1 00:00:01,020 --> 00:00:03,600 Heidi: This is episode 226 of Teacher Approved. 2 00:00:05,040 --> 00:00:09,480 You're listening to Teacher Approved, the podcast helping 3 00:00:09,480 --> 00:00:13,200 educators elevate what matters and simplify the rest. I'm 4 00:00:13,200 --> 00:00:13,740 Heidi. 5 00:00:13,980 --> 00:00:17,100 Emily: And I'm Emily. We're the creators behind Second Story 6 00:00:17,100 --> 00:00:20,100 Window, where we give research based and teacher approved 7 00:00:20,100 --> 00:00:22,680 strategies that make teaching less stressful and more 8 00:00:22,680 --> 00:00:26,145 effective. You can check out the show notes and resources from 9 00:00:26,145 --> 00:00:28,605 each episode at secondstorywindow.net. 10 00:00:28,905 --> 00:00:31,725 Heidi: We're so glad you're tuning in today. Let's get to 11 00:00:31,725 --> 00:00:32,265 the show. 12 00:00:36,585 --> 00:00:39,645 Emily: Hey there. Thanks for joining us today. In today's 13 00:00:39,645 --> 00:00:43,005 episode, we are talking about the October reset, how to 14 00:00:43,005 --> 00:00:46,305 transition from back to school survival mode to sustainable 15 00:00:46,305 --> 00:00:49,770 teaching that actually feels good. Plus we're sharing a 16 00:00:49,770 --> 00:00:52,170 teacher approved tip for recharging your energy bank. 17 00:00:52,170 --> 00:00:55,530 Heidi: But first, let's start with a try it tomorrow, where we 18 00:00:55,530 --> 00:00:57,810 share a quick win that you can try in your classroom right 19 00:00:57,810 --> 00:01:00,270 away. Emily, what's our suggestion for this week? 20 00:01:00,750 --> 00:01:03,330 Emily: Well, this week, try the one minute check in with 21 00:01:03,330 --> 00:01:06,450 yourself right before students arrive. You just set a timer on 22 00:01:06,450 --> 00:01:09,150 your phone and spend 60 seconds just noticing how you're 23 00:01:10,110 --> 00:01:13,515 feeling—tired, excited, overwhelmed, ready. You don't 24 00:01:13,515 --> 00:01:16,395 have to fix anything or change anything. It's just a good 25 00:01:16,395 --> 00:01:18,975 moment to acknowledge however you're feeling. 26 00:01:19,500 --> 00:01:22,220 Heidi: I love this. I think this is so helpful, because sometimes 27 00:01:22,220 --> 00:01:24,800 we are so busy running on autopilot, especially as 28 00:01:24,800 --> 00:01:28,220 teachers, that we don't even realize we're exhausted until we 29 00:01:28,280 --> 00:01:31,580 have reached a point where we're completely depleted. Taking a 30 00:01:31,580 --> 00:01:34,940 minute to just pause and think about how you're handling things 31 00:01:35,180 --> 00:01:37,520 can really help you make better choices about your energy 32 00:01:37,520 --> 00:01:40,220 throughout the day, and hopefully save you from reaching 33 00:01:40,220 --> 00:01:41,380 that depleted point. 34 00:01:41,920 --> 00:01:44,740 Emily: Yes, love that. If you like this idea or anything else 35 00:01:44,740 --> 00:01:47,080 we share here on the podcast, we would love it if you would take 36 00:01:47,080 --> 00:01:49,840 a second and give us a five star rating and review in your 37 00:01:49,840 --> 00:01:50,500 podcast app. 38 00:01:51,680 --> 00:01:54,680 Heidi: Well, Emily, can you believe it? September is almost 39 00:01:54,680 --> 00:01:55,040 over. 40 00:01:55,640 --> 00:01:58,220 Emily: I don't know how the months just get faster as the 41 00:01:58,220 --> 00:02:01,280 year goes on, like January never ends, and then once we're 42 00:02:01,280 --> 00:02:04,760 hitting September, it's just like, zoom, zoom, zoom. But I'm 43 00:02:04,760 --> 00:02:07,340 hoping I can get my feet under me now that it feels like we're 44 00:02:07,340 --> 00:02:10,100 settling back into the old routine. 45 00:02:10,460 --> 00:02:14,525 Heidi: Oh, yes, totally the same. I swear the Fourth of July 46 00:02:14,525 --> 00:02:18,125 was, should have just been last week. And now we're talking 47 00:02:18,125 --> 00:02:18,845 about October. 48 00:02:18,845 --> 00:02:20,525 Emily: I know it's basically Christmas. 49 00:02:20,525 --> 00:02:24,185 Heidi: Yes, I've definitely got whiplash. I don't know what's 50 00:02:24,185 --> 00:02:26,945 going on. And I guess it makes sense, because we spend all 51 00:02:26,945 --> 00:02:29,405 summer prepping for back to school, and we have all the 52 00:02:29,405 --> 00:02:31,985 effort of trying to get the year off the ground, and that by the 53 00:02:31,985 --> 00:02:35,465 time we finally get through those weeks, we're just wiped 54 00:02:35,465 --> 00:02:35,765 out. 55 00:02:36,050 --> 00:02:39,110 Emily: Yeah, so tired. And unfortunately, at that point, 56 00:02:39,110 --> 00:02:43,070 there's not a break in sight, at least not in the near sight. 57 00:02:43,370 --> 00:02:46,070 That can feel pretty overwhelming. It's like trying 58 00:02:46,070 --> 00:02:50,390 to nap while pedaling a bike. The house projects, the family 59 00:02:50,390 --> 00:02:53,030 needs, the personal goals that you put on pause, they're all 60 00:02:53,030 --> 00:02:55,910 now clamoring for your attention all at once. 61 00:02:56,150 --> 00:02:58,370 Heidi: Not to mention that all of the school demands aren't 62 00:02:58,370 --> 00:03:02,315 going anywhere. So if no one is going to give us a break, we're 63 00:03:02,315 --> 00:03:05,855 going to have to manufacture one. And October is actually the 64 00:03:05,855 --> 00:03:10,775 perfect time for what Emily and I are calling the October reset. 