I Slowed My Roll in the Classroom Today
Enjoy the benefits for students and teachers by slowing it all down.
Sometimes during the day, I find myself getting worked up, often for no reason I can put my finger on. I start to make a plan for how my day should go and start to feel a little frantic when the time is shrinking, but the to-do list is not.
During the school year, I give in to some anxiety about not getting to the same place content-wise as I did the year before. I start pushing. The pace picks up. Student and teacher stress loads start to increase...and then every once in a while I choose to...
Slow Down.
Today I decided to take a deep breath and move at a slower pace. I took my time explaining directions. Students worked together in small groups. They asked questions. I provided examples. They practiced some more. No pushing was needed.
The thing is, we didn't get as far as I would have liked in the lesson, but the stress was low, and understanding seemed high. It felt good.
If you are a teacher, you know that there is always something else you could be doing. It seems as though the work is always ongoing. Today, if only for a little, I give your permission to slow your roll...and breathe.
Here are a few resources for the classroom.
- Slowing Down to Learn: Mindful Pauses That Can Help Student Engagement
- Teachers: How Slowing Down Can Lead to Great Change
Strong Teacher Pep Talk Playlist
Explore the Teacher Reset Kit → My curated storefront with journals, books, and wellness gear that helps teachers recharge. (Purchases earn a small commission that keeps this newsletter free.)
Explore the Bonfire Shop → You’ll find shirts, mugs, and reminders to pause, renew, and stay strong.
Join the STRONG Teacher’s Lounge → A supportive space where educators share expertise, swap strategies, and learn from one another. Your voice matters here, and your presence helps strengthen our collective mission. Join Here!
Every purchase and every new member helps support the Why Edify Community. Thank you for being part of it!
