08,420 day or two so that you're not starting January already behind, 85 00:04:08,420 --> 00:04:09,680 but that is doable. 86 00:04:09,680 --> 00:04:12,560 Emily: So take a look at what has to happen before the end of 87 00:04:12,560 --> 00:04:15,425 the month, and work backwards from there. Then choose your 88 00:04:15,425 --> 00:04:19,325 official stop teaching new content date and write it in 89 00:04:19,325 --> 00:04:21,965 your planner. Circle it and make it official. 90 00:04:22,625 --> 00:04:25,565 Heidi: That's the finish line. Everything before that date, 91 00:04:25,625 --> 00:04:28,505 you're covering your regular content. Everything after that 92 00:04:28,505 --> 00:04:30,905 date, you are in a different mode. 93 00:04:31,505 --> 00:04:34,505 Emily: And that shift is where the magic happens, because once 94 00:04:34,505 --> 00:04:36,965 you're past that date, your goal isn't to teach new material, 95 00:04:37,010 --> 00:04:39,530 it's to reinforce, review, and reset. 96 00:04:40,190 --> 00:04:42,350 Heidi: This time of year, your schedule is as full of 97 00:04:42,350 --> 00:04:45,530 interruptions as Swiss cheese is full of holes, and that's why we 98 00:04:45,530 --> 00:04:46,910 call these Swiss cheese weeks. 99 00:04:47,030 --> 00:04:50,930 Emily: We did have a cute name for that. Those are the weeks 100 00:04:50,930 --> 00:04:54,410 where there's a regular day of school planned, but the day is 101 00:04:54,410 --> 00:04:55,610 anything but regular. 102 00:04:56,030 --> 00:04:58,790 Heidi: And you know that makes planning really tricky. You 103 00:04:58,790 --> 00:05:02,015 can't pretend it's business as usual, but you also can't just 104 00:05:02,015 --> 00:05:03,455 throw everything out the window. 105 00:05:03,455 --> 00:05:05,855 Emily: Because you just aren't going to have the same amount of 106 00:05:05,855 --> 00:05:08,615 instructional time that you normally do, you need a clear 107 00:05:08,615 --> 00:05:11,015 picture of what's essential. Take a look at your pacing 108 00:05:11,015 --> 00:05:14,075 guide, your scope and sequence, and anything else that informs 109 00:05:14,075 --> 00:05:17,015 your planning. What content absolutely has to be covered 110 00:05:17,015 --> 00:05:18,755 before you start winter break? 111 00:05:18,755 --> 00:05:22,295 Heidi: These are your must do's. This is what has to be done 112 00:05:22,295 --> 00:05:25,700 before you hit your stop new content date. When time gets 113 00:05:25,700 --> 00:05:28,640 short or your kids are distracted, focus on the must 114 00:05:28,640 --> 00:05:31,640 do's and be flexible with everything else. Knowing what 115 00:05:31,640 --> 00:05:34,700 you absolutely have to cover helps you recognize where you 116 00:05:34,700 --> 00:05:36,920 can make a cut without getting completely behind. 117 00:05:37,400 --> 00:05:39,980 Emily: Of course, no matter how well you plan, the day can still 118 00:05:39,980 --> 00:05:43,700 go off the rails if student behavior does too. So next week 119 00:05:43,700 --> 00:05:46,460 we will talk about how to keep expectations alive and your 120 00:05:46,505 --> 00:05:48,845 classroom running smoothly all the way to break. 121 00:05:49,385 --> 00:05:53,105 Heidi: Okay, are you with us so far? You have now identified 122 00:05:53,105 --> 00:05:55,745 your stop new content date, you've got a strategy for 123 00:05:55,745 --> 00:05:59,585 covering essential content. And now the big question, what do 124 00:05:59,585 --> 00:06:02,285 you actually do during those last few days before break if 125 00:06:02,285 --> 00:06:03,965 you're not going to teach any new content? 126 00:06:03,965 --> 00:06:08,105 Emily: So those days are for review, reflection, and reset. 127 00:06:08,390 --> 00:06:11,390 Plan as many independent activities as your students can 128 00:06:11,390 --> 00:06:14,270 handle, and look for ways to limit how much time you have to 129 00:06:14,270 --> 00:06:16,970 spend teaching whole group or small group lessons. 