1 00:00:01,020 --> 00:00:03,900 Heidi: This is episode 256 of Teacher Approved. 2 00:00:03,900 --> 00:00:07,860 Emily: Hey there. Thanks for joining us. So far this spring, 3 00:00:07,860 --> 00:00:10,980 we have talked about five back to school tasks you can tackle 4 00:00:10,980 --> 00:00:13,740 in March, and five you can do in April. 5 00:00:14,100 --> 00:00:17,160 Heidi: And we can't leave you hanging. So we need to close out 6 00:00:17,160 --> 00:00:20,460 the series with this replay from last year where we talk about 7 00:00:20,460 --> 00:00:23,760 five tasks that you can do now in May to help you start next 8 00:00:23,805 --> 00:00:24,645 school year strong. 9 00:00:25,185 --> 00:00:28,305 Emily: But don't let that scare you. We are not talking about 10 00:00:28,305 --> 00:00:31,365 writing your first day plans. These are things you can tack 11 00:00:31,365 --> 00:00:34,185 onto the tasks you are already doing this time of year. 12 00:00:34,665 --> 00:00:36,825 Heidi: Yeah, you are already doing the work, so you may as 13 00:00:36,825 --> 00:00:39,045 well get as much bang for your buck as you can. 14 00:00:39,585 --> 00:00:41,985 Emily: And if you missed out on our previous get ahead tips, go 15 00:00:41,985 --> 00:00:44,145 back and check those out. Now we'll link them in the show 16 00:00:44,145 --> 00:00:47,850 notes. We promise. They're all easily doable, even in the midst 17 00:00:47,850 --> 00:00:50,010 of the craziness that May brings. 18 00:00:51,680 --> 00:00:54,320 Heidi: You're listening to Teacher Approved ,the podcast 19 00:00:54,320 --> 00:00:57,980 helping educators elevate what matters and simplify the rest. 20 00:00:58,160 --> 00:00:58,940 I'm Heidi. 21 00:00:59,180 --> 00:01:02,300 Emily: And I'm Emily. We're the creators behind Second Story 22 00:01:02,300 --> 00:01:04,580 Window, where we give research-based and 23 00:01:04,580 --> 00:01:07,700 teacher-approved strategies that make teaching less stressful and 24 00:01:07,700 --> 00:01:11,120 more effective. You can check out the show notes and resources 25 00:01:11,120 --> 00:01:13,640 from each episode at secondstorywindow.net. 26 00:01:13,640 --> 00:01:16,925 Heidi: We're so glad you're tuning in today. Let's get to 27 00:01:16,925 --> 00:01:17,465 the show. 28 00:01:21,665 --> 00:01:24,845 Emily: Hey friends, thanks for joining us today. In today's 29 00:01:24,845 --> 00:01:29,225 episode, we are sharing five smart ways you can prep for back 30 00:01:29,225 --> 00:01:33,065 to school this May, and we'll give you a teacher approved tip 31 00:01:33,065 --> 00:01:35,825 to do something special for your teaching teammates. 32 00:01:36,530 --> 00:01:39,230 Heidi: Let's start with a try it tomorrow, where we share a quick 33 00:01:39,230 --> 00:01:41,930 win that you can try in your classroom right away. Emily, 34 00:01:41,930 --> 00:01:43,190 what is our prompt this week? 35 00:01:43,550 --> 00:01:48,290 Emily: This week, why not try a morning meeting remix? Just take 36 00:01:48,290 --> 00:01:51,530 one element of your regular morning meeting routine and give 37 00:01:51,530 --> 00:01:53,150 it an unexpected twist. 38 00:01:53,510 --> 00:01:57,863 Heidi: I love this idea. It's especially helpful this time of 39 00:01:57,863 --> 00:01:58,889 year when things might be feeling a little bit stale. So 40 00:01:58,889 --> 00:02:01,655 if you usually do a standard greeting, you could try having 41 00:02:01,655 --> 00:02:04,775 your students greet each other with a compliment instead. Or 42 00:02:04,775 --> 00:02:07,715 try adding a quick new activity, nothing that's going to take a 43 00:02:07,715 --> 00:02:10,715 lot of work on your part, but something like a daily joke or a 44 00:02:10,715 --> 00:02:13,355 question of the day, or a would you rather of the day. 45 00:02:13,180 --> 00:02:16,360 Emily: Oh, I love it. Small changes like this can really 46 00:02:16,360 --> 00:02:19,960 refresh your routine. It is all about that balance of routine 47 00:02:19,960 --> 00:02:22,840 and novelty that we talk about a lot here that helps keep 48 00:02:22,840 --> 00:02:26,680 students engaged. Your students will love surprises like this in 49 00:02:26,680 --> 00:02:30,160 the middle of a daily routine, and it often just leads to more 50 00:02:30,160 --> 00:02:33,400 engagement during a time when energy is probably flagging. 