We all have those little classroom habits we never really question. The “turn in your paper” tray, the bellringer notebook, the 3-minute warning. They work—sort of. But summer gives us the chance to step back and ask: Is this the best way?
I used to rely on paper exit tickets. They cluttered my desk and never got graded on time. Last summer, I switched to a simple Google Form with a 1–2 sentence reflection. It auto-organized everything by date and class. Game changer.
Summer’s also when I tweak how I give feedback. I now use short audio comments via Google Docs or Loom. Students hear my tone, and I save time. I tested it on a few essays in July. By August, it was my new normal.
This is your time to experiment. Try out a new rubric system. Play with a different LMS layout. Build a feedback library. Download a new seating chart tool. If it fails? You’ve still got time.
And don’t forget to look around your room—virtually or physically. Could your walls spark more curiosity? Can you reorganize your digital folders to save future-you some stress?
Remember, systems aren’t just about efficiency. They’re about creating space—for better conversations, richer content, and fewer end-of-day headaches. Use the summer not just to rest, but to reimagine.
Happy teaching,
Ryan Wagoner The Lyceum of History
“I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.” ~Alexander the Great
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