Over at Diane’s Be the Difference blog (that other blog from The Mailbox), Diane recently asked readers what the first thing was that they did each morning upon arriving at school. For me, it was always a check of my mailbox followed by the trudge up three flights of stairs, then into my classroom. I turned on the lights, turned on the computer, and then scanned my schedule and lesson plans to get prepared.
Ever the contrarian, of course, I thought it would be interesting to find out what the first thing is you do every day as you leave your classroom or, if you’d like, when you leave school. I imagine you’ll be tempted to say “turn off the lights” or “close the door,” but I hope you’ll give us all a little something more than that!
So, please, share with us. What’s the first thing you do when you leave your classroom or your school building at the end of a teaching day?
Exit, stage left.
I make sure that I am ready for the next day. All my papers are copied and my desk is organized. This is why I may not leave until 4:30 or later.
Like Linda, I always make sure everything is out and ready for the next day. However, the very last thing I do is make sure my tomorrow’s “To Do List” is set. I get to school early each day and like to use that time and any prep time I can as efficiently as possible. Having a list when I walk in the next morning helps me know exactly what needs to be done. Otherwise, I have to rethink about everything. This really helps keep me organized so I don’t forget about talking to this teacher, emailing a reminder to Student Council, photocopying something, etc. This ensures that everything is done on time and in a good way!!
The FIRST thing I do hen I leave my classroom is use my cellphone to touch base with one of my daughters. One is a first year teacher in a nearby county, so she always has stories to tell and challenges to talk through. The other is managing being a Mom and working a challenging job, and I love hearing of my grandson’s exploits and her successes and challenges. These few stolen moments between leaving the classroom and driving home help me transition from work to home life, leave the day’s struggles behind and be ready to enjoy my home and family before jumping into preparing dinner, cleaning, and ‘homework’ that fill my evenings.
Check my desk, and shut the lights!