October: A Season for Reflection in Schools

October often sneaks up on us. The buzz of the first weeks of school has passed, routines are settling in, and the energy of a new year begins to shift. For educators, this is more than just the middle stretch of fall—it’s a pivotal month that calls for reflection.

By October, students understand classroom expectations, and teachers have a clearer picture of their learners’ strengths and needs. The question becomes: Do we keep going as we are, or is it time to pause and adjust?

Why October Matters

Reflection in October helps prevent unproductive habits from solidifying. It ensures that energy is being directed toward strategies that truly support learning. When educators and students take time to ask, “What’s working? What’s not?” they make room for more intentional growth.

This moment in the year is also about balance. The demands of teaching often escalate in October. Grading piles up, family communications increase, and fatigue creeps in. Reflection gives educators space to release what’s draining, embrace what’s energizing, and recalibrate for the months ahead.

Lessons from the Season

Nature models this perfectly. Trees shed their leaves not out of failure, but to conserve energy for new growth. Similarly, October reminds us that letting go of outdated routines or ineffective practices creates space for renewal and deeper learning. Growth doesn’t always mean adding more; sometimes it means refining what already exists.

A Teaser of What’s Inside

In the full article, we dig into:

Four specific reasons October is a turning point for schools.
Practical reflection practices for teachers, students, and teams.
Seasonal parallels that connect autumn’s rhythms with teaching and learning.
A K–12 reflection resource, with prompts that grow in complexity from simple awareness in kindergarten to deep future-focused thinking in high school.

Whether you are an early-career teacher still learning the rhythms of the school year or a seasoned educator looking for sustainable strategies, this October reflection framework offers tools to reset and renew.

Read the Full Article

This post is just a snapshot. The complete version, including the K–12 reflection prompts and practical classroom resources, is available exclusively through the Plan Z Education subscription.

👉 Subscribe to Plan Z Education's monthly subscription to access the full post, along with additional resources designed to help you streamline, reset, and thrive throughout the school year.

Declutter Your Digital Life with a One-Pager

Educators, we juggle countless responsibilities every day! Lesson plans, family communication, grading, professional development, and school initiatives... Add in the dozens of apps, platforms, and resources we log into daily, so it’s no wonder digital clutter can feel overwhelming.

I needed to do something to streamline the bookmarks I had listed on my browser and keep everything organized and accessible... so I opted for one simple solution. I created a 1-pager document with all my essential links.

Think of it as your digital “command center.” Rather than wasting precious time searching for the Zoom link to your grade-level meeting, digging through emails for your learning management system login, or clicking through tabs to find your curriculum maps, everything you need is in one place.

Here’s why it works:

You have streamlined access: Keep all your key platforms, forms, and communication tools organized in one page. Less hunting, more teaching.
You will have reduced stress and visual clutter: Starting the day knowing where to click lowers cognitive load and frees energy for what matters most: students.
It becomes a shareable resource: New teachers, substitutes, and colleagues can benefit when you share a simplified version of your 1-pager. It fosters consistency and support.
It models minimalism: When we embrace simplicity, we demonstrate to students how intentional organization promotes focus and well-being.

Creating your 1-pager is simple. Use a Google Doc, Sheet, or Canva template. Categorize links by purpose: “Daily Use,” “Communication,” “Curriculum,” “Well-Being.” Keep it clean, clear, and updated.

The goal isn’t just efficiency. It’s about reducing friction in your workday so you can put more energy into connection, creativity, and meaningful instruction.

If digital clutter has been slowing you down, try creating your one-pager this week. Your future self will thank you!

Setting Intentional Routines with Students

At our Ready, Set, Teach Workshop in July, Nicole Dissinger and I shared a lot about routines and expectations, and the intentionality of their creation. Classroom routines provide the structure that helps students feel safe, focused, and ready to learn. But the most powerful routines are co-created with students. When learners have a voice in shaping how the classroom runs, they feel ownership and accountability.