65 00:03:10,895 --> 00:03:12,275 Emily: Everything's better with a title. 66 00:03:12,395 --> 00:03:13,175 Heidi: Yes. 67 00:03:13,175 --> 00:03:16,715 Emily: So if you think of it like gardening, September was 68 00:03:16,715 --> 00:03:20,615 the planting season. You're doing all that intensive back 69 00:03:20,615 --> 00:03:23,075 breaking work of getting everything established. 70 00:03:23,495 --> 00:03:26,240 Heidi: Right. There was all your room prep, procedure teaching, 71 00:03:26,240 --> 00:03:29,660 so much procedure teaching, relationship building. That was 72 00:03:29,660 --> 00:03:32,360 like preparing the soil and getting all your little seeds in 73 00:03:32,360 --> 00:03:32,780 the ground. 74 00:03:33,260 --> 00:03:36,140 Emily: And now you're in a different season, the intensive 75 00:03:36,140 --> 00:03:38,540 planting is done, but that doesn't mean the work stops. 76 00:03:38,540 --> 00:03:41,600 You're just in a different phase, the tending phase, and 77 00:03:41,600 --> 00:03:44,120 tending requires a completely different kind of energy. 78 00:03:44,600 --> 00:03:47,405 Heidi: Which this is actually good news, because you cannot 79 00:03:47,405 --> 00:03:51,065 sustain planting season energy for another eight months, you 80 00:03:51,065 --> 00:03:53,345 would just completely burn out. Oh, for sure. 81 00:03:53,705 --> 00:03:56,045 Emily: Even if you love your students and your work, teaching 82 00:03:56,045 --> 00:03:58,985 is super demanding. It takes energy and time every single 83 00:03:58,985 --> 00:04:02,225 day. So it's natural to feel a little drained and wonder, how 84 00:04:02,225 --> 00:04:04,565 am I going to sustain this? 85 00:04:05,699 --> 00:04:08,639 Heidi: That is the question. So today we're going to help you 86 00:04:08,639 --> 00:04:11,939 figure out how to shift from planting mode to tending mode, 87 00:04:12,179 --> 00:04:14,759 and we've got five strategies for making this transition 88 00:04:14,759 --> 00:04:18,719 effective so that you can build something sustainable instead of 89 00:04:18,719 --> 00:04:20,539 just white knuckling your way to June. 90 00:04:21,240 --> 00:04:23,880 Emily: Our first strategy is to give yourself permission to feel 91 00:04:23,880 --> 00:04:28,440 the crash, and by crash I mean that drained battery feeling 92 00:04:28,440 --> 00:04:32,340 that shows up in October. This has a little different flavor 93 00:04:32,340 --> 00:04:35,040 than that end of school year exhaustion that I'm sure you're 94 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:38,400 familiar with. Maybe it's pumpkin spice, or maybe it's 95 00:04:38,400 --> 00:04:41,640 knowing that there are still eight months to summer break. 96 00:04:41,760 --> 00:04:44,280 But either way, it is something we all face. 97 00:04:44,700 --> 00:04:48,285 Heidi: Oh, this is so important. When you are high on September 98 00:04:48,285 --> 00:04:51,225 adrenaline, running on four hours of sleep and still getting 99 00:04:51,225 --> 00:04:54,345 200 task cards laminated, just feels like a normal Tuesday 100 00:04:54,345 --> 00:04:59,085 afternoon. But October comes in with a hard dose of reality. 101 00:04:59,085 --> 00:05:01,905 Emily: I used to think something was wrong with me when I felt 102 00:05:01,905 --> 00:05:04,965 tired and kind of flat after the excitement of the new year wore 103 00:05:04,965 --> 00:05:08,250 off, because I'd started so strong. Why couldn't I just keep 104 00:05:08,250 --> 00:05:09,270 going that way? 105 00:05:09,900 --> 00:05:12,900 Heidi: Right. And when we tell ourselves that operating at 106 00:05:12,900 --> 00:05:16,740 level 10 every day is normal, but all we can muster today is 107 00:05:16,740 --> 00:05:21,060 level 6 energy, it kind of feels like a failure. But the truth is 108 00:05:21,060 --> 00:05:24,720 that running on back to school adrenaline is not sustainable. 109 00:05:25,140 --> 00:05:28,020 Your body is actually doing exactly what it's supposed to by 110 00:05:28,020 --> 00:05:29,040 slowing down now. 111 00:05:29,760 --> 00:05:31,980 Emily: It's like how marathon runners don't try to maintain 112 00:05:31,980 --> 00:05:36,345 their sprint pace for all 26 miles. September was a sprint, 113 00:05:36,345 --> 00:05:38,625 and of course, you're tired now. 114 00:05:38,925 --> 00:05:41,925 Heidi: Yes, and the worst part is that while you are recovering 115 00:05:41,925 --> 00:05:44,445 from that sprint, you suddenly notice all of the plates that 116 00:05:44,445 --> 00:05:47,205 you dropped while you were in survival mode. Maybe your 117 00:05:47,205 --> 00:05:49,845 friends all think you're mad at them and you don't remember the 118 00:05:49,845 --> 00:05:51,105 last time you exercised. 