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Back to SchoolGood TeachingPlanning and Preparation

Summer Blog Recap

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Back-to-school season is just around the corner and whether you’ve spent your summer studying or catching up on the latest binge-worthy seasons of your favorite shows, we hope you were able to take a moment to rest and recuperate from another busy year. But now that educators everywhere are gearing up for another school year, we figured it was a great time to round up some of our top blogs from this summer (and new school years past) to help you get ready for the semester ahead. Once you’ve skimmed through all the handy dandy resources provided, let us know what part of this summer blog recap was the most helpful in the comments below!

Summer Blog Recap: Blogs You May Have Missed

The Learns Cycle: Putting AI in Instruction, Part I

This blog explores the ways in which educators can directly utilize AI when implementing the Learns Cycle into their classroom planning and management.

Customizable Drag-and-Drop Google Slides Templates

Interactive Google Slides activities are a great way to keep your students engaged. Find a list of fully-customizable, drag-and-drop templates in this helpful blog post.

The NEW K-8 Tech App TEKS and Free, Editable Spreadsheets

For Texas educators, specifically, it’s time to implement the news TEKS requirements in your classroom. Check out these editable spreadsheets for grades K-8 and learn how to incorporate the new Tech App TEKS into your lesson plans.

Seven Ready-to-Use Story Bin STEM Activities

STEM story bins provide a background story and present a challenge where students must use their reasoning, logic, and teamwork skills to build something to help the story’s main character. Explore seven ready-made story bin activities here!

Leveraging Next-Gen Tools for Education 4.0

“Education 4.0 marks a significant milestone, blending traditional pedagogies with the latest in AI and digital tool integration,” Learn how to utilize the latest tools and resources in this in-depth blog post.

Back to School Blogs From Years Past

Eight Back to School Icebreakers for Team Building and Bonding

Getting students to open up in the early days of a new school year can be tough, but it can also be beneficial in building long-term trust and partnership within your classroom! Try out some of these fun and interactive ice breakers (guaranteed not to earn a groan of disapproval)!

Back to School: Primary Sources, Interactive Resources, and Maps for Teaching History

One major benefit of technology is the extensive collection of primary, interactive resources students can access from anywhere in the world. Explore a vast list of these resources in this blog post.

Transitioning Back to School After a Holiday Break

Beating the Summer Slump is no easy task. Check out these tips for transitioning back to school after a major holiday vacation to kick your school year into high gear from day one!

Additional Blogs to Help You Prep for 2024-2025

Shake Up Your Lesson Plan with Microlearning in the Classroom

In today’s age of overstimulation from every angle, one of the best ways to combat learning burnout and encourage retention is to implement microlearning in your classroom. Learn how!

Engaging Students with Current Events

It’s no secret that there’s a lot going on in the world today, and teachers know better than most that students are more observant than we give them credit for. Discover helpful tips for incorporating current events into your lessons with this blog.

Some Advice for Veteran Educators

After a few (or more!) years of teaching, it can be easy to fall into the same old patterns and find yourself in a rut. Combat this slump by following our helpful tips for making the most of your new school year!

But wait, there’s more!

Looking for more back to school tips than our summer blog recap can provide? You’re in luck! Every week in August, we’re posting a special blog that’ll walk you through various school year preparations, from self-care to ice breakers and beyond. Make sure to keep up-to-date with our daily TechNotes blog posts so you don’t miss out!

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Back to SchoolGood Teaching

Tips for Creating a Welcoming Classroom

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

Entering a new classroom can be an overwhelming experience for many students. As a place for learning, classrooms should give off a feeling of warmth, safety, and acceptance. Luckily, teachers have the power to create such an environment. By taking simple steps, teachers can ensure that every student feels valued, understood, and respected. Let’s look at some tips for how to create a welcoming classroom.

Create a Safe Space

Ensure that the physical classroom is a safe, organized, and welcoming space. Celebrate and display student work. This will show that you appreciate their efforts. Assign students classroom jobs, like ‘technology helper’ or ‘door holder’. This will give students a sense of responsibility and belonging. Furthermore, create a small area in your classroom where students can relax when feeling overwhelmed, like a calming corner.

