Weekly Report

Mentor Mindset

Topics for this week include success with less, how to mentor 10-25 year olds, and 12 things to say no to.

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The Friday Five

Become a Supporter

This past week I tried using the Iron Chef protocol in social studies for the first time. It was a success.

If you are like me and have school next week, lean into the chaos and try something new. It’s chaotic anyway.

If you do, hit reply and let me know how it went.

Here are some reflection questions to go along with this week’s newsletter.

Reflection Questions

What is one unnecessary element in your teaching practice that you could remove to create more space for deeper learning? How might this benefit both you and your students?
In what ways are you currently implementing the mentor mindset in your classroom? What is one additional strategy you could adopt to better connect with and challenge your students?
Reflecting on James Clear's quote about saying "yes" and "no," what commitments or activities in your professional life might you need to reevaluate to better align with your core goals as an educator?

Why Edify Wisdom

I've really enjoyed connecting with educators who are willing to share their earned wisdom. This week, Byron Carpenter shares lessons on self-care, consistency, and belief. Check it out below, and if you have a little more time, visit the Why Edify Wisdom Archives.

1 - Improve With Less

Schools can improve by removing unnecessary elements rather than continuously adding new programs and initiatives. Educational institutions can create more effective learning environments and boost staff morale by simplifying communications, rules, bureaucracy, and curriculum. Success comes from prioritizing essential learning standards and allowing time for deeper engagement with core concepts. For teachers looking to implement this approach, a practical first step is to meet with grade-level colleagues to identify 2-to 3 curriculum standards that could be de-emphasized in their subject area, allowing more time for deeper learning on priority standards while documenting the impact on student understanding and engagement over one semester.

2 - Mentor Mindset

Based on David Yeager's research, the mentor mindset approach emphasizes creating meaningful connections with students while maintaining high expectations and providing appropriate support. Modern adolescents are biologically wired to seek status and respect, making it crucial for educators to create environments where students feel valued and challenged. Teachers can implement these ideas by starting classes with emotional check-ins, creating rotation systems for classroom responsibilities, providing specific growth-focused feedback, facilitating peer teaching opportunities, and explaining the reasoning behind assignments and policies to build trust and understanding.

3 - Choose Carefully

The key to maximizing personal productivity is understanding when to say no to commitments and activities that don't serve your goals. By carefully choosing where to invest your time and energy, you can focus on what truly matters and achieve better results. Setting healthy boundaries and being selective with your time allows you to channel your efforts into meaningful pursuits that align with your goals. Here are twelve things to say no to.

4 - Ultimately Productivity Hack

“When you say no, you are only saying no to one option. When you say yes, you are saying no to every other option. No is a decision. Yes is a responsibility. Be careful what (and who) you say yes to. It will shape your day, your career, your family, your life. Pair with: The ultimate productivity hack is saying no.” - James Clear

5 - Teacher Commuter Playlist - Blue Christmas by Elvis

Choose Your Own Adventure

The Hidden Power of Boredom: Why Embracing Mental Downtime Enhances Creativity and Learning
Book Suggestion: "Mathematical Mindsets" *(ad) by Jo Boaler offers research-based strategies for helping students develop a positive attitude toward mathematics. You'll find practical advice on teaching math with a growth mindset, boosting student confidence and achievement in the subject.
This is how teachers feel about students still following directions this close to winter break. (Connect with me on Instagram)
Did you try anything new this week? How about a random picture? Check out the Strong Teacher Sanctuary.
Here’s a fun Google Drawing holiday card activity if you are looking for something fun and engaging for next.