Make Your Teaching Life Easier With Classroom Systems

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The Friday Five

TGIF Teacher Newsletter #144

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This is the 144th edition of the Friday Five Newsletter. My streak of writing on Fridays is still going strong, and I haven’t missed a single one since I began Why Edify. Over time, the archive has transformed into a treasure trove of resources and ideas specifically tailored for teachers. It has become my most effective tool for personal and professional growth. If you’ve been a part of our journey from the beginning, I encourage you to consider becoming a supporter.

As the new year approaches, I invite you to participate in this year’s Winter Reflection series. Discover a transformative five-part series designed to help educators reflect, recharge, and reimagine their teaching practice during the winter break. Perfect for teachers seeking mindful professional and personal development.

Winter Reflection Series for Teachers: A Guide to Mindful Growth

Discover a transformative five-part series designed to help educators reflect, recharge, and reimagine their teaching practice during the winter break. Perfect for teachers seeking mindful professional development.

WHY EDIFYJeremy Jorgensen

1 - Classroom Systems

A third-grade teacher shares 22 practical classroom management systems learned through the 40-Hour Teacher Workweek Club, including organized storage solutions, student job assignments, and efficient material distribution methods. The systems cover everything from pencil management and bathroom procedures to portfolio organization and automated assessment grading, all designed to minimize teacher workload while maintaining an organized classroom environment.

2 - Successful Technology Integration

Modern educators are increasingly incorporating technology into their teaching methods, balancing device usage with traditional instruction while establishing clear guidelines for classroom implementation. Successful technology integration requires thoughtful policies around device management, equitable access considerations, and strategies to maintain student engagement while minimizing distractions.

3 - Timeless Wisdom

Stoicism offers timeless wisdom for navigating life's challenges through emotional regulation, resilience building, and ethical decision-making. The philosophy's emphasis on what we can control while accepting what we cannot provides a practical framework for personal growth and inner peace. By practicing self-discipline and maintaining perspective, we can develop greater mental fortitude and wisdom daily.

4 - Beginners

"You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you." — Barbara Shur

5 - Teacher Commuter Playlist - The First Time by Miki Fiki

You'll notice a new format this week. I wanted to start include some of the Golden Lines (for me) from each song. There will still be a listen link. Listen to this week's selection here*.

Choose Your Own Adventure

• What’s your “One Word” for the upcoming year? This year, I’ve picked “Create.” Here’s a One Word Reflection resource for you to use with your students.
• The Good Stuff - Here are some of my most memorable moments from this past year.
• Become a master in the art of wintering.
• Book Suggestion - Teaching With Love and Logic (*ad) by Jim and Charles Fay. This book marked a turning point in my classroom management and ultimately made teaching a more sustainable career for me.
• Up your organization using Google Sheets and Hubs.

But Wait, There’s More

Supporting Members Section Below

Reflection Questions:

1. How can I implement or adapt one of the 22 classroom management systems mentioned better to serve my specific teaching context and student needs?
2. What is my current relationship with technology in the classroom, and based on the guidelines discussed, how might I create more intentional policies around its use?
3. Considering the Barbara Shur quote, in what area of my teaching practice am I willing to be a beginner again to open up new possibilities for growth?

Here’s a guide/reflection journal that accompanies the Winter Reflection Series.

Here are some ideas to try based on this week's newsletter.

Idea/Tips for Elementary Teachers:

• Implement a student job system:- Create a job board with rotating weekly positions (line leader, supply manager, tech helper)- Design simple job applications for students to practice responsibility- Include a training period for each role- Establish clear expectations and create visual aids for each job.
• Create efficient material distribution stations:- Set up labeled bins for different subjects and activities- Create color-coded systems for different groups or subjects- Establish clear routines for collecting and returning materials- Train students on proper procedures during the first week.
• Design a technology rotation schedule:- Divide the class into small groups for device usage- Create a visual schedule showing rotation times- Plan parallel hands-on activities for non-device groups- Include device-free zones in the classroom.

Ideas/Tips for Middle/High School Teachers:

• Utilize Google Sheets for organization:- Create a master spreadsheet with linked sheets for each class- Design curriculum planning templates with unit objectives- Include collaborative spaces for department sharing.
• Implement "One Word" reflection activities:- Start the year with guided word selection activities. Schedule monthly check-ins for students to reflect on their chosen words. Create visual displays of students’ words and goals. Use journal prompts to connect coursework to their selected words.
• Establish technology guidelines:- Create a clear device usage contract with student input- Define specific times for device use versus traditional learning- Implement a system for monitoring appropriate use- Design backup plans for technology issues.

Time-Saving AI Prompts for Teachers:

• Lesson Plan Generator: "Create a detailed lesson plan for [subject/topic] for [grade level] that includes learning objectives, activities, assessment methods, and differentiation strategies. Include a timeline and materials needed."
• Feedback Formula: "Generate constructive feedback comments for student essays/assignments about [topic] that highlight specific strengths and areas for improvement. Make the feedback encouraging and actionable for [grade level] students."
• Parent Communication Template: "Draft a professional email template for communicating with parents about [specific situation: behavior/academic progress/classroom updates]. Include both positive observations and constructive suggestions while maintaining a supportive tone."