Build Positive Teacher-Student Relationships

Developing strong teacher-student relationships is essential for creating a welcoming classroom. Greet students at the door. A personal acknowledgment can set a positive tone for the day. Also, take the time to get to know your students on a personal level, showing genuine interest in their lives, thoughts, and feelings. Open lines of communication, listen actively, and provide constructive feedback. Furthermore, celebrate achievements and address challenges with empathy and understanding.

Establish Clear Expectations

Clearly communicate behavioral expectations, academic standards, and classroom rules from the beginning. Encourage student participation by involving them in the creation of these guidelines. This collaborative approach helps students feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, fostering a positive classroom culture. In addition, be a role model for the behavior you expect. Demonstrating patience and respect encourages students to do the same.

Foster Collaboration and Cooperation

Promote a collaborative learning environment by encouraging teamwork and group discussions. Create opportunities for students to work together. This will foster a supportive network where they can learn from and with each other. In addition, implement activities that celebrate shared accomplishments. This will create a sense of belonging.

Incorporate Student Voice and Choice

Provide students with opportunities to express their opinions, ideas, and preferences within the classroom. Encourage students to voice their concerns and share their feelings. In fact, this can be done through regular check-ins, suggestion boxes, or classroom meetings.

Allow them to have a say in their learning process by incorporating activities that allow for individualization and personalization. For example, utilize technology and activities, such as choice boards to enhance student engagement. Valuing student voice and choice cultivates a sense of empowerment and ownership over their learning.

Embrace Diversity and Inclusion

A truly welcoming classroom embraces diversity in all its forms. Encourage students to appreciate and respect one another’s differences. This will create an environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves. For example, integrate multicultural perspectives in lessons and provide resources that reflect diversity within the classroom and the community.

Creating a welcoming classroom environment requires intentionality, empathy, and dedication. When teachers prioritize a warm and inclusive atmosphere, students thrive academically and emotionally. With this in mind, embrace the power that a welcoming classroom can have.

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Back to SchoolLeadership

Eight Back to School Icebreakers for Team Building and Bonding

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Are you ready to tackle the hot-button issue of icebreakers? The topic of icebreaker activities is as controversial as the creamy vs crunchy peanut butter and proper toilet tissue roll orientation debates. You either love icebreakers or you hate them. Personally, I love a good icebreaker. Now, don’t get me wrong. If I have to sing, dance, or get really personal, I am out. But a good “get-to-know-you activity” or a “warm-up game” is something I am totally on board with. A good icebreaker sets a positive and welcoming tone, promotes interaction and engagement, and helps participants feel more comfortable and connected. So it can contribute to the success of the social gathering or group activity!

Are people interested in icebreakers?

While perusing Twitter one day, I came across this post by The Madwoman in the Classroom. I loved her question:

“What are legitimate alternatives to icebreakers that get school staff involved and facilitate communication and camaraderie? If you say “none” or “let me work in my room,” I’m going to hide your answer. I don’t need snark this morning, I am looking for real answers.”

Yes, I then went through all 724 responses. And take note, this post was (at the time) liked by 930 people. Proof there is interest in icebreakers!

See the Tweet.

Three Criteria for Icebreakers

I have three criteria for designing and choosing icebreakers. Whenever I’m planning an icebreaker activity, it must meet these three requirements:

  1. Needs to have an element of fun
  2. Low-key and informal without causing embarrassment
  3. I, myself, would participate in this activity

I highlight eight icebreakers below that I discovered in comments on The Madwoman in the Classroom’s Tweet. They meet all three criteria and, in my humble opinion, would be great for back to school 2023!

1. School Encouragement Tour with Post-Its

For this icebreaker, the administration creates a schedule for different groups of staff to take a walk around the entire school (including classrooms, office, gym, library, cafeteria, buses, etc.). While you are on the tour, introduce yourself to new staff or give a back-to-school greeting to the people you meet. Take a minute to reconnect and take in their space. Use a Post-it note to write an encouraging statement. Leave it on their door as you go or drop it off in their school mailbox. This idea came from Heidi Graci, and she comments in the tweet, “I kept mine in my closet all year for encouragement during a stressful year.”

Materials needed: Post-it notes, pens/markers

2. Top-Tier Lesson Plan Ted Talk

Carve out some time during in-service for this idea-sharing icebreaker activity shared by Lorca Damon! You will need to tell your staff ahead of time so they have time to prepare. Divide your staff into grade levels (for elementary) or content areas (for secondary). Ask everyone to bring their top-tier lesson plan and give a one-minute Ted talk on why it was awesome/is your favorite. I personally think this is a great way to share good lesson plans and ideas.

