The Monday Mindset: Connection Over Content
It’s Monday morning, and like many teachers, I used to feel the pressure to dive straight into content and meet my learning targets. I was focused on getting through my plans and ensuring students were receiving the curriculum they needed. However, I often missed something important—connection, both with my students and with myself. It took a simple conversation with my principal to change my perspective.
A Shift in Perspective: My Story
One day, as I was heading to class, my principal caught me in the hallway for a quick chat. I started venting about my overwhelming workload and my desire to ensure every minute of class time was filled with teaching. He smiled and asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks: “Why?”
I was confused at first, but he quickly followed up with, “Marcella, you’re doing a great job. Your students are learning because you plan, teach, and assess with care. But sometimes, it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. Have some fun. It’ll help everyone.”
That conversation marked a shift in my thinking. I was focused on the plays—the content, the standards, the goals—but I wasn’t taking a moment to breathe. It wasn’t that I was falling short, but I was missing something vital: joy, connection, and moments of calm.
Why Check-Ins Matter for You and Your Students
That day sparked a change. I realized I wasn’t allowing enough time for my students (or myself) to pause and check in. I didn’t need to overhaul my entire teaching approach overnight. I could start small. So, I decided to make time for check-ins, beginning with a simple greeting at the door each morning.
I had heard about greeting students at the door before but had only done it a few times. However, I committed to it daily, and slowly, it became something that set the tone for my class. At first, a few students were surprised, others smiled, and some walked by quietly. But as the days passed, it became a time where I truly connected with them. We started talking about their weekends, how they were feeling, and even what they had for breakfast or the Dodger game the night before.
How I Started Small and Made Big Changes
The change was subtle at first but meaningful. What began as a simple greeting turned into deeper conversations. Sometimes, it even caused a bit of a bottleneck at the door—but I loved it! It wasn’t long before this small action had a ripple effect. I saw the power of these check-ins to spark stronger relationships, and soon, I was embedding them into more of my teaching.
This daily practice became the foundation of my approach to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and it made my classroom a space where students felt seen, heard, and cared for.
Small Changes, Big Impact
As I continued these check-ins, I realized the incredible power of creating moments of connection. You don’t need a complicated plan to start fostering a supportive classroom community. It’s about taking small, consistent steps—like daily check-ins—that make a lasting impact on students’ emotional well-being. Whether it’s a quick “How are you?” or a brief chat, these small interactions build trust and create an environment where students feel safe, heard, and ready to learn.
Want More Support? Explore Ready-to-Use SEL Lessons
If you’re looking for ways to deepen the connections in your classroom, I’ve created a range of no-prep, ready-to-use SEL lessons that take the heavy lifting off your plate. From relationship-building activities to strategies for fostering emotional regulation, these lessons are designed to make your teaching life easier while creating lasting impact for your students.
Join Me: Let’s Foster Connection Together!
I encourage you to visit my store, Secondary SEL Powerhouse @ TPT for SEL resources that will help you continue building meaningful connections in your classroom. And don’t forget to stop by my Freebie of the Month section, where I offer free resources designed to support you on this journey! Let’s take on this week together—one mindful check-in at a time.
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