The Most Important thing I did This week (It Wasn’t On My To-Do List)

It hit me like a ton of bricks.

The most simple 15 minutes in my everyday, mundane teacher-mom life…and yet, the message was powerful.

Presence.
Access to me.

That’s all my kids truly want.
Their safe place.
The simple act of connection.

The week had been wild leading up to Christmas break.

It was Thursday night, and I still needed to prep for our staff potluck the next day.

My day had already included:

  • Christmas breakfast for 30 kindergarteners
  • Racing home to make it to my niece’s preschool program
  • Waiting in line for Santa… only for my kids to opt out after 30 minutes of begging to see him

With tired eyes and patience nearly gone, I started prepping 20 baked potatoes.

Not the most daunting task, but soon, my kids were right there with me.

Wes gravitates toward anything involving water (haha), and since I never make baked potatoes, Hattie was genuinely curious.

What started as a chore turned into one of the most special moments I’ve had with my kids in a long time.

No fighting.
Just working together.
Teaching each job.
Laughing through it all.

A heart-healing moment for all of us after a busy couple of weeks.

As the kids pierced the potatoes with forks and wrapped them in tin foil, one simple thought settled in:

Being present is a form of productivity.

And moving forward, this is the message I’m choosing to hold onto in 2026.

Yes, I have big dreams of having an impact beyond my home, but the most important influence I will ever have can’t be replaced or replicated.

It’s right here.
With my kids.

If life feels heavy while balancing all the hats you wear, I hope you can hold onto this thought too, and that we can help each other create more space for presence, especially in the relationships that matter most.

I’m cheering you on, always. 🤍

✨Here’s what’s worth your brain space this week from one teacher mom to another. 

1 – The world can sometimes make us feel a lot of mom-guilt for working instead of being stay-at-home-moms. This healthcare worker with three daughters of her own keeps a little paper of facts and positive statistics about kids of working moms to read when mom-guilt starts creeping in. TikTok Post to Save 🤍

2 – FINALLY, a piece of research from Mike Schmoker and Timothy Shanahan about small-group reading instruction NOT being as effective as we have been told. You know I’ve been a huge advocate for whole group instruction and was glad that they emphasized how small groups actually give children less access to YOU. Let’s actually dive into this more below. 

Small Group Reading Instruction is NOT as Effective as You Think

Make Whole-Class Instruction Your Secret Weapon in 2026

Over the last few years, as I’ve connected with so many of you online, I’ve noticed a common frustration as more administrators push small-group instruction.

At the same time, I know there are teachers who genuinely prefer small groups. And honestly? That makes complete sense with the level of behavior we’re navigating in classrooms right now.

No matter which camp you’re in, if whole-class instruction is a goal for you in the coming year, here are a few ideas to support you.

1. Engagement is KEY

You can keep students tuned in when engagement is intentional.

Think strategic teacher moves:

  • Movement
  • Turn & talk
  • Positive praise
  • Pacing
  • Quick resets

These small shifts make a big difference in keeping students locked in to your instruction.

2. Keep Content Clear and Concise

This part matters more than we realize.

Focus on:

  • One skill or target from the standard
  • A simple, repeatable process to get there

For example, last week my students were working on addition word problems.

Target:
I can solve addition word problems.

Process:

  • Drawing
  • Number bond
  • Equation

We did 3–4 practice problems together at the carpet. Any more than that, and they will not stay tuned in.

We also rely heavily on:

  • Countdowns for erasing whiteboards
  • Clear learning positions
  • Reminders for quick drawings
  • Check-with-a-partner moments

All of this helps keep instruction tight and focused.

3. It’s Okay to Start Over

This one can be hard—but it’s powerful.

When my students are dragging, distracted, or off-task, we stop.

We:

  • Talk about what we can improve
  • Revisit expectations
  • Stand up for a quick breathing exercise or movement drill
  • Try again

And then we stick with it.

Holding the line matters.

If whole-class instruction is something you want to lean into this year, start small, stay consistent, and give yourself grace. It’s a skill, just like anything else we teach.

 You’ve got this, and I’ll be sharing a lot more with you as the year goes on. 

Our Easy Dinner Faves (for the busy moms)

Slow Cooker Drip Sandwiches –

A fan favorite & so easy to whip together.

Tator Tot Casserole –

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef browned and drained
  • 2 cans green beans
  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • Mix together in a crockpot & top with tator tots. I cook on low from the time I leave for school and get home. 

One Pan Taco Topper Soup –

  • 1 lb ground beef browned & drained
  • 1 can corn drained
  • 1 can chili beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 pkg taco seasoning
  • Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, and Fritos. 

Fired Up Mac & Cheese –

This one only takes about 45 minutes to prep from start to finish.

That’s all for now. Same time next week?

xo – Katy