My room is mostly ready. The walls are ready for kid work and celebrations. The shelves are sorted and labelled. The plants are growing (for now) and the worm farm is going strong.

But I am unsettled.

I want to be ready, focussed, and feel on top of my game. But my old friend anxiety is bubbling just under the surface. I think it’s because I’m trying so much this year that is new, and there’s less for me to prepare, because there’s less I can actually plan ahead. I have to be able to adapt and adjust on the fly.

I’m doing SCH(school)OOL with three other classes… I’m running a new language program… I’m revamping my math program to balance the needs in my room with more demonstrable goals… I’m going back to the University Band and thinking of joining a choir… It’s my TPA year… My daughter is starting a new school… Curriculum changes are coming… The political climate is negative for my profession… and on and on…

So I need to work really hard at staying focussed and balanced this year. And I think I have a plan:

1. Use my bullet journal to help me keep track of my to-dos, my work/life balance, and my overall wellness. I can use the time between dismissal and when I pick up my daughter to close my school day and refocus on home.
2. Use my mornings to prep my day instead of my evenings. And give myself permission to let a plan go if it needs to wait a day.
3. Use class time for the kids, with them in the trenches, not for administrative paperwork (which can happen on preps).
4. Pay attention to my body and adjust my commitments accordingly. Without guilt.

If you see me throughout the day and I’m spinning in circles, remind me to keep ‘4 on the floor’ and come back to this plan.

Wish me luck!