Sample email you can send your teachers:

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As we prepare for our upcoming inservice days, I’d like to request that we allocate some time for a valuable activity: A Top Tier Lesson Plan Ted Talk. For this activity, you will be placed in groups by grade level (for elementary) or subject areas (for secondary). 

For this activity, I’d like each staff member to bring their top-tier lesson plan and present it in a one-minute TED talk-style presentation. Plan to explain why this lesson plan is awesome and why it holds a special place as your favorite. This will serve as a wonderful opportunity for us to share ideas and learn from each other, discovering valuable best practices and effective strategies we have within our team.

By sharing these good lesson plans, we can inspire and support one another in our mission to provide exceptional education. I believe this activity will foster collaboration, creativity, and professional growth among our faculty. Let’s make the most of this time together and strengthen our bond as a dedicated team.

Looking forward to the insightful and engaging presentations!

Sincerely,

[signature]

Materials: Lesson plan, technology (if needed), space for small breakout groups

3. Phone Photo Show and Tell

Take some time to have your staff pick their favorite picture on their phone. Allow for time to move around the room and share the photo with a few people. Usually, everyone loves to share about kids, pets, and travel. As Sarah Van Dermyden, the creator of this response, states: “It took the focus off of looking at each other and moved it to the phone for people who feel on the spot.” This is a good icebreaker for providing movement and casual conversation.

Materials: Phones and photos

4. Guess Who?

For this icebreaker activity shared by Mrs. Seibel, the principal hands out an index card to each staff and faculty member. Everyone fills it out with their name, where they were born, and an interesting fact or two about themselves. During in-service, the principal can read the cards out with staff guessing whose card it might be. If you have a large staff, I would probably spread this activity out throughout the year’s staff meetings. 

Materials: Index cards and pens/markers

5. Melody Mystery

@Twisted3100 shared this fun idea! Send out a request for each of your staff to submit a song, any song (through a Google Form, by email, or using index cards like the Guess Who activity). They need to give the song title, artist, and a sentence explaining why it is important to them (without giving away their identity). It could be tied to a special event, a song they always sing on a road trip, or a song that reminds them of their wild college days.

During in-service, play a clip of each song for the group to hear. Guessing ensues! Who submitted the song? Most songs can be played on Spotify or through the iTunes store. I like this activity because your choice of song is up to each individual and there are SO many songs to choose from. Just like the Guess Who activity, a few songs can be played at future staff meetings throughout the year. 

Materials: A method for collecting staff songs and information, a service through which to play songs, a device and speakers

6. Collective Resumes

@Teach_WA believes that collective resumes are a valuable icebreaker activity. Divide your staff into groups. You can use random groups or group people by grade level or subject. Display this graphic so each group can discuss, gather, and display their collective information on a poster. Host a gallery walk so the information can be shared with the whole group.

Each group should provide the following:

  • Years of experience
  • Taught in ___ schools
  • Grade levels taught
  • Degrees
  • Expertise
  • Strengths
  • Hobbies

Materials: directions, markers, and large Post-it pad paper (or butcher paper will work), Collective Resume Editable Graphic Template, Collective Resume Graphic for Display

7. Would You Rather?

Get the Would You Rather: Teacher Edition activity!

I like a game called Would You Rather, so I was happy to see Jennifer Greenland suggest it as an icebreaker in the comments. If you are not familiar, it’s a fun and engaging activity where participants are presented with a series of hypothetical choices. And they must choose between two options. The choices are often amusing, challenging, or thought-provoking, leading to interesting discussions and revealing insights into participants’ preferences and personalities. You can share out as a whole group or play in a small group setting. It’s low stress for the socially anxious among us. 

Materials: Would You Rather: Teacher Edition Slide Deck

8. The Solo Cup Stacking Challenge

Get the complete details for this activity!

@Mariea_amy suggested another one of my favorites! In this challenge, participants work in groups of four. They create a grappler tool using four pieces of string and a rubber band to move cups placed in three stacks into a six-cup pyramid shape. Be prepared for lots of great communication and collaboration, and laughs!