130 00:06:17,510 --> 00:06:21,170 Heidi: Obviously, this is not a long term plan. Your students do 131 00:06:21,170 --> 00:06:25,130 need lessons, but two days before a break, is another math 132 00:06:25,130 --> 00:06:27,410 lesson really gonna make the difference in their achievement 133 00:06:27,410 --> 00:06:27,830 this year? 134 00:06:28,440 --> 00:06:32,160 Emily: No, I think not. In fact, it may make things harder, 135 00:06:32,160 --> 00:06:34,560 because your class will be checked out, and trying to force 136 00:06:34,560 --> 00:06:37,260 them to focus will lead to resistance and behavior problems 137 00:06:37,260 --> 00:06:40,380 and resentment and reteaching later, all the stuff they didn't 138 00:06:40,380 --> 00:06:43,560 absorb. So adopt a Plan B schedule and make everyone's 139 00:06:43,560 --> 00:06:44,400 life happier. 140 00:06:44,400 --> 00:06:47,940 Heidi: Now, to be clear, this is not about time filler. You're 141 00:06:47,940 --> 00:06:50,685 not wasting learning opportunities. You're just 142 00:06:50,685 --> 00:06:54,045 restructuring how that learning happens. Think review 143 00:06:54,045 --> 00:06:57,285 worksheets, games, digital practice or educational videos. 144 00:06:57,765 --> 00:07:00,345 This is the time to revisit everything that you have covered 145 00:07:00,345 --> 00:07:01,365 in the last four months. 146 00:07:01,785 --> 00:07:03,945 Emily: One of my favorite meaningful time fillers was 147 00:07:03,945 --> 00:07:06,765 setting up stations and having kids rotate through all the math 148 00:07:06,765 --> 00:07:09,765 games that they had learned this year. It got kids moving, it 149 00:07:09,765 --> 00:07:12,405 gave them a chance to review, and I got to sneak in a little 150 00:07:12,405 --> 00:07:14,310 pocket of prep for my own tasks. 151 00:07:14,850 --> 00:07:18,450 Heidi: You can also use these post new content days to refresh 152 00:07:18,450 --> 00:07:21,810 procedures. By December, some of your routines have probably 153 00:07:21,810 --> 00:07:24,870 gotten a little sloppy. Tighten these up now so that you can hit 154 00:07:24,870 --> 00:07:26,790 the ground running when you return in January. 155 00:07:26,790 --> 00:07:29,970 Emily: Also consider if you want to reset your class jobs, 156 00:07:30,210 --> 00:07:32,730 reorganize your classroom library, or have kids clean out 157 00:07:32,730 --> 00:07:35,970 their desks, because future you will be so grateful to walk into 158 00:07:35,970 --> 00:07:38,175 a tidy, organized classroom in January. 159 00:07:38,595 --> 00:07:40,635 Heidi: And you know, our favorite thing is helping out a 160 00:07:40,635 --> 00:07:44,115 future you. And in your planning, don't forget some 161 00:07:44,115 --> 00:07:47,595 joyful structure. These are activities that feel festive and 162 00:07:47,595 --> 00:07:51,075 special, but they are still structured and calm. Work 163 00:07:51,075 --> 00:07:54,675 packets are one of our favorite forms of joyful structure, and 164 00:07:54,675 --> 00:07:57,735 we will talk about those in our teacher approved tip, but also 165 00:07:57,735 --> 00:08:00,900 consider seasonal read alouds, kindness challenges or simple 166 00:08:00,900 --> 00:08:01,800 art projects. 167 00:08:02,280 --> 00:08:05,040 Emily: The goal is to sprinkle in some seasonal spark while 168 00:08:05,040 --> 00:08:07,920 still keeping the structure high and preventing overwhelm. 169 00:08:08,880 --> 00:08:11,880 Heidi: Okay, let's pull everything together so you know 170 00:08:11,880 --> 00:08:16,260 exactly what to do next. Step one, identify your stop, new 171 00:08:16,260 --> 00:08:19,080 content date and put it on the calendar. That's your finish 172 00:08:19,080 --> 00:08:22,905 line. Everything before that date is new learning. Everything 173 00:08:22,905 --> 00:08:25,665 after that date is for review, reflection, and reset. 