Minutes that Matter

How often do we, as teachers or as moms, lose track of the importance of each minute with our kids, whether it be with our students or our own children? It is easy to not be engaged at certain times of the day. We can tend to switch on the autopilot and zone out for a time. I am as guilty as the next. We are tired. We work hard balancing our duties at home with the duties at school, but I know that when I tune in, in both places, memories are created and relationships are strengthened. Lately, it's been on my mind to make an effort to notice the small moments of my day with my kids, and in doing that, encourage you, as well as myself, to see that it doesn't take a lesson that took hours to plan, or an exciting field trip to an amusement park or museum, or a visit from a famous author or engaging speaker, to create minutes that matter. For this last month of school, I will be in search of those 60-120 seconds in my day that produce giggles or laughter or thoughtful conversation with my students, and I encourage you to do the same. These small moments create big memories, as well as a strong community in our classroom. I challenge all of us to be engaged and possibly change our thinking in recognizing that minutes do matter.