119 00:05:51,000 --> 00:05:53,880 Emily: And there's a good chance all that produce you bought back 120 00:05:53,880 --> 00:05:56,760 when you were so sure that this was the year you were gonna pack 121 00:05:56,760 --> 00:06:00,480 a salad for lunch every day has just turned into a lovely 122 00:06:00,480 --> 00:06:04,140 science experiment in your fridge. All that to say, there's 123 00:06:04,140 --> 00:06:05,760 probably a lot that needs your attention. 124 00:06:06,060 --> 00:06:09,120 Heidi: Oh, all of the poor, poor lettuce that is lost in the name 125 00:06:09,120 --> 00:06:13,680 of back to school stress. It has lived its whole life just to end 126 00:06:13,680 --> 00:06:17,505 up as mush in the back of my fridge. For me, this was the 127 00:06:17,505 --> 00:06:21,105 most disheartening part. Well, not the lettuce part. But, 128 00:06:21,345 --> 00:06:25,365 although, that is sad, RIP lettuce, but the way that life 129 00:06:25,365 --> 00:06:28,665 just fell apart when school started. Honestly, as we were 130 00:06:28,665 --> 00:06:31,005 working on the notes for this episode, I got a little teary 131 00:06:31,005 --> 00:06:33,585 just thinking about it. When you're pushing through the 132 00:06:33,585 --> 00:06:37,185 exhaustion to try to maintain good momentum at school, and 133 00:06:37,185 --> 00:06:40,170 when you finally get a second to come up for air, and then the 134 00:06:40,170 --> 00:06:42,750 first thing you see is the laundry pile that's overtaking 135 00:06:42,750 --> 00:06:47,130 the bed. And once you see that, every other ignored task starts 136 00:06:47,130 --> 00:06:50,070 clamoring for attention, and that moment can feel so 137 00:06:50,070 --> 00:06:52,170 overwhelming, to say the least. 138 00:06:52,530 --> 00:06:55,590 Emily: But since you know that that rough moment of wake up is 139 00:06:55,590 --> 00:06:59,490 coming, you can plan for it. Decide now on a simple reminder 140 00:06:59,490 --> 00:07:02,295 you can repeat to pull yourself out of that spiral. So try 141 00:07:02,295 --> 00:07:05,055 something like, this is a normal part of the process. I've 142 00:07:05,055 --> 00:07:08,895 figured this out before, and I will do it again, or, it's okay 143 00:07:08,895 --> 00:07:10,395 to rest before I restore. 144 00:07:11,055 --> 00:07:14,355 Heidi: The chaos of regular life at the start of October is not a 145 00:07:14,355 --> 00:07:18,555 reflection of your worth or your competence. It's just the 146 00:07:18,555 --> 00:07:21,555 natural result of spending your energy on a very demanding 147 00:07:21,555 --> 00:07:24,840 season. Don't put pressure on yourself to have everything back 148 00:07:24,840 --> 00:07:26,040 to normal all at once. 149 00:07:26,460 --> 00:07:29,280 Emily: You will be much happier if you start small with just one 150 00:07:29,280 --> 00:07:32,880 or two neglected tasks and take it from there. So remember, 151 00:07:32,880 --> 00:07:35,760 you're not behind, you're not stuck, and you're definitely not 152 00:07:35,760 --> 00:07:36,240 alone. 153 00:07:36,900 --> 00:07:38,880 Heidi: Yeah, I think most teachers feel this way in 154 00:07:38,880 --> 00:07:41,340 October, even the veterans who've been around the block a 155 00:07:41,340 --> 00:07:44,460 few times. The difference is whether you beat yourself up 156 00:07:44,460 --> 00:07:47,385 about it or you use it as information to make better 157 00:07:47,385 --> 00:07:48,405 choices going forward. 158 00:07:48,405 --> 00:07:51,225 Emily: And that's what we want to help you do today, use this 159 00:07:51,225 --> 00:07:53,505 awareness to build something better. 160 00:07:54,165 --> 00:07:57,345 Heidi: So that sets us up for our second strategy for October, 161 00:07:57,585 --> 00:08:01,185 and that is to identify what's growing and identify what's just 162 00:08:01,185 --> 00:08:04,605 taking up space. So going back to our garden metaphor, by 163 00:08:04,605 --> 00:08:07,845 October, you can see which plants are thriving and which 164 00:08:07,845 --> 00:08:08,745 ones are struggling. 165 00:08:09,165 --> 00:08:11,430 Emily: And what does that mean in your classroom? Well, that 166 00:08:11,430 --> 00:08:14,610 means looking at your systems and routines and asking, what's 167 00:08:14,610 --> 00:08:18,390 working what's making my life easier, and what's just creating 168 00:08:18,390 --> 00:08:20,070 more work without any real benefit. 169 00:08:20,610 --> 00:08:22,890 Heidi: I love this, because it's not about throwing everything 170 00:08:22,890 --> 00:08:25,710 out and starting over, please don't do that, but it's about 171 00:08:25,710 --> 00:08:28,470 being strategic with your energy. Maybe your morning 172 00:08:28,470 --> 00:08:31,950 routine is running smoothly. That is so great. Keep watering 173 00:08:31,950 --> 00:08:32,130 that. 174 00:08:32,900 --> 00:08:35,360 Emily: But maybe your homework system is causing you more 175 00:08:35,360 --> 00:08:37,820 stress than it's worth. Maybe you're stressing over those 176 00:08:37,820 --> 00:08:40,120 anchor charts that none of your students even bother to 177 00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:42,700 reference, those might be weeds you need to pull. 178 00:08:43,300 --> 