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12/29/2020 3 Comments Shifting Organizer identities
Last week I introduced a set of simple Organizer Identity cards, which can shed a teeny bit of light into who we may be as organizers... or not so much. If you didn't grab them last week, you can still get them in the link above.
This week I wanted to look at one identity in particular, because I think many of us can relate to it. The "Tidy-on-Top" Identity. Pretty self-explanatory! This person, is just this. The desk, table or work space is tidy and neat on the surface. It's a great stepping to actually getting organized. But attempt also creates this illusion or surface level organization that can provide a short burst of satisfaction! On the flip side ... we avoid opening the drawers or cupboards, and warn others before they peek inside! Sound familiar? I spent years being this kind of "organized" and finally just couldn't take the strategy I had to have in place just to open a cupboard door anymore! We all having tipping points, and they can be helpful. But why do we wait until we can't take the clutter in the drawers anymore? I can't pinpoint the exact moment I didn't want to open messy cupboards anymore, but I do know it was a process that took some time to think through. It did take some time to think through and plan the attack, and I just knew that I had to change my identity as an organizer if I didn't want to spend my time rubbing my forehead and rubbing my eyes (those are my go-to frustration moves). It was also important for me to recognize that this cupboard clutter made me a bit anxious when I needed to get something out during class! It was impacting the things I was bringing out for students because it was too much of a hassle! Hello - where were my priorities! Over the years my Organizer Identity has shifted and become more refined, and I've found or created systems that work for me. I'd love to hear from you in the comments, in an email, or on the Facebook group, Organizing Teaching Spaces!
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12/23/2020 0 Comments Who Are You?
For so many events we participate in, whether it's starting a new job or participating in a professional learning workshop, we often work on some kind of strengths-finder or skill-assessment.
Well, I'm sure you know this isn't different when we talk about organization styles. So I want to know.... who are you? Click here to get a simple set of Organizer Identity categories. Once you get the categories, choose the one that best fits you most of time. The titles are self explanatory, but detailed descriptions are coming, so stay tuned! Then hop over the the Organizing Teaching Spaces Facebook Group, and share WHO YOU ARE! Let's see how many people we can group together! 
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Sign up for a FREE teacher coaching consultation call to sort out your professional needs. Take Control of Your To-Do List. Get the toolkit. App endorsements are unpaid. Photos are free from Unsplash. 12/17/2020 0 Comments Managing stuff during the HolidaysWhether you are teaching at home, in your classroom, or do both, this is the time of year that new things will likely pop up in all your spaces. You may start taking out decor, or accepting little gifts from friends and family, and maybe colleagues and students. Gifts are a kind gesture and appreciating them is essential. The holidays likely means getting old old stuff out AND accumulating new stuff. In this past week's #EdCoachCB Twitter chat, we talked about here adding a few things in our spaces, and how we can manage the old with the new. Here are a few highlights from our chat. Perhaps you will draw some inspiration for managing this. Q2: How do you make space for new things? Krista stated: "A2: This year, I put away all the "usual" things around the house and put up holiday things. When I switch back, I'll put more effort into determining what is adding value and what is just "stuff." (I am known to do sweeps of the house and toss unnecessary stuff." Lisa F said: A2: in the past I would add these new things to my collection of stuff (unless replacing)... this year I'm going to try to start a new tradition - in with new means out with something old (feeling really good of my movement toward minimalism)" Q3: What is one thing you can you can part with to make space for a new thing? Erin stated: "A3: I am determined to clean out my closet to make more room for other things...I work from home. I don't need all the clothes." Michele said: "A3: [Daughter] has a not-so subtle way of helping me figure that out. I swear she could have her own show." (Assistants are always helpful!) And finally, Q4 What are you planning to do over the break to ensure you keep a sense of organization? Jen O said: "A4: A break is when I manage to reestablish a sense of organization! There are some piles that have grown throughout the fall that I’ll finally sort through and it will restore some crucial space for me." This chat was a good one for this time of year. Let's keep the vision of managing our spaces while we have a little time to do so.  Subscribe to this blog and be entered to win this month's book draw or surprise giveaway!
Let's work together. Sign up for a FREE teacher coaching consultation call! Need help with your To-Do list? Here's a toolkit to take control of it, so it doesn't control you. App endorsements are unpaid. Photos are free from Unsplash. 12/9/2020 0 Comments Even the Most OrganizedEven the most organized teachers have their moments and likely have (hidden) spaces that may not be as organized as they wished they were. It's just part of being human. I consider myself a pretty organized person, having tried, chosen, and maintained particular systems in my classroom and home. I do this because I know they keep me on top of the things in my spaces. But, at this time of year, we are all beyond tired and stressed. We can tend to let many things slide - including our organization systems and good habits - and not think twice about it. Here are three things to consider when you feel the slide. Consider why you shouldn't let your organization systems get ruffled as you move into the holiday (or hibernation) season: 1. You likely already have a bunch of good habits established for putting things away in the right places. Keep those good habits! If you let those habits slide, you will have to retrain yourself, and you already trained! 2. When one thing slides, it's easy for another area to become lax. Be careful of this because before you know it, everything will end up on top of your desk rather than back where it belongs. 3. Delaying the restart of your system or starting a new one to January 1st also delays your efficiency and sense of satisfaction. So why wait? I know you are tired. I've been there. But taking the 10-15 minutes to sort those papers or google drive docs will be done, and you won't have to do it later. AND - you won't keep putting it off because it will be done! This time of year is tough. Taking a few minutes each day to maintain your organization will save you time, energy, angst, annoyance, and all the other frustrations in the long run. Do yourself a favor now and be one those people who stays organized most of the time.  Subscribe to this blog and be entered to win this month's book draw or giveaway (sometimes there are surprises).
Learn more about services offered. Sign up for a FREE teacher coaching consultation call. Need help with your To-Do list? Here's a toolkit to take control of it, so it doesn't control you. App endorsements are unpaid. Photos are free from Unsplash. 12/3/2020 0 Comments The Most Fun LearningWhen you think of your own most fun learning experiences, what do you remember? As a young student, I remember fun in learning mean my friends and I were talking and laughing, reading books and talking about them, drawing using smelly Mr, Sketch markers, and blanks sheets of paper - creating with a few simple things. As an adult learner, not much has changed expect now the learning includes the deep discussions and laughter, talking about books, and writing - on the laptop and by hand with a particular book and a set of pens. Can we think for a moment how the fun in learning doesn't really come from the things we hold in our hands but the people we are with and the sharing of ideas? During a season of giving, what fun or gift can you give your learners that is going to add the greatest value? A little comment in the chat box telling them how much you appreciate their thoughts? A wink to let them know you get their joke? A link to an e-book that you know they would love to read? A wish for good health and happiness over the holidays? Simple gestures sometimes get forgotten, thinking they are not enough. But the sharing of a thoughtful appreciation or something to read or listen to can have a profound impact on someone.  Subscribe to this blog and be entered to win this month's book draw or giveaway (sometimes there are surprises).
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