51 00:02:33,940 --> 00:02:37,120 Heidi: Plus it's a no prep activity that still packs a big 52 00:02:37,165 --> 00:02:40,885 impact. Just one small change can make the whole morning feel 53 00:02:40,885 --> 00:02:41,365 fresh again. 54 00:02:41,365 --> 00:02:44,665 Emily: If you like this idea or anything else we share here on 55 00:02:44,665 --> 00:02:47,965 the podcast, would you make our day by taking a second to give 56 00:02:47,965 --> 00:02:51,085 us a five star rating and review on Apple podcasts? 57 00:02:52,045 --> 00:02:55,105 Heidi: So today, we are talking about five smart ways to get 58 00:02:55,105 --> 00:02:58,525 ahead on back to school prep while you are still in your 59 00:02:58,525 --> 00:03:01,990 classroom this May. I know some of you might be giving us the 60 00:03:01,990 --> 00:03:06,070 side eye right now, and that is totally justified, but hear us 61 00:03:06,070 --> 00:03:09,850 out. In last week's episode, we talked about why May is actually 62 00:03:09,850 --> 00:03:12,790 the perfect time to start thinking ahead to next year. 63 00:03:12,000 --> 00:03:16,800 Emily: It really is. When you're still in the classroom, all 64 00:03:16,800 --> 00:03:19,740 those pain points are crystal clear. You still have your 65 00:03:19,740 --> 00:03:22,680 classroom fully set up, and you can even test things out with 66 00:03:22,680 --> 00:03:25,500 your current students. Plus doing a little bit of planning 67 00:03:25,500 --> 00:03:29,880 now can seriously reduce your back to school panic later and 68 00:03:29,880 --> 00:03:33,060 lighten your summer mental load. And who does not want that? 69 00:03:33,720 --> 00:03:36,525 Heidi: So today, we are getting super specific with five 70 00:03:36,525 --> 00:03:39,885 actionable things that you can do right now in the month of 71 00:03:39,885 --> 00:03:42,825 May, to set yourself up for success when you return in the 72 00:03:42,825 --> 00:03:46,305 fall. And none of these things will take hours after school. 73 00:03:46,605 --> 00:03:49,545 These are quick wins that will pay big dividends when August 74 00:03:49,545 --> 00:03:50,145 rolls around. 75 00:03:50,685 --> 00:03:54,045 Emily: All right, let's dive into our first task for smart 76 00:03:54,105 --> 00:03:56,625 back to school prep in May. What's up first, Heidi? 77 00:03:57,345 --> 00:03:59,850 Heidi: Well, the first thing you can do in May for back to school 78 00:03:59,850 --> 00:04:03,750 is to save your old crayons, your markers, and other supplies 79 00:04:03,990 --> 00:04:07,530 to use during the first week of school. This solves a problem 80 00:04:07,530 --> 00:04:11,130 that drives me crazy every year. Students are using their brand 81 00:04:11,130 --> 00:04:13,830 new materials before they know how to care for them properly, 82 00:04:14,190 --> 00:04:17,310 especially if you have funded these materials yourself. There 83 00:04:17,310 --> 00:04:20,430 is nothing sadder than watching a fresh box of crayons get 84 00:04:20,430 --> 00:04:24,015 demolished within like three days because you haven't had 85 00:04:24,015 --> 00:04:25,635 time to teach crayon procedures yet. 86 00:04:24,920 --> 00:04:28,066 Emily: So before you send students home with their supply 87 00:04:28,129 --> 00:04:32,094 boxes at the end of the year, or before you toss out those half 88 00:04:32,157 --> 00:04:35,178 used items, set aside a collection of first week 89 00:04:35,240 --> 00:04:39,016 supplies. So grab the stubby crayons, the markers that still 90 00:04:39,079 --> 00:04:42,226 work but aren't quite as vibrant, or those colored 91 00:04:42,289 --> 00:04:46,002 pencils that are a bit shorter but still have life in them. 92 00:04:45,280 --> 00:06:22,885 Emily: plan to work on over the break. That might be new 93 00:04:46,065 --> 00:04:49,715 Store these in a bin labeled first week supplies, and tuck 94 00:04:49,778 --> 00:04:51,100 them away for August. 95 00:06:22,885 --> 00:06:26,605 curriculum to review, books you want to read, or laminating you 96 00:06:26,605 --> 00:06:29,545 need to cut out. If you have goals for working in the summer, 97 00:06:29,545 --> 00:06:32,245 it's helpful to have your resources in one place. 