Materials: (per group) Six solo cups, four pieces of string, and a rubber band

BONUS Resource 

If you are an icebreaker aficionado, Tracie Kile suggests you check out the Facebook group called Team Building Activities for Educators. You will need to request membership, and once you’ve joined, you’ll find a wealth of ideas and resources to sift through and explore.

Remember, the power of a well-designed icebreaker can set a positive and welcoming tone, foster meaningful interactions, and create a sense of comfort and connection among your faculty and staff. So, cheers to the new school year! May it be celebrated with the smell of new crayons, welcome-back smiles and hugs, and– a good icebreaker!

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Back to School

ICYMI: Your 2023 Summer Blog Roundup

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

Can you believe summer is almost over? Me either! While you were busy enjoying your well-deserved summer break, my teammates wrote some incredible summer blog posts that might have flown under your radar. So, sit down, dive in, and check out a few hidden TechNotes gems you may have missed. 

1. EduProtocols: Workflowing Amazing Lesson Design

ALDO becomes WALDO! Explore a lesson design outline with lots of resources for mixing and matching strategies, EduProtocols, and digital tools.

2. How to Create a Rubric with ChatGPT

How to Create a Rubric with ChatGPT

Get an editable prompt template and create a rubric with ChatGPT in less than one minute! Watch it work its magic in an example video.

3. ChatGPT Prompts for Busy Educators

Take a look at ChatGPT prompts for educators! Learn how to craft your best prompt to maximize your results and get what you’re looking for.

4. Six Simple SEL Strategies for a Joyful Classroom

Restore joy, reduce stress, and boost student engagement by using these six, simple SEL strategies in your classroom!

5. Five Ways to Make a Splash with Wakelet

Five Ways to Make a Splash with Wakelet

Are you using Wakelet yet? Discover five ways to leverage this digital curation tool with students, parents, and substitute teachers!

6. How Reliable Are AI Detectors?

Do AI detectors really work? You may be surprised. See how seven popular tools fared when put to the test with AI-generated text.

7. Going Beyond SAMR: Models for Technology Integration

Boost lesson design, student learning, and professional growth by combining the SAMR, TIM, and TPACK models for technology integration.

8. How to Easily Convert Quizzes Between Platforms

How to Easily Convert Quizzes Between Platforms

Need to get a set of quiz questions from one system (e.g. Quizlet, Kahoot!) into another? Find out how to convert quizzes easily!

9. Five Ways to Empower Educators through Instructional Coaching

Instructional coaches can be powerful partners in growth. Let’s explore growth coaching questions and ways coaches can support educators.

10. New Reading Tools to the Rescue from Google and Microsoft

Get the latest on Microsoft’s Reading Coach and Google’s new Reading Practice features for Google Play Books.

11. Quick and Easy Tools for Making Flashcards

Quick and Easy Tools for Making Flashcards

If you’re looking for tools to make online flashcards to help students recall important information and practice skills, here is a goldmine!

12. How an Engaged Leader Fosters Employee Development

Are you a leader who is wanting to learn how to better support staff development? Let’s explore the employee development cycle!

13. Prompts for Lesson Planning with ChatGPT

Get an editable ChatGPT prompt for lesson planning and see prompt examples for activities, ideas, and differentiation.

14. A Back to School Calendar Packed with Celebrations

A Back to School Calendar Packed with Celebrations

Snag a fully editable 2023-2024 back-to-school calendar loaded with celebrations. Adapt it however you’d like or leave it as is!

Well, I hope you feel like you are all caught up! Moreso, I hope you are excited and inspired by new ideas and tools to try. May your year be filled with enthusiasm and a passion for learning. Here’s to an incredible 2023-24 school year!

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Back to SchoolPlanning and Preparation

A Back to School Calendar Packed with Celebrations

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

If you’ve ever checked out National Today (or worked in a school), then you know there is more than one reason to celebrate each and every day. As I was thinking about the start of the year, I thought to myself, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a calendar for 2023-2024 with all the special weeks, months, and days marked with celebrations that might apply to school life?” So, I tried to create just that. But, it’s likely that I missed a few celebrations (there are thousands!), so I made this calendar an editable template for you to rework to your heart’s content. Here’s what you’ll get today:

  • An editable, printable 2023-2024 calendar with celebratory dates marked throughout (download at the end of this post)
  • A list of celebrations for each month of the year with linked resources

I wish everyone a wonderful back to school season. Have fun celebrating!