174 00:08:26,145 --> 00:08:29,325 Emily: Step two, figure out your December must do's. These are 175 00:08:29,325 --> 00:08:32,445 the lessons and assessments you absolutely need to finish before 176 00:08:32,445 --> 00:08:33,045 that date. 177 00:08:33,600 --> 00:08:36,060 Heidi: Inside the December teacher survival kit, there are 178 00:08:36,060 --> 00:08:40,200 two pages to help you with this. One is the December content to 179 00:08:40,200 --> 00:08:43,140 cover page, and that's where you list all of the lessons, 180 00:08:43,140 --> 00:08:45,720 activities and assessments that you would like to teach. And 181 00:08:46,080 --> 00:08:49,080 then, based on that list, you create your must do's and could 182 00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:49,920 do's page. 183 00:08:50,400 --> 00:08:53,100 Emily: That step alone is a game changer, because it helps you 184 00:08:53,100 --> 00:08:55,860 see what really matters and what can wait until January. 185 00:08:55,860 --> 00:08:59,565 Heidi: Step three is to make a list of meaningful activities 186 00:08:59,565 --> 00:09:03,465 for those post content days. Think review, projects, or calm 187 00:09:03,465 --> 00:09:07,005 seasonal activities that your students can do independently. 188 00:09:07,425 --> 00:09:10,365 And there's a page for this in the survival kit too. It's 189 00:09:10,365 --> 00:09:13,185 organized by categories like review, learning games and 190 00:09:13,185 --> 00:09:16,425 videos, so that you can gather all of your ideas in one place. 191 00:09:16,905 --> 00:09:19,410 Emily: In these last few days before the break, plan as many 192 00:09:19,410 --> 00:09:22,830 independent activities as your students can handle. This is how 193 00:09:22,830 --> 00:09:25,890 you get ahead without adding to your stress. While your students 194 00:09:25,890 --> 00:09:28,590 are busy doing their independent work, you've created a little 195 00:09:28,590 --> 00:09:31,710 pocket of prep time where you can tackle your independent 196 00:09:31,710 --> 00:09:35,010 work, meaning all the tasks it takes to wrap up December and 197 00:09:35,010 --> 00:09:36,270 plan the start of January. 198 00:09:36,990 --> 00:09:40,350 Heidi: Step four is to make a master list of all of the tasks 199 00:09:40,350 --> 00:09:43,230 needed to plan and prepare your December content, your 200 00:09:43,230 --> 00:09:46,335 meaningful time fillers, and the first few days back in January. 201 00:09:46,755 --> 00:09:50,415 The list will be long, but don't worry, our next step is our 202 00:09:50,415 --> 00:09:54,435 secret weapon. Step five is to use your pockets of prep 203 00:09:54,435 --> 00:09:55,035 planner. 204 00:09:55,395 --> 00:09:57,795 Emily: This is the key to the whole system, and here's why. 205 00:09:58,095 --> 00:10:01,635 The pockets of prep planner helps you match every task to 206 00:10:01,635 --> 00:10:05,595 your situation. It's organized around where you are working: 207 00:10:05,595 --> 00:10:09,600 digital tasks, classroom tasks, workroom tasks, and by how much 208 00:10:09,600 --> 00:10:10,800 time and energy you have. 209 00:10:11,220 --> 00:10:13,200 Heidi: Now, obviously you could do this with just a piece of 210 00:10:13,200 --> 00:10:16,980 paper if you don't have the survival kit, but the survival 211 00:10:16,980 --> 00:10:21,980 kit has cool drop down menus so you can quickly tag each task 212 00:10:22,220 --> 00:10:25,940 based on priority and the effort that it requires to complete. 213 00:10:25,900 --> 00:10:28,720 Emily: Yeah, it's a pain to fill it out, but this sheet is the 214 00:10:28,720 --> 00:10:32,620 most teacher approved of all our teacher approved tips. We cannot 215 00:10:32,620 --> 00:10:35,320 overstate how helpful this is. Let's say your students are 216 00:10:35,320 --> 00:10:38,140 watching a short video. You've got 15 minutes, you're in your 217 00:10:38,140 --> 00:10:41,140 classroom and you're running on low energy. You open your list 218 00:10:41,140 --> 00:10:44,800 and see create January welcome slides. Boom, that's the perfect 219 00:10:44,860 --> 00:10:48,100 15 minute low energy classroom based task for that moment. 