You’re the teacher. You’re helping students, you’re teaching the content, and then an idea strikes you for a brilliant follow-up assignment. But you can’t put it together now–you’re in the middle of your lesson! Later, when you sit down to plan, all that inspiration vanishes. And now you’re wishing you had put it on a sticky note or something!
Why Teachers Should Use Sticky Notes
I am a busy person. Teaching is a busy profession. There is no end to the tasks in a day, because there is always more to be given. I may have solid lesson plans, teach effective small and whole group lessons, clear up my students’ misconceptions while working with them one-on-one, and find meaning in all the teacher meetings that I am called to attend, BUT it’s just plain not enough.
I may
– have solid lesson plans
– teach effective lessons
-clear up misconceptions
– and find meaning in the meetings
BUT it’s just plain not enough.
The demands of teaching add up to so much more. I haven’t even mentioned the class parties, contacting parents, student behavior, or even building relationships with your fellow teachers!
What I’m trying to say is that teaching? It’s a lot. And I know I don’t have it all down. So, I need to do something to help me remember.
In thinking about it, I realized that I am often telling students to write things down that they’re going to need to remember, and there’s some important science behind that.
To explain that science simply, the act of taking the time to write a memo builds a memory bridge. By building a solid memory bridge, our minds take less time and effort to recall ideas and concepts when we need them.
Things we don’t build memory bridges for get thrown into the huge soup mix of our brains that includes all the other ideas and experiences we had that day. When this happens, I’m not sure I can count on my brain to resurface what I need when I need it.
How to Use Sticky Notes
The first step is to have sticky notes handy. Lots of them.
The second step is to have a reliable and consistent place you will put them. If the act of writing the memo down is enough to build a memory bridge, you can be doubly sure you don’t forget it by placing the note in a spot you will see it again.
Third, set aside a time that you will “process,” or go through your notes. For me, that time is at the beginning of my plan time (on the days that I get my plan time).
**Don’t try to process them until you HAVE the time. Let it rest until you are ready to handle it. It’s like a text when you’re driving. It can wait. Focus on your current task, and get to it when you’ve safely arrived.
I know I am guilty of hoarding a billion ideas and other thoughts in my brain and expecting myself to be able to remember them all. That’s just not feasible AND it drives me to the point of insanity!
I am also guilty of trying to multitask. As a teacher, I am already multitasking. This is an appropriate way to set aside the tasks that can wait until later, and to focus my mind on the here and now.
The last trick is to be consistent. If you don’t get into the groove of it right away, don’t give up! Just try again. Remember, starting a new habit can take at least three weeks!
Alternatives to Sticky Notes
Sticky notes not available? Have an irrational aversion to the sticky on the back of the sticky notes? No problem!
It doesn’t have to be sticky notes. I’ve seen many teachers successfully use this method using a regular lined notebook, a teacher journal, or even loose leaf paper.
Other teacher friends of mine use the reminders, notes, or memo apps on their phones and computers!
PSA, Friendly Reminder: Write it Down
Writing down your thoughts in the moment is a great way to get your tasks off your mind now and turn them into something tangible for later.
Try it out this week as you work through your busy day.
Happy teaching!
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