August 2023

August 2023 Calendar

September 2023

September 2023 Calendar

October 2023

October 2023 Calendar

November 2023

November 2023 Calendar

December 2023

December 2023 Calendar

January 2024

January 2024 Calendar

February 2024

February 2024 Calendar

March 2024

April 2024

April 2024 Calendar

May 2024

May 2024 Calendar

June 2024

June 2024 Calendar

July 2024

July 2024 Calendar

2023-2024 Back to School Editable Calendar Template

Get the Editable 2023-2024 Calendar Template
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Back to SchoolSocial-Emotional Learning

Transitioning Back to School After a Holiday Break

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

For teachers, the holiday break is one of the best times of the year. When I was a teacher, I remember being so excited to get a break so I could catch up on sleep. I also remember the days leading up to returning to school and thinking about how I was going to get back into my school routine. It’s important that we allow ourselves and our students time to transition back to school. Below are a few tips to help make that transition easier.

Review Expectations

I always considered the first day back from a holiday break to be just like the first day of school. You will want to review classroom expectations and procedures. It’s helpful if you have these written or posted somewhere so that students can visually see them. There are many fun ways to review classroom expectations. You could play games such as two truths and lie, jeopardy, and more. 

Ease Into Learning

Plan for a reflection assignment, group work, or something hands on for students. More than likely, your students won’t be mentally or emotionally prepared for a hard assignment right when they walk in the door. Give them some time to transition back into learning.

Be Empathetic

Remember to be empathetic. Not every student will return to school happy or ready for the classroom. Some younger students might have a hard time being separated from their parents or guardians. Have some extra patience and compassion. Practice empathy while consistently enforcing your classroom expectations at the same time.

Reflect on Your Strategies

Take some time on your break for a little self-evaluation. Consider your teaching strategies in general. What has been successful? Are there any that need improvement? Are you incorporating high-yield instructional strategies into your classroom? Make a few notes and use them in your planning when you return to school.

Have a Plan for Stress Management

Upon returning, have a plan for how you are going to handle the stress of teaching. Brainstorm a few ideas over the break that will help you when you return to school. It could be something as small as meditating for five or ten minutes a day. This can make a big difference.

Five Tips for Transitioning Back to School After Holiday Break

Remember to take some time to ease the students and yourself back into the routine of learning. If you like these tips, you can learn more from Diana at TCEA 2023. She will be presenting a session on Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom where you can get tips for self-care for not only you but your students as well. She is also presenting a session on incorporating high-yield strategies into your classroom.

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Back to SchoolDigital CitizenshipDigital Literacy

Common Sense Education’s Free Resources for Back to School

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

Back to school is officially here. Some schools in the U.S. started in late July but as we approach mid to late August, we’re seeing even more back-to-school pictures pop up. Common Sense Education is here for it. And so is TCEA! I wanted to share several new resource and articles offered by Common Sense Education that I think you’ll find useful for the beginning of this new school year. Let’s take a look!

Customizable Templates

Common Sense Education recently posted these helpful templates for educators and caregivers. They cover all grade levels and include digital citizenship agreements, dinner conversation starters, and family guides you can share with caregivers.

Common Sense Education templates

Roundup of Best Ed Tech Tools

Here’s Common Sense’s roundup of 46 back-to-school tools for supporting instruction with technology. These tools are categorized under the following topics:

  • Social-emotional learning
  • Curriculum and lesson planning
  • Feedback, assessment, and porfolios
  • Organization and productivity
  • Parent and student communication
  • Presentation and video
  • Professional growth
Ed Tech Tools Roundup

Tips by Text

Common Sense Education is now offering families and caregivers a free text service in English and Spanish. Guardians can sign up to recieve tips for healthy technology use via text at no charge! Tips will include information on screen time management, choosing developmentally appropriate media and apps, setting boundaries, and recommendations for entertainment based on age. Share this information with your students’ families! And, as a bonus, here is an article with Four Tips on Managing Devices and Screen Time for Families you can share as well.

Common Sense Media Tips by Text

Additional Common Sense Education Articles

Have any resources you’d add to this list? Leave them in the comments for everyone to enjoy. And have a happy back to school!