220 00:10:48,760 --> 00:10:50,845 Heidi: Without that list, you're going to be spending your 221 00:10:50,845 --> 00:10:54,205 limited pocket of prep thinking, oh, what should I do now? But 222 00:10:54,205 --> 00:10:57,265 this way, you can just look at your list. You can see exactly 223 00:10:57,265 --> 00:11:00,085 what fits the moment. No decision fatigue, no wasted 224 00:11:00,085 --> 00:11:03,205 minutes and no wondering what's important. You just pick, do, 225 00:11:03,265 --> 00:11:03,925 and move on. 226 00:11:04,585 --> 00:11:07,765 Emily: And truly, those small moments add up. A 10 minute 227 00:11:07,765 --> 00:11:11,020 pocket here, a 15 minute pocket there, that's how you're going 228 00:11:11,020 --> 00:11:13,510 to make real progress without working nights or weekends or 229 00:11:13,510 --> 00:11:14,470 winter break. 230 00:11:14,770 --> 00:11:20,230 Heidi: Yes. So let's recap. Step one, pick your stop new content 231 00:11:20,230 --> 00:11:24,550 date. Step two, decide your December must do's. Step three, 232 00:11:24,610 --> 00:11:28,570 plan meaningful time fillers. Step four, make your December to 233 00:11:28,570 --> 00:11:32,710 do list. Step five, plug those tasks into your pockets of prep 234 00:11:32,710 --> 00:11:33,190 planner. 235 00:11:33,790 --> 00:11:36,295 Emily: Follow these steps and you will walk out in December 236 00:11:36,295 --> 00:11:38,995 knowing that everything for January is ready to go, and that 237 00:11:38,995 --> 00:11:42,895 winter break actually gets to be a stress free break. 238 00:11:43,255 --> 00:11:45,595 Heidi: So now you've got a full plan for how to get through 239 00:11:45,595 --> 00:11:48,895 December with your sanity intact. But before we wrap up, 240 00:11:48,895 --> 00:11:52,015 we want to leave you with one final reminder. The reason that 241 00:11:52,015 --> 00:11:52,915 all of this matters. 242 00:11:53,455 --> 00:11:56,155 Emily: This isn't just about checklists and planners. It's 243 00:11:56,275 --> 00:11:59,140 about protecting your future self. As you're planning your 244 00:11:59,140 --> 00:12:02,080 December, keep in mind what future you needs. What would 245 00:12:02,080 --> 00:12:05,140 make walking into your classroom in January feel calm instead of 246 00:12:05,140 --> 00:12:05,800 chaotic? 247 00:12:06,400 --> 00:12:09,580 Heidi: Maybe it's having a stack of January materials already 248 00:12:09,580 --> 00:12:12,220 copied and waiting in that January ready bin that you 249 00:12:12,220 --> 00:12:15,520 prepared last week. Maybe it's making sure all of the December 250 00:12:15,520 --> 00:12:18,160 decorations are taken down before you leave. Or maybe it's 251 00:12:18,160 --> 00:12:20,785 clearing the stack of papers on your counter so your room feels 252 00:12:20,785 --> 00:12:21,805 fresh and organized. 253 00:12:22,345 --> 00:12:25,225 Emily: Use those last few days strategically. While kids are 254 00:12:25,225 --> 00:12:27,625 working on their goal setting activity, you're gathering books 255 00:12:27,625 --> 00:12:30,085 for your next read aloud. While they're doing a work packet, 256 00:12:30,085 --> 00:12:32,065 you're setting up your January math slides. 257 00:12:32,605 --> 00:12:35,905 Heidi: Small bits of prep now save you so much stress later. 258 00:12:36,385 --> 00:12:39,745 Future You deserves to walk into January feeling ready, not 259 00:12:39,745 --> 00:12:40,285 behind. 260 00:12:40,825 --> 00:12:43,285 Emily: We'd love to hear how you're preparing for teaching in 261 00:12:43,285 --> 00:12:45,610 December. Come join the conversation in our Teacher 262 00:12:45,610 --> 00:12:46,690 Approved Facebook group. 263 00:12:47,590 --> 00:12:50,410 Now for our Teacher Approved Tip of the Week, where we share an 264 00:12:50,410 --> 00:12:53,110 actionable tip to help you elevate what matters and 265 00:12:53,110 --> 00:12:56,650 simplify the rest. This week's teacher approved tip is prepare 266 00:12:56,650 --> 00:12:58,990 some work packets. Tell us about it, Heidi. 