00:08:46,420 Heidi: Another place where weeds sneak in is with technology. If 179 00:08:46,420 --> 00:08:49,480 you have got a new tech tool or a program that seemed like the 180 00:08:49,480 --> 00:08:52,960 answer to all of your prayers but isn't living up to the hype, 181 00:08:53,260 --> 00:08:55,240 see if that's something you can shelf for now. 182 00:08:55,600 --> 00:08:57,640 Emily: Oh yeah, that shiny new app that was going to 183 00:08:57,640 --> 00:09:01,600 revolutionize everything, but is actually a daily headache. This 184 00:09:01,600 --> 00:09:03,880 is actually easier to see in October than it was in 185 00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:07,900 September, because now you have some real data. So you've lived 186 00:09:07,900 --> 00:09:10,240 with these systems for a few weeks now. 187 00:09:10,780 --> 00:09:13,360 Heidi: Right, in September, everything feels urgent and 188 00:09:13,360 --> 00:09:16,960 important, but now you can step back and ask yourself, Is this 189 00:09:16,960 --> 00:09:20,065 actually helping my students learn, or is it just something I 190 00:09:20,185 --> 00:09:21,145 think I should be doing? 191 00:09:21,145 --> 00:09:24,325 Emily: You can apply this same filter at home too. Look at what 192 00:09:24,325 --> 00:09:27,385 was truly essential for keeping your household running in 193 00:09:27,385 --> 00:09:30,745 September, and put time and effort into making those systems 194 00:09:30,745 --> 00:09:32,125 as supportive as possible. 195 00:09:32,785 --> 00:09:35,185 Heidi: And then take a good look at the rest of the demands on 196 00:09:35,185 --> 00:09:39,265 your time. Use the major life derailment that came with the 197 00:09:39,265 --> 00:09:42,310 start of the school year to get perspective on what is worth 198 00:09:42,310 --> 00:09:44,770 preserving and maybe what needs to go. 199 00:09:46,030 --> 00:09:48,850 Emily: The third strategy for your October reset is to build 200 00:09:48,850 --> 00:09:52,270 in micro recoveries. Think of these as little moments 201 00:09:52,270 --> 00:09:54,970 throughout your day where you can reset your energy instead of 202 00:09:54,970 --> 00:09:57,190 just pushing through until you collapse. 203 00:09:57,910 --> 00:10:00,250 Heidi: This approach is so different from the I'm just 204 00:10:00,250 --> 00:10:03,310 going to wait till winter break mentality. We are talking about 205 00:10:03,310 --> 00:10:06,175 tiny breaks that you can actually take during your 206 00:10:06,175 --> 00:10:07,195 regular school day. 207 00:10:07,855 --> 00:10:10,555 Emily: Even two or three minutes really can make a difference. So 208 00:10:10,555 --> 00:10:12,835 maybe it's drinking your coffee while looking out the window 209 00:10:12,835 --> 00:10:16,435 instead of grading papers, or taking three deep breaths before 210 00:10:16,435 --> 00:10:18,715 you pick up your students from specialty classes. 211 00:10:19,375 --> 00:10:22,075 Heidi: You might actually do a form of this naturally. Do you 212 00:10:22,075 --> 00:10:24,595 ever just sit in your car for a few minutes when you get home, 213 00:10:24,895 --> 00:10:28,780 no phone, no to do list, just sitting? Maybe, if you're like 214 00:10:28,780 --> 00:10:31,480 me, you might beat yourself up a bit about taking this pause in 215 00:10:31,480 --> 00:10:35,080 the car, because there is a perfectly good, much more 216 00:10:35,080 --> 00:10:39,160 comfortable couch waiting inside. But sometimes having the 217 00:10:39,160 --> 00:10:42,280 space to breathe is the bridge we need between demands. 218 00:10:42,280 --> 00:10:47,020 Emily: I know I feel like the car is like this zone in between 219 00:10:47,020 --> 00:10:49,900 responsibilities, and so if you're sitting in your car with 220 00:10:49,900 --> 00:10:55,405 it not on, somehow you're like hidden from the responsibilities 221 00:10:55,405 --> 00:10:59,605 of your life if you're just in that secret space in your car. 222 00:11:00,205 --> 00:11:02,365 Heidi: Especially if you've got kids waiting inside who are 223 00:11:02,365 --> 00:11:03,685 going to want things from you. 224 00:11:03,685 --> 00:11:06,865 Emily: Oh, amen. I usually just stay there until someone comes 225 00:11:06,865 --> 00:11:11,305 looking for me. So this is creating little buffer zones in 226 00:11:11,305 --> 00:11:14,170 your day, instead of going from zero to 60 and then back again 227 00:11:14,230 --> 00:11:14,950 all day long. 228 00:11:15,440 --> 00:11:19,640 Heidi: Yeah, that is a sure fire recipe for exhaustion. The key 229 00:11:19,640 --> 00:11:23,480 is that these micro recoveries have to be realistic. As 230 00:11:23,480 --> 00:11:25,880 restorative as it would be to spend your planning time 231 00:11:25,880 --> 00:11:26,540 meditating. 232 00:11:27,020 --> 00:11:28,280 Emily: I almost laughed out loud. 233 00:11:29,840 --> 00:11:33,980 Heidi: Yeah, it's not very practical. So look for 234 00:11:33,980 --> 00:11:37,760 opportunities that fit in a real classroom with real constraints. 