{"id":1976,"date":"2025-01-12T18:48:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-12T18:48:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teachbyday.com\/?p=1976"},"modified":"2025-01-12T18:48:28","modified_gmt":"2025-01-12T18:48:28","slug":"small-changes-with-the-potential-to-large-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teachbyday.com\/?p=1976","title":{"rendered":"Small Changes With the Potential to = Large Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo by Alexas Fotos on Pexels.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Usually with the arrival of a new year, you think about how to make this year different. Usually how to make this year better in some way. It can be difficult to follow through on what you set out to do. However, I have found that even the smallest changes have the potential to make a large impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is especially true in the classroom. You may be thinking the school year is half over, what can I do now that will make a difference? I’ve been there and it’s simply not true. There are plenty of things you can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, I don’t suggest trying to do them all. Choose the one or two that you are comfortable with trying or the one or two that you believe will make the most impact in your classroom. To make this easier, I’m going to give some examples in different categories of small changes that you can put to use right away that will, hopefully, impact you and your students in a positive way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small Changes in Classroom Management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Add a routine.- Is there a transition that is difficult for your class? Is there a procedure missing that causes a daily disruption to your day? Use this time right after your holiday break to come up with a new routine for how you want students to manage this challenge. Think about how to explain the routine in simple, easy-to-follow steps appropriate to the age level of the students you teach. Create a poster or slide for the new routine. Teach it, model it, and have students practice it until the new routine is perfected. Now, this one small change has eliminated a disruption to your classroom that will add to the peace of your classroom for the rest of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Focus on one weakness.- Don’t by any means dwell on ALL the weaknesses you perceive in your class, but choose one area that is difficult. Whether it be hallway transitions, no-name papers, calling out, time management, etc. Choose one and work towards a solution. The solution could be the small change above, adding a routine. But it may have to be adding in an incentive for walking in the hall or having a visual timer on the board to motivate students to complete work in a certain time frame. These are merely suggestions. You will have to research the possible solution for yourself to see what will work for your classroom. But by focusing on making one improvement, you will not overwhelm yourself, making it more likely to achieve success!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Focus on one student.- This does not mean ignore the rest of your students. It does mean that if there is THAT student in your classroom, really take some time and energy to focus on THAT student. Search out the root cause, work on building up the relationship, and if you just don’t know, ask for help. It’s ok to reach out to others in your school building for support. That is what they are there for and they will be glad you did. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small Changes in Grouping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Switch students around.- If you haven’t changed your small groupings in awhile, you should. What works in the beginning of the year may not be working now. With the winter testing over, take a look at what the data is telling you. Use that to make informed decisions on how to switch up your groups to make the most impact. Take a more detailed look on how to do that with this post, Using Data Effectively<\/a>. And, also, take behavior and student relationships into account when doing this. You know your students now and should be able to tell who will and won’t work well together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Consider seeing your “high” groups for less time than your “low” groups.- At the beginnning of the year, you may have given equal time to all your groups. Now as you have learned how each student or group of students makes progress, you can adjust the time you spend with them. Maybe see the high group only 2-3 times a week, but be sure to see your “low” groups every day. Your high groups should have the ability to work independently and be challenged on enrichment activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Add a new strategy.- Perhaps you have a group that has hit a plateau. I have a group that has hit that plateau now. We have learned our letter sounds, but are struggling to blend. I have exhausted my strategies. I took the time to listen to a podcast on just that topic and gained a few new strategies. I put one of them in place this week and it is already making a difference! Give it a try and you’ll see what I mean. In fact, click here <\/a>for the podcast I listened to from The Science of Reading Formula. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small Changes to Lower Your Stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Take some time for YOU each day.- Just 5 minutes away can lower your stress. Try some deep breathing, jot in a journal, stretch, hydrate, get in the fresh air, etc. Ideally, try to do one of these things at some point during your school day. But I know in reality that is easier said than done. Maybe do it in your car before starting it up for home or right before you go in the house. Find a time that makes sense to you, just make the commitment to DO IT! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. For other ideas to lower stress, check out my post on How to Leave Your Work at Work<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several benefits to be had from making just one small change. A small change in classroom management can make the environment of your classroom calmer and lead to less behavior issues. It could mean less wasted time and less frustration for everyone. A small change in student grouping could lead to one or more students progress to soar! A small change to lower your stress will leave you feeling less overwhelmed and better equipped to face the day. It will help you to smile more and better support your students!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making one small change doesn’t take much time and the positive impacts can be huge! What small change will you make? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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