98 00:06:32,245 --> 00:06:35,185 Heidi: This is handy, because if you have to pack up your room 99 00:06:35,185 --> 00:06:38,845 before summer, like so many of us do, you're probably cramming 100 00:06:38,845 --> 00:06:42,205 stuff into any available space. That means in the middle of 101 00:06:42,205 --> 00:06:43,690 July, when you need your teacher's manual, you're going 102 00:06:43,690 --> 00:06:46,090 to have to dig it out. 103 00:06:46,090 --> 00:06:49,210 Emily: But if that manual is already in your bin, you're good 104 00:06:49,210 --> 00:06:52,690 to go. Just be honest with yourself about how much you're 105 00:06:52,690 --> 00:06:57,490 really going to get done. If you know deep down that you are not 106 00:06:57,490 --> 00:07:00,970 going to touch that vocabulary planning all summer, don't put 107 00:07:00,970 --> 00:07:03,550 it in the summer working bin. It's okay, just accept it. 108 00:07:03,550 --> 00:07:07,030 Heidi: Bin number two is classroom setup. These are the 109 00:07:07,075 --> 00:07:10,015 things you'll need right away to set up your room, your favorite 110 00:07:10,015 --> 00:07:12,835 posters, your desk accessories, label maker, bulletin board 111 00:07:12,835 --> 00:07:14,515 supplies, all of that fun stuff. 112 00:07:15,175 --> 00:07:17,935 Emily: And sometimes we call this our need first box, because 113 00:07:17,935 --> 00:07:20,755 it has everything in it that you're going to need right away 114 00:07:20,755 --> 00:07:22,255 when you get back to your classroom. 115 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:25,000 Heidi: And then bin number three, which might be my 116 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:28,540 favorite, is first week of school. This is everything 117 00:07:28,540 --> 00:07:31,480 you'll need, specifically for those opening days, your first 118 00:07:31,480 --> 00:07:34,240 week lesson plans, name tags, get to know your activities, 119 00:07:34,360 --> 00:07:37,300 your favorite back to school read alouds, those save supplies 120 00:07:37,300 --> 00:07:40,360 that we just talked about, and materials for any special first 121 00:07:40,360 --> 00:07:41,560 day traditions that you have. 122 00:07:42,040 --> 00:07:44,620 Emily: I love this three bin system because it helps you 123 00:07:44,620 --> 00:07:47,965 prioritize. When you return in August, you know exactly what to 124 00:07:47,965 --> 00:07:51,505 unpack first. You're not digging through 15 random boxes trying 125 00:07:51,505 --> 00:07:54,445 to find your lunch schedule or your welcome letter. It also 126 00:07:54,445 --> 00:07:57,265 helps you be realistic about what you're actually going to 127 00:07:57,265 --> 00:07:58,465 accomplish over the summer. 128 00:07:58,945 --> 00:08:01,645 Heidi: To make this super easy, just grab three storage bins or 129 00:08:01,645 --> 00:08:05,065 even those large reusable shopping bags, label them 130 00:08:05,065 --> 00:08:07,877 clearly and start sorting as you're cleaning up your 131 00:08:07,877 --> 00:08:10,870 classroom these last few weeks. This might take you, what, an 132 00:08:10,870 --> 00:08:13,750 extra 20 minutes now, but it's going to save you hours of 133 00:08:13,750 --> 00:08:16,990 frustration in August. Okay Emily, what is next? 134 00:08:17,290 --> 00:08:20,410 Emily: Well, our third task for back to school is to prepare as 135 00:08:20,410 --> 00:08:23,830 many permanent displays as possible before you leave in 136 00:08:23,830 --> 00:08:27,430 May. This is one of those work smarter, not harder, tips that 137 00:08:27,430 --> 00:08:30,730 can save you so much time. Look around your classroom right now 138 00:08:30,790 --> 00:08:34,375 and identify which displays stay relatively consistent year to 139 00:08:34,375 --> 00:08:38,455 year, things like your calendar area, alphabet displays, number 140 00:08:38,455 --> 00:08:42,835 lines, classroom rules or values, and your subject area 141 00:08:42,835 --> 00:08:46,435 reference charts. If these don't change much, why recreate them 142 00:08:46,435 --> 00:08:47,395 every single year? 143 00:08:48,175 --> 00:08:50,455 Heidi: If you can leave things up on your walls and bulletin 144 00:08:50,515 --> 00:08:54,085 boards, then absolutely do. Just take down what's related to this 145 00:08:54,085 --> 00:08:57,580 year and leave up the rest. It's so nice if you can keep things 146 00:08:57,580 --> 00:09:00,520 up and already have your display ready for you to add your new 147 00:09:00,520 --> 00:09:03,340 kids' names and birthdays and calendar items to next year. 148 00:09:03,340 --> 00:09:06,880 Emily: This will vary a lot by school. So if you're not sure 149 00:09:06,880 --> 00:09:09,940 how it is in your building, find out before you do any prep work 150 00:09:09,940 --> 00:09:13,120 for next year. But if you do, unfortunately, have to take 151 00:09:13,180 --> 00:09:15,640 everything down, you can still work smarter. 