235 00:11:38,260 --> 00:11:41,260 Emily: Although if you do manage to meditate during your prep 236 00:11:41,260 --> 00:11:45,700 time, tell us your secret. So maybe you're going to do a 30 237 00:11:45,700 --> 00:11:49,720 second desk tidy at the end of the day as a micro recovery that 238 00:11:49,720 --> 00:11:52,240 can help you switch from teaching mode to prepare for 239 00:11:52,240 --> 00:11:55,600 tomorrow mode. Or you can try giving yourself a soft landing 240 00:11:55,600 --> 00:11:58,780 routine once you're home from school. Let your kids have 15 241 00:11:58,780 --> 00:12:01,765 minutes of screen time so you can reset before diving into 242 00:12:01,765 --> 00:12:05,665 making dinner. Transitions take work, so look for ways to make 243 00:12:05,665 --> 00:12:09,805 them a little gentler. And before I had kids, when I got 244 00:12:09,805 --> 00:12:12,685 home from school, I would lay on the couch and watch a rerun of 245 00:12:12,685 --> 00:12:13,405 The OC. 246 00:12:15,745 --> 00:12:17,305 Heidi: I love that as a reset. 247 00:12:19,105 --> 00:12:22,525 Our fourth strategy for your October reset is to protect your 248 00:12:22,525 --> 00:12:25,750 energy. This is about recognizing that your energy is 249 00:12:25,750 --> 00:12:28,690 not unlimited, and being strategic about where you spend 250 00:12:28,690 --> 00:12:28,930 it. 251 00:12:29,360 --> 00:12:31,280 Emily: I think teachers are really bad at this, because we 252 00:12:31,280 --> 00:12:35,420 just care so much. We want to give everything to everyone, and 253 00:12:35,420 --> 00:12:39,080 even if we just give the bare minimum, the list of demands is 254 00:12:39,080 --> 00:12:42,880 never ending. But it's also not sustainable to live like that. 255 00:12:43,120 --> 00:12:46,780 Heidi: Oh, right, so this is where you have to make some hard 256 00:12:46,780 --> 00:12:50,680 choices about where your energy goes. Maybe you spend less time 257 00:12:50,680 --> 00:12:54,580 on bulletin boards and more time on planning engaging lessons, or 258 00:12:54,580 --> 00:12:57,580 maybe you simplify your grading system so you have more energy 259 00:12:57,580 --> 00:12:58,840 for relationship building. 260 00:12:59,440 --> 00:13:02,160 Emily: One question I find useful is what are two or three 261 00:13:02,160 --> 00:13:04,920 things that will have the biggest impact on my students 262 00:13:04,920 --> 00:13:07,920 learning? Those are the things worth spending your energy on. 263 00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:11,020 Heidi: One way to make this more doable is to make it visual, and 264 00:13:11,020 --> 00:13:13,720 you can do this with a list. Write down your to do list for 265 00:13:13,720 --> 00:13:17,080 the week and circle the two or three tasks that have the 266 00:13:17,080 --> 00:13:19,960 largest impact on student learning. Those are your non 267 00:13:19,960 --> 00:13:23,500 negotiables. Everything else can bend, flex, or wait. 268 00:13:24,380 --> 00:13:27,020 Emily: We really can't give equally to every expectation, so 269 00:13:27,020 --> 00:13:30,080 we have to be strategic about identifying what truly matters, 270 00:13:30,320 --> 00:13:33,080 even if that might mean disappointing other people. Your 271 00:13:33,080 --> 00:13:35,420 principal might want you to volunteer for multiple 272 00:13:35,420 --> 00:13:37,760 committees. Your grade level team might want you to do the 273 00:13:37,760 --> 00:13:40,780 bulk of the planning, but you have to protect your core energy 274 00:13:40,780 --> 00:13:41,920 for what matters most. 275 00:13:41,000 --> 00:13:44,900 Heidi: I want to recognize that I understand that disappointing 276 00:13:44,900 --> 00:13:48,740 people does not come naturally to a lot of people, and by 277 00:13:46,160 --> 00:13:46,520 Emily: Yeah. 278 00:13:48,560 --> 00:13:54,320 Heidi: It will probably feel uncomfortable, but try reminding 279 00:13:48,740 --> 00:13:49,640 people, I mean women. 280 00:13:54,320 --> 00:13:58,100 yourself that saying no to an outside expectation means you 281 00:13:58,160 --> 00:14:01,280 get to say yes to your students needs and your own well being. 282 00:14:01,760 --> 00:14:04,280 Every time, good enough is still good. 283 00:14:04,280 --> 00:14:07,805 Emily: Which brings us to our final strategy for your October 284 00:14:07,805 --> 00:14:11,585 reset, and that is to focus on consistency over perfection. 285 00:14:11,945 --> 00:14:14,585 Going back to our gardening metaphor, plants don't need 286 00:14:14,585 --> 00:14:17,885 fireworks to grow. In fact, that sounds like a hazard. 287 00:14:18,065 --> 00:14:18,605 Heidi: Yes. 288 00:14:18,965 --> 00:14:22,445 Emily: They need steady sunlight and water, and classrooms are 289 00:14:22,445 --> 00:14:22,925 the same. 290 00:14:23,525 --> 00:14:25,565 Heidi: This is huge for teachers, because we tend to 291 00:14:25,565 --> 00:14:28,865 have grand visions, and social media definitely hasn't helped 292 00:14:28,910 --> 00:14:31,910 this. But putting too much effort into having 293 00:14:31,910 --> 00:14:35,630 Instagram-worthy organization and perfectly optimized routines 294 00:14:35,630 --> 00:14:39,050 and lessons that have students hanging on every word is how 295 00:14:39,050 --> 00:14:40,010 teachers burn out. 296 00:14:40,610 --> 00:14:42,770 Emily: So instead of striving for the most beautiful 297 00:14:42,770 --> 00:14:46,490 classroom, maximizing every moment or orchestrating a daily 298 00:14:46,490 --> 00:14:50,330 dog and pony show, just show up consistently where it matters. 