Hey there!
Early one morning, as I let my dog Walter out into the backyard, I stood there watching—making sure he didn’t start barking at the little Yorkie next door. The yard was still caught in winter’s grip, the grass brown and lifeless, the trees bare. But then, something caught my eye.
Right in the middle of my horrible manicured and dried up landscape, a small burst of color—tiny purple flowers pushing through. I felt a sudden sense of excitement and relief. It was proof that spring was just around the corner.
As the days grow longer and the world awakens with new life, spring brings us a reminder of renewal, growth, and fresh energy. Just as the trees bud and flowers begin to bloom, we as teachers often find ourselves emerging from the heaviness of winter, feeling a renewed sense of inspiration and possibility.
March is a time when we start to see the fruits of our labor in the classroom. Students who once struggled are showing growth. Concepts we tirelessly taught in the fall begin to click. And while the year isn’t over yet, we can feel the momentum building. It’s the perfect time to take a deep breath, refocus, and embrace a fresh perspective.
🌟 Embracing Your Own Rejuvenation
Spring is a season of renewal, and it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect:
✅ What’s something that has gone well in your classroom lately?
✅ What lessons or moments have brought you joy?
✅ What small steps can you take to refresh your approach for the rest of the school year?
Rejuvenation doesn’t have to mean big changes. Sometimes, it’s found in the smallest of moments—trying a new strategy, shifting our mindset, or even just opening the windows in our classrooms to let in fresh air (I won't tell anyone if you are not allowed 🤫).
🌼 Tips for Transitioning into Spring
As we shift into this season, here are a few simple ways to bring a sense of renewal into your teaching:
🌿 Declutter & Refresh – Take a few moments to clear out old papers, reorganize materials, and refresh your classroom space. A tidy, welcoming environment can boost both your mood and your students' energy.
🌸 Reignite Student Engagement – This time of year is perfect for adding movement, discussions, or hands-on activities to break up routines and keep students engaged in learning.
☀️ Make Time for Reflection – Ask your students to reflect on what they’ve learned so far and set small, achievable goals for the remainder of the year. A fresh perspective can help them stay motivated.
💡 Try Something New – Whether it’s a new literacy strategy, a different grouping method, or even a creative writing prompt, changing things up can spark excitement in both you and your students. This is a great time to incorporate an ISSUE located in the community!
🍃 Take Care of YOU – Just like the world around us, we need time to recharge. Whether it’s stepping outside for a quick walk, practicing mindfulness, or setting aside time for something you enjoy, self-care is an essential part of staying refreshed.
🌱 Spring Into Action
This month inside the Bridging Literacy Community, we’re here to support your growth and renewal with fresh resources and opportunities:
📅 Upcoming Events:
🔹 Live Chat in March – We have a new practice that we would love feedback on! We want to provide a new opportunity for implementation. We are looking to find NEW ways of helping you take the learning and resources in the community and put it into practice! This month, we will pause on the PD and focus more on implementation. Looking forward to helping!
📌 New in the Community:
✨ Family Conferences Resource: Grab the tools needed to organize your family conferences this spring. Located in the Systems and Strategies folder of the community.
✨ Reading Response Quilt: Are you starting to dive into novel studies and want a way to hold students accountable? Give them choice without too much choice using this simple resource! Located in the Systems and Strategies folder in the community.
As we step into this season of growth, remember—just like those little purple flowers, your work is taking root in ways you may not even see yet. Your dedication, your passion, and your willingness to keep growing alongside your students make all the difference.
Let’s embrace this season with fresh energy, open hearts, and a renewed sense of purpose. You’ve got this! 🌸💛
Warmly,
Bridget Spackman
Bridging Literacy Community
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