To establish intentional routines, begin by clarifying why they’re needed. Identify which routines will reduce stress and maximize learning such as transitions, group work norms, or how to ask for help. Next, invite students into the process: ask them what works, model together, and practice as a community. Document the agreed steps and make them visible with student input.

Maintaining routines takes consistency and care. Celebrate successes, reflect regularly, and adapt when needed. Remember, routines aren’t static—they should grow with the class. When routines slip, reset as a community, not as a top-down directive.

In the end, intentional routines aren’t just about efficiency; they are about building a culture of respect, trust, and shared responsibility. When routines work with students rather than for them, classrooms become places where learning feels natural and purposeful.

For the full article, subscribe here.

Unlocking Empathy

It can be easy for us to become consumed by academic scores, initiatives, and endless responsibilities. Yet, the most impactful leaders know that real progress comes not only from what students learn, but from who they become. Building cultures rooted in empathy, integrity, and care creates lasting change for both students and educators. When leaders intentionally model and nurture these qualities, they cultivate schools where relationships thrive, trust deepens, and every individual feels seen and valued.

3 Key Points

“Who you are is more important than what you know.” The “Formative Five” shifts the focus from purely academic metrics to success skills: empathy, self-control, integrity, embracing diversity, and grit (Hoerr, 2016). These character traits form the foundation for growth and equip students to thrive beyond the classroom.
Empathy is actionable, not just emotional. It’s not enough to simply feel or understand another person’s perspective. True empathy calls for action. Leaders must translate care into meaningful steps that demonstrate understanding, build trust, and improve relationships.
Self-care is non-negotiable for empathetic leadership. Sustaining empathy requires attention to personal well-being. Leaders who do not pause to reflect on their own emotional energy risk burnout. Caring for oneself is essential to effectively care for others.

3 Practical Takeaways

Start small with the Formative Five. Instead of trying to build all five traits into your practice at once, focus on one. For example, embed empathy consistently in your classroom or leadership approach over a semester or year. Small, intentional steps create lasting habits.
Use structured feedback techniques. Asking staff or students to share feedback through prompts like “Start / Stop / Continue” often produces more honest and actionable responses than broad questions. Follow up transparently on what you’ve heard to strengthen trust.
Make empathy routine. Simple rituals like hosting occasional informal gatherings, or ending meetings with the question, “What can I do to make your life better?” reinforce empathy as a daily practice. These small moments have a profound ripple effect.

Why Empathy Matters Now

The Formative Five qualities are especially relevant in a world where technology continues to change how we live and work. While technical skills are important, the enduring strengths that make us fully human like empathy, will always remain essential. Schools that intentionally nurture these values not only prepare students for academic success but also equip them with the ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and lead with compassion.

Empathy also builds stronger professional cultures. When educators feel heard and cared for, morale rises and collaboration flourishes. Leaders who model actionable empathy cultivate environments where staff feel safe to innovate, take risks, and support one another. These are the kinds of schools where students thrive not just academically, but socially and emotionally.

Empathy in education is not a soft skill. It is a cornerstone of effective leadership and lasting student success. By focusing on who students are as much as what they know, schools prepare young people to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Leaders who prioritize empathy and other character strengths build environments where staff and students alike feel supported, respected, and inspired to grow. When educators care for themselves and make empathy a daily practice, they not only strengthen their communities but also sustain the energy needed to lead with clarity and compassion.

References

Hoerr, T. R. (2016). The formative five: Fostering grit, empathy, and other success skills every student needs. ASCD.
Weissbourd, R., Jones, S. M., Anderson, T. R., Cohen, J., & Cashin, A. (2014). The schools we mean to be: Moving beyond bullying, exclusion, and stereotypes. Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Understanding Cognitive Load

Understanding how we learn is foundational for effective teaching. One theory that every educator should consider integrating into their teaching practice is Cognitive Load Theory. This theory, rooted in the concept that our working memory has limited capacity, emphasizes the importance of managing information input to prevent mental overload. In one of our episodes of The Minimalist Educator Podcast, we spoke about how cognitive load impacts teaching and learning, particularly in the context of simplifying and refining instructional design. And, at this time of year, we want to be cognizant of the load we experience.