267 00:12:59,410 --> 00:13:02,230 Heidi: A work packet is exactly what it sounds like, a 268 00:13:02,230 --> 00:13:06,430 collection of worksheets stapled together, but the magic is in 269 00:13:06,430 --> 00:13:09,535 how you put it together and how you present it to your class. 270 00:13:10,195 --> 00:13:12,475 Emily: And look, I can hear some eye rolls out there. 271 00:13:12,475 --> 00:13:14,815 Heidi: That's a skill. 272 00:13:14,815 --> 00:13:18,895 Emily: This is our unpopular opinion. Work packets are not 273 00:13:18,895 --> 00:13:21,835 all wrong, and they may sound like boring, busy work. But hear 274 00:13:21,835 --> 00:13:25,255 us out, because when you do them right, kids genuinely love them. 275 00:13:25,675 --> 00:13:27,235 Heidi: And we're not exaggerating, they do get 276 00:13:27,235 --> 00:13:27,775 excited. 277 00:13:27,775 --> 00:13:28,495 Emily: Yes. 278 00:13:28,000 --> 00:13:32,380 Heidi: So let's start with what goes in a work packet. The focus 279 00:13:32,380 --> 00:13:35,980 should be on reviewing academic content, but you want to 280 00:13:35,980 --> 00:13:39,700 sprinkle in a few just for fun pages to keep the kids engaged. 281 00:13:40,180 --> 00:13:43,360 A packet can be any size, but we have found that 12 page packets 282 00:13:43,360 --> 00:13:46,840 are really ideal. So you would maybe have four pages of festive 283 00:13:46,840 --> 00:13:50,380 math review, four pages of language arts review and four 284 00:13:50,380 --> 00:13:50,980 pages of fun. 285 00:13:51,580 --> 00:13:54,385 Emily: That amount of work easily keeps students busy for 286 00:13:54,445 --> 00:13:58,225 90 minutes to two hours. But, and this is the important part, 287 00:13:58,525 --> 00:14:01,765 don't try to do it all in one sitting. The first work session 288 00:14:01,765 --> 00:14:04,225 can be longer because the interest is really high. So you 289 00:14:04,225 --> 00:14:08,065 could maybe do 30 to 40 minutes in one go. But after that, 20 290 00:14:08,065 --> 00:14:10,885 minute stretches are about as long as kids can manage before 291 00:14:10,885 --> 00:14:11,665 they need a break. 292 00:14:11,905 --> 00:14:13,765 Heidi: And the longer you're doing a packet, you might need 293 00:14:13,765 --> 00:14:15,850 to, like, make those stretches a little bit shorter. 294 00:14:15,850 --> 00:14:16,210 Emily: Yeah. 295 00:14:16,210 --> 00:14:19,210 Heidi: So here's how this might look in your day. After your 296 00:14:19,210 --> 00:14:21,850 morning routine, you introduce the work packet, and you give 297 00:14:21,850 --> 00:14:25,750 kids 30 or 35 minutes to work on it, and then you know, you take 298 00:14:25,750 --> 00:14:26,470 a break for recess. 299 00:14:26,959 --> 00:14:29,599 Emily: When they come back, you could do another 15 minutes of 300 00:14:29,599 --> 00:14:31,939 work. And then you do something different, a video, a read 301 00:14:31,939 --> 00:14:35,059 aloud, a movement break, and then later in the day, you give 302 00:14:35,059 --> 00:14:37,639 them another 20 minutes to keep working on their packets. 303 00:14:38,179 --> 00:14:40,339 Heidi: Now let's talk about how to make your work packet feel 304 00:14:40,339 --> 00:14:44,319 special instead of like a punishment. First try organizing 305 00:14:44,319 --> 00:14:47,439 it around a theme. It could be something as broad as winter or 306 00:14:47,439 --> 00:14:50,379 December, or something more specific, like gingerbread or 307 00:14:50,379 --> 00:14:50,919 penguins. 308 00:14:51,320 --> 00:14:54,260 Emily: The content on each page doesn't have to be about the 309 00:14:54,260 --> 00:14:57,320 theme. You could have a page of two digit subtraction practice, 310 00:14:57,320 --> 00:15:00,200 but if there's a snowman graphic on the page, it feels festive 311 00:15:00,200 --> 00:15:00,680 and fun. 312 00:15:01,460 --> 00:15:04,820 Heidi: Yeah, clip art makes it all exciting. Besides giving it 313 00:15:04,820 --> 00:15:08,120 a theme, mix up the content. Alternate between math, language 314 00:15:08,120 --> 00:15:10,940 arts and fun pages so that it doesn't feel like a workbook. 