TL;DR:
- Read this for tips on how to get yourself unstuck when using The Grid Method.
- Reflect on specifically what is causing you to get stuck.
- Consider taking a Grid Method course to review the basics.
- We are here for you so reach out through social media if you need support.
Throw a flag. Sound an alarm. Push a button. Wave your arms. Scream!
We all have our own way to show others we are in need of help. Sometimes life makes it easy for us to advocate for support by providing us with a button to push such as when we are a passenger on an airplane trying to get the flight attendant’s attention. Other times, we can feel stuck in our frustration with no button to hit in sight. Sometimes I am so stuck, I don’t want a button for help, I just want to wave a white flag and give up altogether.
When teachers explore a new idea, the continuous success and failure roller coaster can lead to fatigue and frustration. And, while we all wish Staples could provide us with an easy button to tell us the right answers when we are stuck, there’s got to be a better way! That’s where this blog comes in!
Let’s explore your solution-seeking options when the going gets tough! The list below may take a little more effort than a quick button tap, but trust me, the results will be way more satisfactory than a button telling you “that was easy!”
Don't limit the people you can learn from! Choose to grow and foster discussion with other educators worldwide. Click To TweetI’M STUCK – WHERE DO I BEGIN?
Getting Unstuck with the Grid Tip #1: Reflect on the core issue.
Reflecting to identify the key issue should always be your first step in getting “unstuck.” It may sound like an obvious first step, but as you head into your exploration toward finding a solution to any idea you are struggling with, understanding the core issue will help you strategically look for the most effective solutions.
For example, if you are finding yourself overwhelmed during the class hour because students need your attention for multiple check-in checkpoints and content understanding conferences, take a step back at look at the problem with a clear lens first. It may just be that an element of your management hasn’t “clicked into place.”
Reflect on the types of needs your students had. Can you adapt your grid to offer support? Would a student leader be able to assist with the needs of students? Is there a better way to address their needs? Are you using a triage system to ensure you are addressing students’ needs as efficiently as possible?
Simply understanding if this concern is either a “classroom management” need or a “construction of your grid” need can allow you to seek out potential supports more successfully.
Getting Unstuck with the Grid Tip #2: Back to the Basics (TeachBetter.com/The Grid Method)
Sometimes heading back to the basics can ensure you have a strong foundation to work from. Many educators choose to slowly implement The Grid Method rather than diving in full force with all of the components. While there are pros and cons to each approach, one element to consider is if your concern causing you to feel stuck may be a result of a missing core fundamental of the framework.
Different from other systems, The Grid Method is not only a teacher instructional tool but also contains elements essential for classroom management. Therefore, consider visiting TeachBetter.com/TheGridMethod for a reminder on some tools you may want to think about. Commonly skipped over “must-haves” include Student Daily Goal Setting & Reflection, Progress Monitoring, Suggested Pacing, and the Triage System.
TeachBetter.com/TheGridMethod has downloadable mastery learning tools as well as direct links to the free and full courses in the Academy.
If you are seeking support in specific areas, these resources may get you the fundamentals you need to overcome your hurdle.
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Getting Unstuck with the Grid Tip #3: Connect with a member of the Teach Better Team.
While the Teach Better Team aims to foster relationships with everyone in our network through goofy banter, witty Brain Breaks, and ridiculous 12 Hour Live specials, do not forget that an essential element of the team is also instructional coaching. Day in and day out, team members are traveling across the country working with school districts to support educators on their mastery learning journey.
Therefore, when you find yourself stuck, do not hesitate to reach out! Some of my favorite moments of the week are hopping on a quick call with a teacher and talking shop. I personally LOVE brainstorming solutions and following up to better understand how small suggestions can have massive results in teachers’ classrooms. Reach out and let’s talk!
Getting Unstuck with the Grid Tip #4: Professional Learning Network
Don’t limit the people you can learn from! Choose to grow and foster discussion with other educators worldwide. With the use of the internet, social media, and other technology tools, our learning opportunities are endless. Reach outside of your school to your network. Share a post or write a DM to gain resources or insight. What’s the worst that could happen?
Unsure you want to take a step to foster discussion online? Nervous you won’t get any responses? Tag me (@RaeHughart) and the Team (@TeachBetterTeam) to amplify your questions and resources to a larger audience! It’s all about sharing ideas!
Let’s get unstuck together!
See the full blog series here!
About Rae Hughart
Rae Hughart is the Chief Experience Officer and co-owner of the Teach Better Team, Educator, and author of Teachers Deserve It (20) and Teach Better (19) books available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. 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 winning 1st place in the Henry Ford Innovator Award for her work within educators communities to build unity between local businesses and schools. And in 2021, Rae was selected to give her first TEDx Talk called “Better Than Youtube,” emphasizing the true value of educators. You can learn more about Rae or book her for Professional Development opportunities within the Teach Better Speakers Network.