299 00:14:50,510 --> 00:14:52,955 Make sure students have what they need, leave space for 300 00:14:52,955 --> 00:14:56,675 connection and reset, and teach the standards in engaging but 301 00:14:56,675 --> 00:14:59,959 low prep ways. That's what makes the difference for you and your 302 00:14:59,959 --> 00:15:00,000 students. 303 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:03,060 Heidi: I think about this with things like grading. I know the 304 00:15:03,060 --> 00:15:06,300 expectation from your administration might be that you 305 00:15:06,300 --> 00:15:10,080 grade every assignment, but it's better for everyone if you're 306 00:15:10,080 --> 00:15:13,560 consistent about only assessing the work that can inform your 307 00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:16,380 teaching, and you can give everything else a pass or a fail 308 00:15:16,380 --> 00:15:17,400 and call that graded. 309 00:15:17,880 --> 00:15:20,040 Emily: Yeah, your students benefit more from steady, 310 00:15:20,040 --> 00:15:23,780 consistent effort than from extraordinary, sporadic effort. 311 00:15:24,500 --> 00:15:26,480 Heidi: The nice thing is that you are the one who gets to 312 00:15:26,480 --> 00:15:29,180 decide what works for your classroom and your life. That 313 00:15:29,660 --> 00:15:32,120 doesn't mean you have to cut everything down to bare bones 314 00:15:32,120 --> 00:15:35,300 and just do the minimum, but rather look at this as an 315 00:15:35,300 --> 00:15:38,840 opportunity to clear out what doesn't serve you so you have 316 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:40,840 room to inject more joy into your day. 317 00:15:41,660 --> 00:15:44,300 Emily: A sustainable teacher life isn't just about doing less 318 00:15:44,300 --> 00:15:47,900 work, it's about adding fuel to what lights you up. Think about 319 00:15:47,900 --> 00:15:50,420 the things you love about teaching. Maybe that is the 320 00:15:50,420 --> 00:15:54,440 perfectly coordinated bins or big over the top lessons. If 321 00:15:54,440 --> 00:15:57,260 that's for you, then find ways to make that manageable. 322 00:15:57,980 --> 00:16:00,500 Heidi: But if what you love about teaching is quiet moments 323 00:16:00,500 --> 00:16:03,320 with your students, sharing a funny new book, or watching a 324 00:16:03,320 --> 00:16:06,245 student learn something new, find ways to slow down and be 325 00:16:06,245 --> 00:16:07,925 present in those experiences. 326 00:16:08,585 --> 00:16:10,925 Emily: Sometimes it's not about adding something new, it's about 327 00:16:10,925 --> 00:16:13,625 making sure we recognize the good stuff that's already 328 00:16:13,625 --> 00:16:14,165 happening. 329 00:16:14,705 --> 00:16:18,965 Heidi: And there is so much good stuff. Ultimately, the goal is 330 00:16:18,965 --> 00:16:22,205 to create something you can maintain, a happy little garden 331 00:16:22,205 --> 00:16:24,365 that you can tend without burning yourself out. 332 00:16:25,085 --> 00:16:27,605 Emily: Okay, so I'm going to recap our five strategies for 333 00:16:27,605 --> 00:16:31,070 the October reset. First, give yourself permission to feel the 334 00:16:31,070 --> 00:16:34,670 crash. Second, identify what's growing and what's just taking 335 00:16:34,670 --> 00:16:39,710 up space. Third, build in micro recoveries. Fourth, protect your 336 00:16:39,710 --> 00:16:43,190 energy, and finally, focus on consistency over perfection. 337 00:16:43,970 --> 00:16:46,490 Heidi: The beautiful thing about October is that you still have 338 00:16:46,490 --> 00:16:49,910 time to adjust. Your classroom routines aren't set in stone 339 00:16:49,910 --> 00:16:53,015 yet, your students are still learning what to expect from 340 00:16:53,015 --> 00:16:56,135 you. So this is actually the perfect time to make changes. 341 00:16:57,215 --> 00:17:00,035 Emily: And remember, this isn't about doing less or caring less. 342 00:17:00,035 --> 00:17:03,695 It's about doing things in a way that is sustainable, so you can 343 00:17:03,695 --> 00:17:06,215 actually make it to June feeling good about your year. 344 00:17:06,995 --> 00:17:09,635 Heidi: We would love to hear all about how you are handling your 345 00:17:09,635 --> 00:17:12,395 October reset. Come share with us in the Teacher Approved 346 00:17:12,395 --> 00:17:13,055 Facebook group. 347 00:17:14,180 --> 00:17:16,520 Emily: Now for our Teacher Approved Tip of the Week, where 348 00:17:16,520 --> 00:17:19,400 we share an actionable tip to help you elevate what matters 349 00:17:19,400 --> 00:17:22,340 and simplify the rest. This week's teacher approved tip is 350 00:17:22,340 --> 00:17:26,180 to create your October energy trio. Tell us more about it, 351 00:17:26,180 --> 00:17:26,600 Heidi. 