What is Cognitive Load Theory?

At its core, Cognitive Load Theory is about managing the volume and complexity of information entering our working memory. Since working memory can only hold a limited amount of data at a time, when overloaded, it can become difficult to process or retain information effectively. This is where careful instructional design comes into play. If educators streamline what students see, hear, and do, they can help students retain key information without the risk of cognitive overload.

Designing a Classroom with Cognitive Load Theory in Mind

One of the most impactful aspects of cognitive load theory is the role of the classroom environment. For example, think about all the sensory inputs students face, visuals on walls, conversations around them, even noise from outside. Each input adds to the cognitive load. Reducing unnecessary visual or auditory distractions in the classroom helps students focus on the core content, making it easier for them to process and remember what they are learning.

Simplifying Instructions

One strategy to reduce cognitive load is by breaking instructions into manageable steps. For example, if you need students to follow a multi-step task, give them just two or three steps at a time. Too many instructions at once can overwhelm students, causing confusion and reducing their ability to complete the task. Using visuals or providing written instructions alongside oral directions can further support students in processing information without overwhelming their working memory.

Prioritizing Task Design and Content

A well-designed task can aid learning, while a poorly designed one can quickly lead to mental fatigue. In cognitive load theory, a task that is too complex or involves too many unrelated components will overwhelm students. Instead, prioritize key elements of a task and focus on what you want students to learn. For instance, when teaching a new concept, keep the content straightforward, build on prior knowledge, and avoid introducing too many new elements simultaneously. Once students are familiar with the format, you can gradually increase complexity, but always remember to maintain focus on the learning objective.

Leveraging Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) complements cognitive load theory well because it advocates for creating accessible learning pathways for all students. UDL principles encourage providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression, allowing students to interact with information in ways that make sense to them. By incorporating varied supports, such as visual aids or hands-on activities, you can reduce cognitive load by making content more accessible, aligning with cognitive load theory principles to keep working memory uncluttered.

Simplifying Thinking Routines

Popular thinking routines, like the Jigsaw, can be powerful learning tools, but if not introduced thoughtfully, they can overwhelm students. To introduce a new routine, practice with familiar content first. This way, students can focus on learning the routine without simultaneously processing unfamiliar material. Once students are comfortable with the routine, you can apply it to new content, which minimizes their cognitive load and keeps their focus on the learning goal.

Technology as a Tool, Not a Distraction

Technology in the classroom can both alleviate and add to cognitive load. While digital resources can reinforce learning, excessive information on screens can detract from the primary goal. For instance, when using slides, keep text minimal and focus on clear, concise visuals. Structured templates, like “Must Do, May Do” lists, can also help students follow instructions independently, reinforcing routines without extra mental strain. Strategically used technology can help students independently access information and streamline their tasks.

Reading the Room

As educators, we must be attuned to our students’ feedback, both verbal and non-verbal, to gauge when they are reaching their cognitive limit. If students appear frustrated or distracted, take it as a sign to pause or check in. Sometimes, a task is challenging in a beneficial way, encouraging deeper thinking, but other times, it can signal an overload. Adjusting your pace or providing breaks can help students reset, enabling them to process and retain information more effectively.

Collaboration and Planning

Teacher collaboration is essential when considering cognitive load in lesson planning. When educators share insights, tasks, or routines that have been successful, they benefit from one another’s expertise and lighten the planning load. Collaborating with colleagues on task design and routine choice helps streamline instructional goals, making planning more efficient and reducing the mental load on students and teachers alike.