152 00:09:15,820 --> 00:09:19,765 Heidi: Yes, before you take everything down, take photos of 153 00:09:19,765 --> 00:09:22,645 how these areas are set up. You think you'll remember, you will 154 00:09:22,645 --> 00:09:26,125 not remember. Then carefully take down your core displays and 155 00:09:26,125 --> 00:09:30,505 store them flat in labeled folders or large envelopes. You 156 00:09:30,505 --> 00:09:33,085 could even go a step further and prepare new versions of any 157 00:09:33,085 --> 00:09:35,905 displays that are maybe looking a little bit beat up. A fresh 158 00:09:35,905 --> 00:09:38,965 alphabet line or a newly laminated set of calendar pieces 159 00:09:39,205 --> 00:09:42,370 takes just a few minutes now, but can save you precious setup 160 00:09:42,370 --> 00:09:43,270 time in August. 161 00:09:43,750 --> 00:09:47,290 Emily: May is the perfect time to evaluate which displays 162 00:09:47,290 --> 00:09:49,630 actually served you well this year and which ones just 163 00:09:49,630 --> 00:09:52,990 collected dust. Be strategic about what you want to keep for 164 00:09:52,990 --> 00:09:56,650 next year. One display that we're particularly fond of is 165 00:09:56,650 --> 00:09:59,470 our looking ahead, looking back, bulletin board. 166 00:09:59,890 --> 00:10:03,430 Heidi: I love this one so much. It's a special end of year 167 00:10:03,430 --> 00:10:07,555 activity that transitions beautifully into a beginning of 168 00:10:07,555 --> 00:10:11,215 the year display in the fall. So it is a two for one win. 169 00:10:11,660 --> 00:10:13,880 Emily: Yeah, this starts with your students reflecting on 170 00:10:13,880 --> 00:10:16,820 their favorite parts of the year. You put their memories up 171 00:10:16,820 --> 00:10:19,700 on your bulletin board or wall to enjoy for the rest of the 172 00:10:19,700 --> 00:10:22,640 year, but then after the year ends, or when you come back in 173 00:10:22,640 --> 00:10:25,520 August, you just switch out the title on the bulletin board. So 174 00:10:25,520 --> 00:10:29,420 now, instead of saying looking back on second grade, it says, 175 00:10:29,540 --> 00:10:33,140 looking ahead to second grade. Now your bulletin board shows 176 00:10:33,140 --> 00:10:36,245 your new students some of the fun moments that await them in 177 00:10:36,245 --> 00:10:39,065 your class. If you're interested in trying this, it's available 178 00:10:39,065 --> 00:10:41,525 in our shop, and of course, we will link to that in the show 179 00:10:41,525 --> 00:10:42,005 notes. 180 00:10:42,605 --> 00:10:45,005 Heidi: Other displays to consider prepping now are your 181 00:10:45,005 --> 00:10:49,685 job chart, birthday display, class schedule and any behavior 182 00:10:49,685 --> 00:10:53,525 or incentive systems. Just a little time invested now means 183 00:10:53,525 --> 00:10:57,665 these won't be on your August to do list. All right, Emily, what 184 00:10:57,665 --> 00:10:58,265 is next? 185 00:10:58,790 --> 00:11:01,550 Emily: The fourth task you can do in May for back to school is 186 00:11:01,550 --> 00:11:05,330 to create a new student SOP, which stands for Standard 187 00:11:05,330 --> 00:11:08,930 Operating Procedure, and do it now while your routines are 188 00:11:08,930 --> 00:11:10,130 fresh in your mind. 189 00:11:10,730 --> 00:11:13,250 Heidi: Every teacher knows the mild panic of getting a new 190 00:11:13,250 --> 00:11:17,090 student, especially after those first crucial weeks when you 191 00:11:17,090 --> 00:11:19,550 have already taught all of your new procedures. 192 00:11:19,910 --> 00:11:22,475 Emily: And somehow those new students always seem to arrive 193 00:11:22,475 --> 00:11:26,555 at the most inconvenient times, like right before lunch, during 194 00:11:26,555 --> 00:11:29,915 a big class project, or, you know, 30 minutes after you 195 00:11:29,915 --> 00:11:31,055 started the school day. 196 00:11:31,475 --> 00:11:35,435 Heidi: Oh, always. So the idea here is to create a simple 197 00:11:35,435 --> 00:11:38,195 checklist of everything a new student needs to know and to 198 00:11:38,255 --> 00:11:41,975 have. This becomes your ready to go protocol that you can hand to 199 00:11:41,975 --> 00:11:45,500 a buddy student or a teaching assistant to help them get a new 200 00:11:45,500 --> 00:11:46,640 arrival up to speed. 