352 00:17:27,680 --> 00:17:29,840 Heidi: Well, I love this tip. First of all, it sounds like an 353 00:17:29,840 --> 00:17:32,360 appetizer sampler, which everyone loves those. 354 00:17:33,080 --> 00:17:35,780 Emily: They'd probably be all pumpkin based if it's October. 355 00:17:35,780 --> 00:17:39,785 Heidi: But the good thing about this tip is it's creating your 356 00:17:39,785 --> 00:17:43,505 own personal energy management system, and it only takes about 357 00:17:43,505 --> 00:17:46,445 10 minutes to set up, but it can make a real difference in how 358 00:17:46,445 --> 00:17:49,565 sustainable your days feel. Think of it like having a 359 00:17:49,565 --> 00:17:52,925 toolkit ready to go when you need it most. So here's how it 360 00:17:52,925 --> 00:17:57,065 works. First, choose one energy gainer, something that actually 361 00:17:57,065 --> 00:18:00,125 brings life back into your day. We're looking for something that 362 00:18:00,170 --> 00:18:03,590 genuinely makes you feel more alive or connected to why you 363 00:18:03,590 --> 00:18:04,310 love teaching. 364 00:18:04,790 --> 00:18:06,650 Emily: That could be something like reading aloud to your 365 00:18:06,650 --> 00:18:10,190 students, playing music during transitions, or buying yourself 366 00:18:10,190 --> 00:18:12,890 fresh flowers once a week. The key is that it has to be 367 00:18:12,890 --> 00:18:15,890 something that taps into what truly energizes you, not just 368 00:18:15,890 --> 00:18:17,750 something you think you should enjoy. 369 00:18:18,540 --> 00:18:21,620 Heidi: After you choose your energy gainer, choose one energy 370 00:18:21,620 --> 00:18:24,620 saver, something that you're going to streamline or let go 371 00:18:24,620 --> 00:18:27,980 for now, maybe it's switching from elaborate bulletin board 372 00:18:27,980 --> 00:18:31,220 displays to simple functional ones. Or maybe it's giving 373 00:18:31,220 --> 00:18:33,800 yourself permission to use the same math warm up routine for 374 00:18:33,800 --> 00:18:36,020 two weeks instead of planning something new every day. 375 00:18:36,740 --> 00:18:39,140 Emily: This might be something you'll do every day all year, 376 00:18:39,140 --> 00:18:41,620 but if you're struggling, focus on something to help you through 377 00:18:41,620 --> 00:18:44,920 just the next few weeks. The goal is to free up energy during 378 00:18:44,920 --> 00:18:48,040 this transition time so you can focus on what matters most. You 379 00:18:48,040 --> 00:18:51,100 can always add complexity back later, when you're feeling more 380 00:18:51,100 --> 00:18:51,640 grounded. 381 00:18:51,240 --> 00:18:55,440 Heidi: And the third part of our energy trio is to choose one 382 00:18:55,500 --> 00:18:59,400 energy transformer. This is a simple ritual that helps you 383 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:02,160 soften transitions throughout your day. This could be a mantra 384 00:19:02,160 --> 00:19:04,560 you repeat when you unlock your classroom door in the morning, 385 00:19:04,560 --> 00:19:07,560 or playing a specific song while you tidy up your desk at the end 386 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:07,980 of the day. 387 00:19:08,700 --> 00:19:10,980 Emily: That car sitting that we talked about earlier is a 388 00:19:10,980 --> 00:19:14,340 perfect example of an energy transformer. Think about a 389 00:19:14,340 --> 00:19:17,745 transition that's draining for you and create a buffer zone 390 00:19:17,745 --> 00:19:20,805 that helps you shift from one demand to the next with a little 391 00:19:20,805 --> 00:19:21,525 more grace. 392 00:19:21,500 --> 00:19:24,181 Heidi: Write these down where you'll see them, because when 393 00:19:24,233 --> 00:19:27,430 you're having a tough day, it's really easy to forget that you 394 00:19:24,720 --> 00:19:32,940 Emily: And here's the beautiful part, once you start paying 395 00:19:27,482 --> 00:19:30,524 have these tools available. Having them visible reminds you 396 00:19:30,576 --> 00:19:33,980 that you have choices about how you spend and restore your energy. 397 00:19:32,940 --> 00:19:39,420 attention to what actually gives you energy versus what drains 398 00:19:39,420 --> 00:19:42,360 it, you'll get better at making those kinds of choices naturally 399 00:19:42,360 --> 00:19:43,080 throughout your day. 400 00:19:43,500 --> 00:19:46,665 Heidi: So here's your challenge. Take a few minutes this week to 401 00:19:46,665 --> 00:19:50,805 identify your energy trio—one thing that fills your tank, one 402 00:19:50,805 --> 00:19:53,925 thing you're going to simplify, and one ritual that helps you 403 00:19:53,925 --> 00:19:57,225 transition more smoothly. Your October self will definitely 404 00:19:57,225 --> 00:19:57,645 thank you. 405 00:19:57,645 --> 00:20:02,385 Alright, to wrap up the show. We are sharing what we're giving 406 00:20:02,445 --> 00:20:06,565 extra credit to this week. Emily, what gets your extra 407 00:20:06,565 --> 00:20:06,609 credit? 408 00:20:06,609 --> 00:20:07,050 Emily: I'm giving extra credit to the book Atmosphere by Taylor 409 00:20:07,050 --> 00:20:10,650 Jenkins Reid. So I really knew very little going into this book 410 00:20:10,650 --> 00:20:14,010 other than that it was set in the early 1980s space program. 