315 00:15:11,360 --> 00:15:14,465 Emily: And third, leverage the power of choice. When you 316 00:15:14,465 --> 00:15:16,865 introduce the packet to your class, make a big deal about 317 00:15:16,865 --> 00:15:19,985 this. You get to decide what order you work in. You can start 318 00:15:19,985 --> 00:15:22,385 wherever you want and do the pages in any order. 319 00:15:22,385 --> 00:15:25,805 Heidi: Kids feel so much more invested when they have control 320 00:15:25,805 --> 00:15:29,225 over their work. That simple choice transforms this whole 321 00:15:29,225 --> 00:15:30,065 experience. 322 00:15:30,605 --> 00:15:32,885 Emily: Now, if there is a specific page you need everyone 323 00:15:32,885 --> 00:15:35,405 to complete, like, maybe you want to use one page for a 324 00:15:35,405 --> 00:15:38,450 grade, you can include that in the directions, like everyone 325 00:15:38,450 --> 00:15:41,090 needs to do the multiplication practice on page three. But 326 00:15:41,090 --> 00:15:43,310 after that, you can do the pages in any order. 327 00:15:44,090 --> 00:15:47,870 Heidi: And here is our copy saving tip. Reduce your master 328 00:15:47,870 --> 00:15:53,270 pages to 50% and then copy two activities onto one page. Now, 329 00:15:53,270 --> 00:15:56,690 if you run those copies double sided, you can fit four 330 00:15:56,690 --> 00:15:58,430 activities onto a single sheet of paper. 331 00:15:58,430 --> 00:16:01,295 Emily: And obviously that does reduce the amount of room for 332 00:16:01,295 --> 00:16:04,535 writing, and we've done this successfully with students as 333 00:16:04,535 --> 00:16:06,515 young as second grade, but if you teach first grade or 334 00:16:06,515 --> 00:16:09,875 kindergarten, you might want to test out the reduced page size 335 00:16:09,875 --> 00:16:13,115 first. In second grade, I feel like some of them enjoy the 336 00:16:13,115 --> 00:16:16,175 challenge of having to write in these tiny little spaces. 337 00:16:17,315 --> 00:16:19,475 Heidi: The beauty of work packets is that they are 338 00:16:19,475 --> 00:16:23,435 engaging for students, and they give you time to work. While 339 00:16:23,480 --> 00:16:26,900 your class is quietly reviewing two digit addition and solving 340 00:16:26,900 --> 00:16:30,380 winter themed word searches, you can be preparing materials for 341 00:16:30,380 --> 00:16:33,680 January, organizing your classroom and tackling anything 342 00:16:33,680 --> 00:16:35,480 else on that pockets of prep list. 343 00:16:35,960 --> 00:16:38,420 Emily: It's a total win win. Students are doing meaningful 344 00:16:38,420 --> 00:16:41,060 review work, and you're getting ahead instead of falling behind. 345 00:16:41,060 --> 00:16:44,300 So if you're looking for a simple, low stress way to fill 346 00:16:44,300 --> 00:16:45,094 some of that post content time in December, give work packets a 347 00:16:45,094 --> 00:16:45,109 try. Your students might surprise you with how much they 348 00:16:45,109 --> 00:16:45,113 enjoy them. 349 00:16:45,113 --> 00:16:47,885 To wrap up the show, we're sharing what we're giving extra 350 00:16:47,945 --> 00:16:52,565 credit to this week. Emily, what get your extra credit? 351 00:16:52,565 --> 00:16:58,985 I'm giving extra credit to the coconut milk bath soak from 352 00:16:59,045 --> 00:16:59,645 Herbivore. 