201 00:11:47,060 --> 00:11:49,520 Emily: Your SOP might include things like where to hang 202 00:11:49,520 --> 00:11:53,540 backpacks, how to order lunch, bathroom procedures, how to use 203 00:11:53,540 --> 00:11:57,440 classroom materials, what the signal for attention means, how 204 00:11:57,440 --> 00:12:00,440 center rotations work. You know, all those little things that 205 00:12:00,440 --> 00:12:01,760 make your classroom run smoothly. 206 00:12:02,360 --> 00:12:05,180 Heidi: And also don't forget the physical items that a new 207 00:12:05,180 --> 00:12:08,765 student needs, a name tag, cubby label, supply box, folder, login 208 00:12:08,765 --> 00:12:12,245 information and so on. Plus, there's all the behind the 209 00:12:12,245 --> 00:12:14,945 scenes stuff of adding the parents to your communication 210 00:12:14,945 --> 00:12:17,525 system and informing any specialty teachers that you've 211 00:12:17,525 --> 00:12:20,525 got a new student coming. So with all of that to manage, 212 00:12:20,525 --> 00:12:24,725 really the best time to create this list is now in May, when 213 00:12:24,725 --> 00:12:27,545 all of your systems are solidified and running smoothly. 214 00:12:28,085 --> 00:12:30,770 Emily: Rght. Because in May, you can clearly see exactly what 215 00:12:30,770 --> 00:12:33,890 makes your classroom tick. It is hard to remember some of these 216 00:12:33,890 --> 00:12:36,410 details once you have been blissfully free of your 217 00:12:36,410 --> 00:12:37,670 classroom for a couple months. 218 00:12:37,670 --> 00:12:41,450 Heidi: One idea is to make two versions, a simplified one for 219 00:12:41,450 --> 00:12:44,510 students who might be helping a new classmate, and a more 220 00:12:44,510 --> 00:12:47,810 detailed one for the teacher. Once you have your SOP, you can 221 00:12:47,810 --> 00:12:51,170 store it in a visible place, maybe with your sub folder or 222 00:12:51,170 --> 00:12:55,235 taped inside a cupboard door. You could even create a little 223 00:12:55,235 --> 00:12:58,835 welcome folder with all of the essentials that you or your 224 00:12:58,835 --> 00:13:00,215 helper can just grab and go. 225 00:13:00,815 --> 00:13:03,875 Emily: Or you could put it into any new student supply packs you 226 00:13:03,875 --> 00:13:06,635 make. This takes maybe 30 minutes to put together now, it 227 00:13:06,635 --> 00:13:08,075 will save you so much stress later. 228 00:13:08,735 --> 00:13:11,195 Heidi: Plus it ensures new students feel welcomed and get 229 00:13:11,195 --> 00:13:14,135 consistent information, rather than just having to piece things 230 00:13:14,135 --> 00:13:15,155 together as they go along. 231 00:13:15,900 --> 00:13:18,060 Emily: And it's one less thing that you have to worry about in 232 00:13:18,060 --> 00:13:20,960 those first few months of school. Your future self will be 233 00:13:20,960 --> 00:13:24,020 so grateful when that new student shows up in mid October. 234 00:13:24,800 --> 00:13:27,260 Okay, Heidi, last task, let's hear it. 235 00:13:27,660 --> 00:13:30,960 Heidi: Well, our fifth and final back to school task for May is 236 00:13:30,960 --> 00:13:36,420 to create a first day quick win before you leave for summer. I 237 00:13:36,420 --> 00:13:39,660 think this is my favorite tip, because it addresses that back 238 00:13:39,660 --> 00:13:43,380 to school anxiety that sneaks up on even the most experienced 239 00:13:43,380 --> 00:13:46,920 teachers. You know, when the nightmares start and it's the 240 00:13:46,920 --> 00:13:49,260 first day of school and you have nothing prepared, or you're 241 00:13:49,260 --> 00:13:51,525 trapped somewhere, you can't get where you need to be. This 242 00:13:51,525 --> 00:13:54,465 strategy is the antidote to that anxiety. 243 00:13:54,945 --> 00:13:58,425 Emily: The idea is simple but powerful. Just prepare one key 244 00:13:58,485 --> 00:14:01,905 element of your first day back now, while you're still in 245 00:14:01,905 --> 00:14:05,265 teacher mode. A great option is to prepare your first morning 246 00:14:05,265 --> 00:14:08,085 arrival task, just something students can start working on 247 00:14:08,085 --> 00:14:09,465 immediately when they walk in. 248 00:14:09,465 --> 00:14:13,185 Heidi: We love pattern blocks or Legos for your first day arrival 249 00:14:13,185 --> 00:14:16,050 activity. And we have got a couple of resources that you can 250 00:14:16,050 --> 00:14:19,230 use just for this. So we will link to that in the show notes. 