411 00:20:14,670 --> 00:20:17,610 But if anybody, if you haven't heard anything about this, maybe 412 00:20:17,610 --> 00:20:20,250 just go into it that way, of just just knowing sort of the 413 00:20:20,250 --> 00:20:23,310 setting. And it really did blow me away, like I had heard really 414 00:20:23,310 --> 00:20:26,430 good things about it, but I wasn't sure what I was gonna 415 00:20:26,430 --> 00:20:29,730 think. But oh yeah, I loved it so much. And of course, it's 416 00:20:29,730 --> 00:20:32,655 getting tons of buzz. So I will just add my voice to say that 417 00:20:32,655 --> 00:20:36,255 everyone should add it to their TBR if they haven't. 418 00:20:36,660 --> 00:20:39,900 Heidi: She writes such unique settings, and they're all so 419 00:20:39,900 --> 00:20:40,620 varied. 420 00:20:40,680 --> 00:20:44,100 Emily: Yes, and I feel like I have no interest in tennis, and 421 00:20:44,100 --> 00:20:47,340 I loved Carrie Soto is back, and I maybe have a little more 422 00:20:47,340 --> 00:20:50,640 interest in space, but even still, I don't know that it's 423 00:20:50,640 --> 00:20:54,660 like something I'm super into, but I was completely engrossed 424 00:20:54,660 --> 00:20:57,180 in the whole thing. And there's so much more to the story than 425 00:20:57,180 --> 00:21:00,420 just the fact that the main characters are astronauts. 426 00:21:00,420 --> 00:21:04,065 Well, I'll have to add it to my list. What are you giving us 427 00:21:04,065 --> 00:21:05,145 credit to this week, Heidi? 428 00:21:05,505 --> 00:21:07,965 Heidi: Well, I'm also giving extra credit to a book. This is 429 00:21:07,965 --> 00:21:11,805 the Ornithologist Field Guide to love by India Holton. 430 00:21:11,985 --> 00:21:12,345 Emily: Ooh. 431 00:21:13,005 --> 00:21:16,125 Heidi: It sounds like a dry, dusty textbook, but it is not, 432 00:21:16,125 --> 00:21:20,325 it is very funny. So it's set in, like, 1880s I think London, 433 00:21:20,445 --> 00:21:24,750 1870s, 1880s, something like that. And it follows two rivals 434 00:21:24,750 --> 00:21:30,150 to lovers, academics Devin and Beth, who are trying to win the 435 00:21:30,150 --> 00:21:33,990 birder of the year competition. It's normal Victorian London, 436 00:21:33,990 --> 00:21:37,110 except they have magical birds, so it's just kind of a weird 437 00:21:37,110 --> 00:21:42,090 little touch. And so the world of birding in this London is 438 00:21:42,090 --> 00:21:45,390 cutthroat, to say the least. So they're having all these hijinks 439 00:21:45,390 --> 00:21:49,275 of people out to sabotage them. And of course, they have to go 440 00:21:49,275 --> 00:21:51,975 on the road to find this one special bird. And they get to a 441 00:21:51,975 --> 00:21:55,815 small town and there's only one room left at the inn. 442 00:21:56,055 --> 00:21:57,015 Emily: I love that trope. 443 00:21:57,015 --> 00:21:58,575 Heidi: And guess what happens. 444 00:21:58,575 --> 00:22:00,075 Emily: Do they have to share a bed? 445 00:22:00,480 --> 00:22:02,400 Heidi: Oh no, there are seven beds. 446 00:22:02,400 --> 00:22:03,060 Emily: Oh! 447 00:22:04,440 --> 00:22:08,100 Heidi: So if you think that's funny, you would like this book. 448 00:22:08,100 --> 00:22:09,960 Emily: I think I'm gonna like it. 449 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:13,440 Heidi: It just takes all the little tropes and turns them on 450 00:22:13,440 --> 00:22:16,080 their head. It's very funny. There was a line where she says, 451 00:22:16,080 --> 00:22:21,060 like her mind let out a thought she didn't know it was holding. 452 00:22:21,060 --> 00:22:24,360 So it takes all of the normal things and just puts a funny 453 00:22:24,360 --> 00:22:25,920 little spin on it. It was very funny. 454 00:22:25,920 --> 00:22:28,080 Emily: Our romance readers will get those references. 455 00:22:29,520 --> 00:22:32,160 Heidi: Well, that is it for today's episode. Try out our 456 00:22:32,160 --> 00:22:35,085 strategies for the October reset, and don't forget our 457 00:22:35,085 --> 00:22:37,425 teacher approved tip for recharging your energy. 458 00:22:37,965 --> 00:22:40,725 Emily: We are cheering you on as you transition from planting 459 00:22:40,725 --> 00:22:44,085 season to tending season. And if you enjoyed this episode, please 460 00:22:44,085 --> 00:22:46,545 consider giving us a five star rating and review. 461 00:22:48,945 --> 00:22:52,125 Heidi: We hope you enjoyed this episode of teacher approved. I'm 462 00:22:52,125 --> 00:22:52,665 Heidi. 463 00:22:52,785 --> 00:22:56,070 Emily: And I'm Emily. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow 464 00:22:56,070 --> 00:22:58,590 or subscribe in your podcast app so that you never miss an 465 00:22:58,590 --> 00:22:59,010 episode. 466 00:22:59,430 --> 00:23:01,770 Heidi: You can connect with us and other teachers in the 467 00:23:01,770 --> 00:23:05,010 Teacher Approved Facebook group. We'll see you here next week. 468 00:23:05,130 --> 00:23:05,850 Bye for now. 469 00:23:05,850 --> 00:23:06,810 Emily: Bye.