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Back to SchoolClassroom ManagementDigital CitizenshipLeadershipLibrariesPlanning and PreparationSocial-Emotional LearningSTEM/STEAMWeb 2.0 Tool

Back-to-School Roundup

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

Where did the summer go? With the start of a new year, I’ve gathered back-to-school resources from our amazing PD team and staff here at TCEA. Check out this categorized list full of ideas to create a successful school year.

You can skip to a section by selecting a category below:

Icebreakers

Bellringers

Leadership

In the Library

STEM

Social Emotional Learning

Activities

Templates

Lesson Planning

Choice Boards

Tools

Classroom Management

Classroom Walls

Coaching

Artificial Intelligence

Icebreakers

Bellringers

Leadership

Image of a bingo card for a Staff Summer Bingo Game

In the Library

STEM

  • Prepping for a STEM/STEAM Year
    STEM/STEAM activities are a powerful way to engage students. Here are a few resources to help you prepare for a stem-rific school year.
  • Back to School with STEM
    STEM activities are a powerful way to engage students. Here are a few resources to kick off your school year in the STEM direction.

Social Emotional Learning

Activities

Templates

self-reported grades

Lesson Planning

  • 2000+ Lesson Plan Templates and Ideas for K12
    Discover a wealth of lesson plan template resources and treasures in this searchable collection for grades K-12 in all subject areas.
  • Back to School Apps for Lesson Planning
    Looking for tools to make lesson planning easier? Look no further than these three free apps that can assist you in designing amazing learning experiences.
  • Lesson Planning: 5E Model + Technology
    Lesson planning remains a tool for teachers to use to make sure they are covering the required material. If you follow the 5E Model for planning and add technology to it, you end up with a very powerful way to bring the curriculum to life for all students.

Choice Boards

Tools

Classroom Management

Classroom Walls

Coaching

  • Ten Ideas for Tech Coaches to Help Their Teachers Grow
    Explore creative and fun ways for tech coaches to encourage teachers in their growth with technology integration. Ready, set, ed tech!
  • Conference for Educational Coaches
    Sign up for the Conference for Educational Coaches (CEC) to discover the latest in professional development, best practices for coaching, and even more ideas for supporting educators. Attend in person in Austin, Texas or online from October 9-10.

Artificial Intelligence

For Texas Educators

I hope these strategies, activities, templates, and more get the brain flowing with ideas to create a successful start. Have a wonderful new school year!

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Back to SchoolLibrariesPlanning and Preparation

Seven Back-to-School Tips for Librarians

by Kristi Starr
written by Kristi Starr

Are you a librarian who likes to plan, or do you fly by the seat of your pants? Maybe it’s a bit of both. Intentions are good but, when the first day of school suddenly stares you in the face, it’s all about survival mode. No matter where you are in the planning process, here are a few suggestions to help you face the beginning of the year with confidence. 

Know thyself.

Be honest with yourself about your skills, your strengths and weaknesses, and the things you can and can’t control. Whether you’re considering sweeping changes or just want to make small alterations in daily tasks, think about what each requires and what stands in your way. Do you need an ally? An accountability partner? An alarm? Never be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s a friend on your campus, a fellow librarian, or a library leader.

Use a planning system.

Find a way to track what you want to accomplish and when! That could mean slotting a time every day, or a few times a week, to create and schedule social media posts or write blog posts. It can include noting days for changing displays as well as ideas for display and programming themes. Your calendar/planner is also a great place to track events going on in your library as well as classes or groups visiting and using the library. Don’t forget to include events you plan to attend and classes you visit. Your planner will also be a valuable data resource when it’s time to provide reports. 

librarian tip calendar
 Created by Zinnia Bayardo

You can find some excellent planner options for purchase or download. Demco offers a library planner designed by Kristina Holzweiss. Zinnia Bayardo of Northside ISD shared this fabulous weekly calendar template that can be printed or used digitally. You can also make your own in Canva or Slides. A general academic planner can also be easily customized, like this Star Wars-themed one from Erin Condren).

Find your go-to programming resources.

Planning and programming go hand in hand. There are many great people and sites to follow to help with ideas and resources. For this, social media might be your best friend. The Book Wrangler is an elementary librarian to follow, and he shares lots of printables on his blog. Shannon McClintock Miller and the VanMeter Library Voice is another good source for programming ideas. Use reading lists, designated months and weeks, and holidays. Or maybe Facebook groups are your jam. If you prefer more random celebrations, check out NationalToday.com for a compilation of popular as well as lesser-known events. Like today, August 10, you get National Lazy Day, National Spoil Your Dog Day, Update Your Bio Day, Vlogging Day, World Lion Day, and Duran Duran Appreciation Day. 

the book wrangler
the library voice

Pick your go-to tools.