251 00:14:19,650 --> 00:14:22,110 Emily: You could also prep a favorite read aloud and the 252 00:14:22,110 --> 00:14:25,170 activity that goes with it, or another activity you know you'll 253 00:14:25,170 --> 00:14:26,490 want to do that first day. 254 00:14:27,090 --> 00:14:29,970 Heidi: Just having one piece fully ready gives you an 255 00:14:29,970 --> 00:14:34,050 incredible peace of mind. When that mid July panic starts to 256 00:14:34,050 --> 00:14:36,030 creep in, you can remind yourself, Hey, I've already 257 00:14:36,030 --> 00:14:38,115 started. I am not starting from zero. 258 00:14:38,835 --> 00:14:41,115 Emily: Whatever you choose, make it something that will truly 259 00:14:41,115 --> 00:14:44,235 help that first day run more smoothly. This is also a great 260 00:14:44,235 --> 00:14:47,295 time to jot down any special first day traditions you want to 261 00:14:47,295 --> 00:14:50,655 continue, or new ones you want to try. Sometimes those details 262 00:14:50,655 --> 00:14:53,535 fade over the summer and we only remember them the night before 263 00:14:53,535 --> 00:14:54,375 school starts. 264 00:14:55,275 --> 00:14:57,915 Heidi: That's the worst, you're like, I was gonna do that now, 265 00:14:57,975 --> 00:15:03,060 yep, no time. So stop that now and get your list going. Setting 266 00:15:03,060 --> 00:15:06,600 up this quick first day win takes minimal effort now, but 267 00:15:06,600 --> 00:15:10,380 provides maximum relief later. It's like sending a little gift 268 00:15:10,380 --> 00:15:15,120 to your future, maybe slightly panicked, August self. We love 269 00:15:15,120 --> 00:15:16,200 helping future you. 270 00:15:17,340 --> 00:15:21,000 Emily: So let's recap our five smart tasks for May back to 271 00:15:21,000 --> 00:15:24,465 school prep. Number one, save some of your old supplies so 272 00:15:24,465 --> 00:15:26,805 that you can use them when you're teaching proper 273 00:15:26,805 --> 00:15:31,725 procedures. Number two, create a three bin system to organize 274 00:15:31,725 --> 00:15:35,745 your summer working materials, your classroom setup or need 275 00:15:35,745 --> 00:15:39,705 first essentials and the first week of school must haves. 276 00:15:40,425 --> 00:15:43,425 Number three, prep per minute displays now so they're ready to 277 00:15:43,425 --> 00:15:47,970 hang in August. Number four, create a new student SOP while 278 00:15:47,970 --> 00:15:51,330 your routines are fresh in your mind. And number five, set up a 279 00:15:51,330 --> 00:15:54,390 first day quick win that gives your future self a head start. 280 00:15:55,110 --> 00:15:57,630 Heidi: None of these strategies should take more than an hour at 281 00:15:57,630 --> 00:16:01,290 the most, but together, they'll save you so many hours of stress 282 00:16:01,290 --> 00:16:04,530 and preparation in August, and if you want more help planning 283 00:16:04,530 --> 00:16:07,710 for next year, don't forget to check out our free end of year 284 00:16:07,710 --> 00:16:11,055 roadmap. It's a digital planning tool that helps you reflect on 285 00:16:11,055 --> 00:16:13,635 what worked this year, what didn't, and what you want to 286 00:16:13,635 --> 00:16:14,535 change for next year. 287 00:16:14,955 --> 00:16:17,355 Emily: It's completely free, and you can access it through the 288 00:16:17,355 --> 00:16:20,295 link in our show notes. You can fill it all out at once, or 289 00:16:20,295 --> 00:16:21,735 little by little as you have time. 290 00:16:21,735 --> 00:16:24,255 Heidi: But in the meantime, we would love to hear which of 291 00:16:24,255 --> 00:16:27,075 these five tasks you are going to try. Come join the 292 00:16:27,075 --> 00:16:29,175 conversation in our Teacher Approved Facebook group. 293 00:16:30,380 --> 00:16:33,320 Emily: Now for our Teacher Approved Tip of the Week, where 294 00:16:33,320 --> 00:16:36,440 we share an actionable tip to help you elevate what matters 295 00:16:36,440 --> 00:16:40,040 and simplify the rest. This week's teacher approved tip is 296 00:16:40,040 --> 00:16:44,420 create welcome back goodie bags for your teacher teammates. Tell 297 00:16:44,420 --> 00:16:45,320 us about this, Heidi. 