353 00:16:59,645 --> 00:17:00,125 Heidi: Okay. 354 00:17:00,185 --> 00:17:04,265 Emily: Listen, this stuff is not cheap. In fact, I've had two 355 00:17:04,265 --> 00:17:07,565 jars of this for years that I've been hoarding because it's too 356 00:17:07,565 --> 00:17:10,130 special. I didn't want to just use it on any old bath. But I 357 00:17:10,370 --> 00:17:12,950 finally decided that was stupid, because they were literally 358 00:17:12,950 --> 00:17:16,250 getting dusty. I'm like, I'm going to use them. I'm just 359 00:17:16,250 --> 00:17:18,770 going to use them. And then I figured I'd use it up, and then 360 00:17:18,830 --> 00:17:21,770 forget all about it. But the bad news is that it actually is 361 00:17:21,770 --> 00:17:26,510 amazing, and now I want to buy more. But it smells incredible 362 00:17:26,510 --> 00:17:29,870 and it makes your skin feel so soft. So put this on a splurge 363 00:17:29,870 --> 00:17:33,215 list for yourself, or a really nice gift for a bath loving 364 00:17:33,215 --> 00:17:36,575 friend. And I just saw it's on a lightning deal on Amazon, so I'm 365 00:17:36,635 --> 00:17:38,375 gonna have to go grab a couple more jars. 366 00:17:38,780 --> 00:17:40,760 Heidi: Yeah, that's a good idea. And think about how you might 367 00:17:40,760 --> 00:17:44,000 want to pamper yourself during winter break. Everyone deserves 368 00:17:44,180 --> 00:17:47,060 a long, luxurious bath, so might want to grab those. 369 00:17:47,060 --> 00:17:49,460 Emily: That's why I'm sharing it right now. I figured it would be 370 00:17:49,460 --> 00:17:51,320 good for self care or a really good gift idea. 371 00:17:51,440 --> 00:17:52,460 Heidi: Perfect. 372 00:17:52,460 --> 00:17:54,440 Emily: Check it out. Link's in the show notes. What are you 373 00:17:54,440 --> 00:17:56,180 giving extra credit to, Heidi? 374 00:17:56,180 --> 00:17:58,520 Heidi: I guess this is self care, but it's much less 375 00:17:58,520 --> 00:18:03,425 exciting. I'm giving extra credit to the Nexcare max hold 376 00:18:03,425 --> 00:18:04,805 waterproof bandages. 377 00:18:05,105 --> 00:18:05,765 Emily: Ooh, la, la. 378 00:18:05,360 --> 00:18:09,500 Heidi: And that's a mouthful to say. I will put a link to them 379 00:18:09,500 --> 00:18:12,680 in the show notes. But if you are at the store and you're 380 00:18:12,680 --> 00:18:15,080 looking at the all of the bandages, these ones have black 381 00:18:15,080 --> 00:18:18,500 writing on the front of the box that says max hold. And they 382 00:18:18,500 --> 00:18:22,460 definitely live up to the name. It says they hold for up to 48 383 00:18:22,460 --> 00:18:25,880 hours, but literally, after 48 hours, I had to get out my 384 00:18:26,300 --> 00:18:29,465 sharpest little craft scissors and do Band Aid surgery to get 385 00:18:29,465 --> 00:18:32,645 it off. Like I just couldn't peel up any of the edges. They 386 00:18:32,645 --> 00:18:35,585 were too secure. But the thing is, this hasn't given me any 387 00:18:35,585 --> 00:18:38,465 kind of allergic reaction that I normally get from wearing band 388 00:18:38,465 --> 00:18:41,165 aids for a long time. And I actually did try switching over 389 00:18:41,165 --> 00:18:43,745 to regular band aids, and by the end of the day, half my leg was 390 00:18:43,745 --> 00:18:44,585 covered in hives, so. 391 00:18:44,645 --> 00:18:45,365 Emily: It's the worst. 392 00:18:45,365 --> 00:18:48,065 Heidi: If you have a need for waterproof band aids, definitely 393 00:18:48,065 --> 00:18:51,065 grab a box of bees. I have been very impressed. 394 00:18:51,365 --> 00:18:53,330 Emily: Well, I'll have to add them to the stash. 395 00:18:55,010 --> 00:18:58,430 Heidi: That is it for today's episode. Figure out your stop 396 00:18:58,430 --> 00:19:01,490 new content date and work backwards from there. You have 397 00:19:01,490 --> 00:19:02,150 got this. 398 00:19:04,490 --> 00:19:08,330 We hope you enjoyed this episode of Teacher Approved. I'm Heidi. 399 00:19:08,390 --> 00:19:11,690 Emily: And I'm Emily. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow 400 00:19:11,690 --> 00:19:14,210 or subscribe in your podcast app so that you never miss an 401 00:19:14,210 --> 00:19:14,630 episode. 402 00:19:15,110 --> 00:19:17,435 Heidi: You can connect with us and other teachers in the 403 00:19:17,435 --> 00:19:20,615 Teacher Approved Facebook group. We'll see you here next week. 404 00:19:20,795 --> 00:19:21,635 Bye for now. 405 00:19:21,635 --> 00:19:22,415 Emily: Bye.