TL;DR:
- Fluff ain’t enough in our classrooms, but it certainly has it’s time and place.
- FLUFFy ideas to take back to your schools next school year.
I am the first to argue “Fluff ain’t enough” in a classroom. In a world of educators sharing inspirational stories, crafting lessons on neon paper, and swapping the cutest fonts, I wonder sometimes if we have forgotten about the data supported best practices that must exist in our classrooms.
However, in the current times we are in, I think we could all use a little bit of motivational “fluff.”
As district leaders plan to welcome back their staff this August, its time to find your balance of FLUFF and purposeful beginning of the year updates!
Teachers deserve to be trusted to use their time wisely - they are professionals. Click To TweetFireworks:
Add some flair to kick of the year! Shock your staff with some fun and fireworks as they enter the school building as a united front, ready for students to fill our buildings again. This could include colorful table cloths, energetic music, free giveaways, or a fancy photo booth. Take some time to celebrate and allow the energy to refill the school!
Love:
Get a little sentimental, and fill the room with love as you welcome educators back into our school buildings. It’s ok to get a little sappy! Kick it off with an inspirational video, motivational speaker, or surprise student shoutout video.
Everyone needs an opportunity to tear up, mourn the struggles of last year, and pull at our heartstrings to share the love of beginning a new for this fall!
Understand:
Every educator, regardless of their role, needs to feel understood during this time of uncertainty. We have all gone through a great deal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But teachers fought tooth-and-nail to find a solution and place students first. Some may be worried about coming back to the classroom, and many may feel lost entering back into classrooms they left far too long ago. Show them you understand the mixed emotions, and assist them in finding the balance – even if you may not know how. Simply acting as a potential partner throughout this transition is enough. We all need an understanding sidekick.
Facilitate:
Your teachers have been learning for 9 months – most of which has happened in isolation. Its time to facilitate conversation between your teachers and get them talking! This could include sharing starter questions with larger groups, doing a post-it break out, or jigsaw content in small groups. Either way, get them moving and let the conversation flow!
Flexibility:
The beginning of the year is overwhelming for everyone involved, and teachers need time to prepare and get students ready. Allow your staff to have the flexibility in the day to prepare. Providing educators the time to work in their classroom is not a cop-out, its essential. Teachers deserve to be trusted to use their time wisely – they are professionals. So, provide them with this time so they can come back strong and prepared for students!
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#TeachBetter Challenge
Share out how you can use Fluff to help you better transition this Fall! Use the hashtag #TeachBetter to connect with other educators sharing in finding the balance of Fluff in their lives this year! Remember, “Fluff ain’t enough,” but a little can go a long way.
About Rae Hughart
Rae Hughart is a Middle-Level Math and Writing Educator in Illinois, the Director of Training and Development for the Teach Better Team, and co-author of the Teach Better book. In 2017, Rae was honored with the Illinois State University Outstanding Young Alumni Award – inducting her into the University Hall of Fame. In 2018, Rae was honored again by the Henry Ford Innovator Award for her work within educators communities to build unity between local businesses and schools. Rae is also a member of the Teach Better Speakers Network.
