Tag: Teacher Hacks

OK, so this is not a secret—I’m a self-proclaimed hack enthusiast, especially when they save time and ramp up efficiency! But have I ever gushed about my love for planners? As a teacher, leaving my trusty bullet-point planner behind felt like heading out without a limb. Even during my rookie years, I clung to my lesson plans like a lifeline, making sure I wouldn’t miss a beat.

Now, as I’ve embraced my seasoned wisdom, I’m slowly transitioning to the digital planner realm (though I haven’t completely ditched my physical one—old habits die hard!), especially when I remember all the times I tried to handwrite my documentation of parent contacts in that overstuffed planner. Let me tell you, I’m all about this fantastic planner hack that TikToker @alldayapril has been sharing with teachers to make documenting parent contact a breeze.

She uses Google Sheets—linked to her planner and student accommodations list—to document parent contact quickly, efficiently, and in one place.

At around 1:43 in her video, @alldayapril explains how she uses a parent contact log to track every time she communicates with a parent. She integrates this log into her digital planner, which helps her keep everything organized. This system is especially useful if a parent hasn’t responded, allowing her to easily reference her attempts to reach out. It’s a simple way to ensure that all communication is thoroughly documented and nothing slips through the cracks.

Are you a little stumbled up on the step about linking Google Forms to her digital Google Sheets planner? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. I love that this video is spelled out step-by-step, too, because sometimes I really need it broken down! Here are the steps:

Here’s how to do it yourself!

1. Create digital planner calendar on Google Sheets

Look at how cute this calendar is!

2. Click responses from Google Forms, and then click “Link to Sheets”

So far, so good!

3. “Select existing spreadsheet” and click on the Google Sheets you want to link to

In this case, it’s called the 23/24 Digital Planner for @alldayapril.

4. Change the name of your form at the bottom of your sheet, and format your sheet to your liking

How far you want to format your new sheet is just personal preference. I know I like all my fonts to match!

Feeling overwhelmed creating something cute and functional from scratch? Check out All Day April’s ready-made templates on Teachers Pay Teachers.

In wrapping up, embracing this digital planner hack not only simplifies your teaching life but also injects some fun into your organizational habits. Whether you’re a digital newbie or a seasoned pro, @alldayapril’s tips ensure your transition to digital planning is smooth, visually appealing, and efficient. So, what do you think? Utilize digital planners and watch your calendar planning increase in efficiency!

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Ah, it’s my favorite portion of the unit. The time for direct instruction is over, and the students get to do a tactile activity. I whip out the group activity bundles and pass them out. But then minutes later, I am pelted with, “Mrs. Morris! I can’t find what I just cut out! I can’t find my pieces!” Suddenly I miss the calm and structure of my direct instruction. Shew-y. (That’s Arkansan for “Yikes.”)

TikToker @hanbeamcm offers a simple solution to this craziness, something I wish I’d known before. Even my 8th graders would have benefited! Let’s take a look:

I see making these circles on my students’ desks as an extra way to monitor too. While teachers are explaining the directions for the activity, they could be circling the room and making these Expo circles. I was always looking for ways to work around my room! A time-saving hack, an extra way to work around the room, AND no more continual “I can’t find my pieces!” complaints? Yes, please!

What others are saying:

Some teachers love this hack while others brought up points that are worth noodling through.

Yes, we follow @hanbeamcm too!

Trust me :’) almost 95% of the teachers I’ve worked with and seen don’t have those “fancy desks”!

OK, so maybe it’s inevitable that Johnny is STILL going to lose his pieces. But at least this cuts down on complaints from the rest of the class!

In theory, yes. But thinking about acquiring 30 cups—not to mention the noise from 30 cups (anyone flashing back to the Cup Song period?) makes my teacher eyes twitch. These circles are the perfect trick!

To sum it up, whether you’re managing a lively class of kindergartners or navigating the chaos of middle school art projects, the simplicity of drawing circles on desks can transform your classroom experience. TikToker @hanbeamcm’s hack not only helps keep those pesky cutouts in check but also offers an extra opportunity for classroom management. So next time the scissors come out, whip out your Expo marker too. Give it a try and see just how smoothly your activities can go!

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For way too long in my first years of teaching, the second an administrator walked in to observe me, I started malfunctioning like a weird, anxious robot.

BEEP BOOP BOP. WHAT IS THE LEARNING TARGET …?

I don’t blame former teacher me for behaving oddly. Observations can be tricky for a variety of reasons, among them:

• The teacher’s nerves knowing they’re being evaluated
• Many evaluation systems not being set up for very standard classroom practices (e.g., when students are taking tests, working independently, etc.)
• Flawed evaluation systems in general
• So many unpredictable factors including student behavior, technology cooperating, fire drills, and emergencies
• Students sensing something is off
• Students’ nerves when being around an administrator

Teachers commented on our observation horror stories article with their own observation mishaps.

Buried in those responses were little pieces of advice that shined like little flecks of gold. Here’s one from Isabel C:

“Anytime it’s my observation, I tell the kids admin is there to observe how they are behaving in my class!”

A similar one from Mark L.:

“I was lucky in that nothing unusual happened during the observations I had with my middle school students. I’d prep the students beforehand by telling them the evaluator—usually the principal—was there to observe you. It worked every time.”

And another from Anjali P:

“It’s so simple. Prep the students ahead of time to believe an administrator is coming to observe student behavior.”

These teachers have it figured out, y’all.

Why this is genius:

1. It’s not untrue. The administrator is there to observe students. A huge part of evaluating a teacher means noting how students are behaving, interacting, and connecting with the teacher.
2. It allows the teacher to be evaluated on actual teaching instead of factors out of their control (e.g., student behavior).
3. It can help lower stress on the teacher’s part knowing there’s a support in place to help minimize outbursts and other less predictable behaviors.

However, like anything in the classroom, you need to be careful about how you implement this strategy.

But proceed with caution:

1. Share this as preparatory information, not a threat. You don’t want to exchange your own lowered anxiety for higher anxiety in your students. “Just wanted to let you know Principal Weatherall will be in tomorrow to take some notes on student behavior and participation. I told her you all are excellent students, so you have nothing to worry about. Can someone remind me of our norms for when we have a visitor?”
2. Don’t attach a bribe. Several teachers shared that their observation horror story involved their students sharing the agreement directly with the principal or appraiser. “Ms. Castillo said if you said we’re good, she’ll give us candy! Have we been good?” Cringe.
3. Use this technique to minimize the rare outbursts, not cover up poor classroom management or other things your administrator should know. If you truly struggle with behavior management (which is not uncommon for new teachers), you want support from your administration, not for them to think you run a perfect classroom.

P.S. I got to chat with Isabel (one of the teachers who shared this hack), and she said this: “You might also add that teachers, parents, and admin people love to see successful students—‘successful’ being students with the skills to know how to do school!” We think this trick lets student success be the focus of an observation.

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