Canva or Adobe? Nearpod or PearDeck? Wakelet or Padlet? Genially or BookCreator? Know which tools you can access in a pinch to create amazing content. When you have more time available, then you can play around and experiment with new sites and apps. 

Pick one big thing at a time to focus on.

Some people are better at multitasking than others, but if you want to work efficiently, your best bet is to focus on a job and get it done. Too many overlapping projects can lead to burnout. Weeding, diversity audits, genrefication and shelving changes, or website development are just a few projects that can require extensive time to complete. When you’re trying to launch a new program or initiative, establish one at a time before moving on to the next. Trying to establish a library advisory board, set up your very first book club, and institute a Tech Tuesday can be overwhelming if you’ve never done any of them before. 

Determine the data you need, then decide how you’ll collect it.

I keep track of 3 types of student visits: classes, individual students and small groups, and students needing loaner Chromebooks. I document each in a different manner. Circulation reports are easy. Numeric data is important, but it’s not the only data we need to tell our stories. Materials requests, reading preferences, and patron comments can inform and justify collection development and library services. 

librarians back to school class

Grow your PLN.

I have the best professional learning network ever. Some are friends I’ve only met once or twice face-to-face, but they consistently make my job easier and better. Find and follow the people to follow who fill your cup, who share great ideas, who make you a better person. My PLN contains people all across the state and even the nation, people I consider to be friends. If you’re fortunate enough to work in a district or live in an area with lots of other librarians, use them to learn from and grow your practice. If you don’t, the TCEA librarian community is vibrant, and Twitter and Instagram are wonderful places to connect with others. Iron sharpens iron. 

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Social-Emotional Learning

Three Activities for Back-to-School Anxiety

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

Going back to school can be exciting for some students, but it can also be stressful for others. Feelings of anticipation and uncertainty can cause students to feel anxious. Students may begin to feel anxiety during the summer before the new school year begins. They might be wondering who their teacher will be, where their classes are, and if they will make new friends. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities can help students cope with this anxiety. Let’s look at three SEL activities that can help students destress and start the year off strong.

Getting to Know You Bingo

Helping students get to know one another can make all the difference. With this bingo game, students will have fun learning about each other by finding things they have in common. To play the game, ask students to find classmates who fit the descriptors on the game card. Students can play a regular bingo game, or they can complete the entire card.

Example “Getting to Know You” Bingo Card

Give the winner a small reward and acknowledge everyone’s efforts by asking students to raise their hand if they completed five, 10, 15, or 20 squares. After the game is over, you can review each statement on the card and ask who it applied to. This is a good way for students to see what they have in common with others in the class.

To create a bingo card, I recommend using Flippity. Flippity has a bingo template along with instructions so that you can easily create your own cards. Below is an example of a bingo card I created.

Mindful Check In

A challenge for teachers is not knowing how students are feeling at the beginning of the school year. Therefore, it’s important to check in with them. Doing a check-in with your students before class begins can give you a good indication of how your students are feeling. Be sure to check out some of these daily check-in Jamboard templates. By acknowledging how your students feel, you are creating a safe place for them.

If students indicate they are feeling good, then have them share their good feelings with the class. If students are feeling down or anxious, allow them some time to do mindfulness activities, like deep breathing exercises.

Worry Jar or Box

The Worry Box is an activity in which students can identify their worries and allow themselves to forget them for a little while. All you need for this activity is a glass or plastic jar. If you want a box, then you can use a shoe box. You can even decorate it if you want.

Example Worry Jar

Have students write down their anxieties or worries and place them in the worry box or jar. After students place their slips of paper in the box or jar, be sure to store it out of the student’s view. If your students want to share their anxieties, allow them to. They may find out that there are other students in the classroom that feel the same way. This can help build empathy among the class. If students are too young to write, they can draw their worries, and if you want a digital version, check out this Worry Monster Jamboard created by Karen Stepic.

For some students, going back to school can cause different levels of anxiety. There are many ways SEL can help students calm themselves and work through their insecurities. Encourage students to try out a few SEL activities and discover what works best for them.

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