298 00:16:45,980 --> 00:16:48,380 Heidi: We all know that first day back for teachers can be 299 00:16:48,380 --> 00:16:51,440 overwhelming. There's so much to do and so little time, and 300 00:16:51,440 --> 00:16:54,785 you're so tired. A small gesture that can make a big difference 301 00:16:54,785 --> 00:16:57,605 is preparing little welcome back treats for your grade level team 302 00:16:57,605 --> 00:16:58,745 or teaching partners. 303 00:16:59,165 --> 00:17:01,925 Emily: These don't have to be elaborate or expensive, a simple 304 00:17:01,925 --> 00:17:04,925 paper bag with a few thoughtful items can be such a morale 305 00:17:04,925 --> 00:17:07,925 booster when you're all rushing around trying to get classrooms 306 00:17:07,925 --> 00:17:08,345 ready. 307 00:17:08,705 --> 00:17:11,525 Heidi: Some things you might want to include are chapstick, 308 00:17:11,645 --> 00:17:15,065 colorful sticky notes, a pack of markers, or some chocolate. 309 00:17:15,065 --> 00:17:17,750 Because, you know, chocolate does make everything better. 310 00:17:19,010 --> 00:17:22,310 Emily: I love adding a small moisturizing hand sanitizer or 311 00:17:22,310 --> 00:17:25,130 lotion, especially since teachers hands take such a 312 00:17:25,130 --> 00:17:28,490 beating during those first weeks back. And if you can find them 313 00:17:28,490 --> 00:17:30,830 on sale now, it's so much cheaper than buying them in 314 00:17:30,830 --> 00:17:34,010 August, when school supplies are at premium prices. 315 00:17:34,010 --> 00:17:36,770 Heidi: The key is to make these now while you have a little 316 00:17:36,770 --> 00:17:39,815 time, and then just tuck them away with your first week bin 317 00:17:39,815 --> 00:17:42,635 that we talked about earlier. You can even add a simple 318 00:17:42,635 --> 00:17:45,035 handwritten note saying how excited you are to work together 319 00:17:45,035 --> 00:17:48,875 this year. But just a warning, if you add chocolate, make sure 320 00:17:48,875 --> 00:17:51,875 to keep this bin someplace cool and not in the trunk of your 321 00:17:51,875 --> 00:17:52,355 car. 322 00:17:52,475 --> 00:17:55,895 Emily: For sure. What makes this tip special is that it's 323 00:17:55,895 --> 00:17:59,075 focusing on teacher to teacher connections. We spend so much 324 00:17:59,075 --> 00:18:01,655 time preparing for our students, but our colleagues are such an 325 00:18:01,700 --> 00:18:03,980 important part of our daily support system. 326 00:18:03,980 --> 00:18:06,560 Heidi: Start planning these little welcome bags now when 327 00:18:06,560 --> 00:18:09,620 you're not in a rush and you'll be everyone's favorite teammate 328 00:18:09,620 --> 00:18:12,860 when you hand them out during the first hectic work day. And 329 00:18:12,860 --> 00:18:14,780 you know, don't we all want that a little bit? 330 00:18:15,980 --> 00:18:17,540 Emily: I always want to be the favorite. 331 00:18:18,920 --> 00:18:23,000 Heidi: We are not above bribery here. But really it's a simple 332 00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:24,193 gesture that just shows that we are all in this together. 333 00:18:24,193 --> 00:18:24,420 All right, to wrap up the show, we are sharing what we're giving 334 00:18:24,420 --> 00:18:28,025 extra credit to this week. Emily, what gets your extra 335 00:18:28,025 --> 00:18:28,505 credit? 336 00:18:28,565 --> 00:18:35,345 Emily: I'm giving extra credit to the new peanut butter flavor 337 00:18:35,345 --> 00:18:39,125 of my favorite Barebells protein bars. So I think I've given 338 00:18:39,125 --> 00:18:42,845 extra credit to Barebells before. Barebells are far and 339 00:18:42,845 --> 00:18:45,905 away the yummiest protein bars I've ever tasted, and the peanut 340 00:18:45,905 --> 00:18:49,970 butter flavor is next level. It quickly shot to my favorite 341 00:18:49,970 --> 00:18:54,110 flavor, and it's not too peanut buttery, which I think is a good 342 00:18:54,110 --> 00:18:57,410 thing. It's not like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. 343 00:18:57,410 --> 00:18:58,430 Heidi: Yeah, that would be a lot. 344 00:18:58,000 --> 00:18:59,440 Emily: But in a good way. 345 00:18:59,620 --> 00:19:01,720 Heidi: Maybe I'll have to come steal one and see how I like it. 346 00:19:01,720 --> 00:19:04,840 Emily: Yes, you should. What are you giving extra credit to, 347 00:19:04,840 --> 00:19:05,080 Heidi? 