Self-Care for Teachers

Managing cognitive load is not just for students; it is vital for educators too. Teaching is a mentally demanding profession, and when teachers feel overwhelmed, it can impact their effectiveness. Taking time to detach from work and recharge is crucial. Whether it’s a quick walk, reading, or talking with colleagues, creating a routine that allows you to recharge helps maintain a positive, clear-headed presence in the classroom.

Key Takeaway: Pare Down and Prioritize

One takeaway from our conversation is to focus on the essentials. Start each day with a clear set of goals for what you want your students to take away, and resist the temptation to overload your plans. By concentrating on fewer, high-impact goals, you maintain focus and reduce the chance of overwhelming yourself and your students. Remember, simplicity is not a lack of depth, it’s a means of achieving clarity and fostering better learning outcomes.

Incorporating principles from Cognitive Load Theory into your classroom does not require an overhaul of your teaching practices. Instead, it encourages thoughtful, mindful design in everything from classroom setup to task creation, all with the goal of maximizing learning by minimizing unnecessary distractions and overload. As we simplify and streamline, we make room for meaningful, lasting learning that both students and teachers can feel confident about.

Listen to Episode 037 of The Minimalist Podcast: Unpacking Cognitive Load Theory with Tammy and Christine here.

The Silent Teacher: Are Your Walls Helping or Hurting Your Mental Space?

Every school, classroom, and office wall tells a story. Is yours saying the right thing?

Your walls are more than decoration. They can be powerful teaching tools that reinforce learning, build community, and guide students toward independence. But when walls become cluttered or outdated, they distract more than they support.

How can we turn our walls into purposeful learning allies rather than overwhelming your space, yourself, or your students? From word walls that work to anchor charts that stick, think about how less can actually be more. What value add do those things on the wall add?

If you’re a teacher, try this in your classroom: Do a quick wall audit by crouching to student eye level.

Ask yourself: Can students clearly see and use what’s displayed from where they sit? If not, it might be time for a refresh.

What’s one thing on your wall right now that could use a refresh?

Want a more in-depth article, a checklist, and a chance to discuss wall space and use that can support you all year long? Sign up for our subscription to receive a related in-depth article, tool, and monthly small-group coaching call.

Permission to Let Go:

3 Reasons Why Educators Need to Declutter Their Professional Lives

As we think about moving into another school year, it’s time to ask ourselves a crucial question:

"What are we holding onto that no longer serves our students or our sanity?"

As educators, we’re natural collectors. We save every worksheet, bookmark every website, and hold onto teaching strategies “just in case.” Our mental and physical spaces overflow with legacy practices, inherited materials, and good intentions. But here’s the truth: not everything deserves a permanent place in our professional repertoire.

The Hidden Cost of Educational Hoarding

Cognitive Overload: When we juggle dozens of routines and resources, we leave less mental bandwidth for what matters most—responsive, intentional teaching. Our brains weren’t designed to manage endless options simultaneously.

Diluted Impact: The most effective teaching strategies share two traits: intentionality and focused feedback loops. The more initiatives we layer on, the harder it becomes to monitor what’s actually working.

Teacher Burnout: Continuous exposure to “too much” directly correlates with elevated stress and diminished confidence. Letting go isn’t laziness—it’s professional self-care.

Three Areas to Declutter Now

Mindsets: Replace perfection with progress. Shift from ownership to stewardship.
Methods: Audit your recurring activities. If that weekly worksheet no longer advances your current goals, retire or redesign it.
Spaces: Apply a visibility test by creating negative or white space.

Ready to Transform Your Teaching Practice?

Decluttering your professional life isn’t just about organization. It’s about reclaiming your effectiveness and well-being.

When you work with me or one of our coaches, you’ll gain personalized strategies to streamline your teaching practice, reduce overwhelm, and create sustainable systems that actually support student learning.

Let’s work together to help you focus on what matters most.

Respond with your biggest decluttering challenge, or send me a message to discuss how we can transform your teaching practice: What will you give yourself permission to let go of today?

Plan Z Professional Learning Services