348 00:19:05,200 --> 00:19:08,740 Heidi: Well, I'm giving extra credit to the celebrity British 349 00:19:08,740 --> 00:19:13,060 Bake Off on the Roku channel. So they've done this for years. I 350 00:19:13,060 --> 00:19:16,780 think ever since Great British Bake Off started, they would do 351 00:19:16,780 --> 00:19:22,420 some celebrity episodes as a fundraiser for red no state. But 352 00:19:22,465 --> 00:19:26,005 we just never got it here in the US. PBS didn't show up. It 353 00:19:26,005 --> 00:19:28,765 didn't show up on Netflix. So I've seen some episodes on 354 00:19:28,765 --> 00:19:30,985 YouTube, but otherwise it's just really hit or miss what you 355 00:19:30,985 --> 00:19:35,665 could see. But Roku started showing it, and Roku is free, 356 00:19:35,785 --> 00:19:38,305 but does have ads. But I didn't think the ads were too bad. It 357 00:19:38,305 --> 00:19:42,025 was just maybe one mid episode ad, and it was just really fun 358 00:19:42,025 --> 00:19:46,990 to see, you know, people who can't bake try to do like the 359 00:19:46,990 --> 00:19:50,050 similar activities that they do in a regular Bake Off episode. 360 00:19:50,710 --> 00:19:53,470 People have no idea what they're doing, so which is almost more 361 00:19:53,470 --> 00:19:57,370 fun. Do I know all of the celebrities? I do not. 362 00:19:57,970 --> 00:20:01,510 Emily: No, a lot of them are very Britain specific 363 00:20:01,510 --> 00:20:02,710 celebrities. 364 00:20:02,950 --> 00:20:05,230 Heidi: But they're still very entertaining. So if you want 365 00:20:05,230 --> 00:20:07,570 something fun and light to get you through these last few 366 00:20:07,570 --> 00:20:11,215 months of school, definitely check out the celebrity British 367 00:20:11,215 --> 00:20:12,055 Bake Off episodes. 368 00:20:12,055 --> 00:20:14,995 Emily: And when you told me about this, I immediately turned 369 00:20:14,995 --> 00:20:18,895 it on and found the James McAvoy episode that I have wanted to 370 00:20:18,895 --> 00:20:22,435 watch for like, what, wasn't that like 2020, or 2021? So I 371 00:20:22,435 --> 00:20:26,275 finally got to watch it, no spoilers, but he did an 372 00:20:26,275 --> 00:20:27,295 excellent job. 373 00:20:27,475 --> 00:20:29,575 Heidi: He really did. I was surprised at how well he did at 374 00:20:29,575 --> 00:20:29,935 baking. 375 00:20:30,235 --> 00:20:32,440 Emily: I know, he took it seriously, which I think is fun, 376 00:20:32,440 --> 00:20:35,380 because a lot of times on here, some of them take it super 377 00:20:35,380 --> 00:20:39,280 seriously, and some are just there to be silly. And I like it 378 00:20:39,280 --> 00:20:41,860 when they try really hard, and then if they fail, it's still 379 00:20:41,860 --> 00:20:44,500 great, but I just wanted them to have tried hard before they 380 00:20:44,560 --> 00:20:45,160 fail. 381 00:20:46,620 --> 00:20:48,840 Heidi: It's kind of like, if you've ever seen people around 382 00:20:48,840 --> 00:20:50,940 the Olympics being like, they should always just have one 383 00:20:50,940 --> 00:20:54,600 regular person in an Olympic event, you can really appreciate 384 00:20:54,600 --> 00:20:58,800 how talented the Olympians are. This is kind of that, if you've 385 00:20:58,800 --> 00:21:00,720 watched the regular Bake Off episodes. 386 00:21:00,720 --> 00:21:04,380 Emily: Yes, exactly. Well, that's it for today's episode. 387 00:21:04,500 --> 00:21:07,500 Try out some of these five smart ways to prep for back to school 388 00:21:07,500 --> 00:21:07,860 this May. 389 00:21:07,860 --> 00:21:11,145 Heidi: And don't forget our Teacher Approved tip to create 390 00:21:11,145 --> 00:21:13,605 those welcome back goody bags for your teaching teammates. 391 00:21:13,905 --> 00:21:16,785 It's such a simple way to start the year with positivity and 392 00:21:16,785 --> 00:21:17,385 connection. 393 00:21:19,905 --> 00:21:23,745 We hope you enjoyed this episode of Teacher Approved. I'm Heidi. 394 00:21:23,805 --> 00:21:27,045 Emily: And I'm Emily. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow 395 00:21:27,045 --> 00:21:29,625 or subscribe in your podcast app so that you never miss an 396 00:21:29,625 --> 00:21:29,985 episode. 397 00:21:29,985 --> 00:21:32,790 Heidi: You can connect with us and other teachers in the 398 00:21:32,790 --> 00:21:36,030 Teacher Approved Facebook group. We'll see you here next week. 399 00:21:36,210 --> 00:21:36,870 Bye for now. 400 00:21:36,870 --> 00:21:37,830 Emily: Bye.