The Did List

We all have To Do lists, but what’s on your DID List??

I always seem to have a bunch of To Do lists: one for personal, one for family, one for school, one for the future…  The To Do lists seem to be unending, don’t they?

Well, today, I want you to consider a different kind of list – a DID List!

Now, this is a very powerful list.  And while a To Do list is great for getting things off your mind and onto paper, a DID List will help you to reflect on your accomplishments and see ALL the things you’ve been able to do.

And this year – you’ve accomplished a LOT!

So, let’s check out more about what a DID List is and what it can do for you!

I’m sure you have a huge to-do list but what’s the size of your Did List?

Sure, we all have a HUGE end-of-the-year TO DO list, but let’s step back for a moment and make a different list: a DID List. This is a list of all the things you DID, you accomplished, you made work.

Storytime!

A number of years ago, my principal made a list like this including all the things in the school she could think of that were worthy of praise. It was meant as a document to share the “good things” that happen in our school with the school committee. It became an annotated list nine pages long. She shared it with us as well.

As we near the end of the school year, it’s a great idea to reflect on the year (and what a year it has been!)

Creating a Did List is a great way to look back on the things we have accomplished. 

For me it can range from remembering an activity that worked really well to finally putting a science binder together so that all the materials are at my fingertips for next year.  It’s the little things as well as larger accomplishments that should make a DID list.

And THIS year, with everything you have done to transition to remote teaching, your Did List should be pretty full!

Here are some of the things on my DID LIST:

• Did create DIY bulletin boards with my kids
• Did implement Friendly Fridays consistently
• Did take more pictures of my kids working in school
• Did soundtrack my classroom
• Did file papers more readily
• Did meet with students more to conference on their writing
• Did implement SEAL lessons to help my students specifically with their self-awareness
• Did keep better track of my guided reading groups

What’s something on YOUR Did List?  

Creating a Did List is actually a good thing to do any year and I’ll tell you, this year may be the best year to create one.  

Here are 3 reasons you should take a moment and create yours!

1. Realize Your Accomplishments

Creating a list (short or long) of what you did during a span of time, is a great way to view your accomplishments.  

At the end of a school year, you can list some of the projects, lessons and professional development you did to better your teaching and classroom.  Not to mention all the adaptations you made and new things you learned to transition yourself to remote teaching.

Let’s face it, no matter the length of the list, a did list can really make you feel good about what you’ve been able to do.

2. Review Your Year

A Did List can act as a reflection, a chance to look back on your year of school and reflect on that time.  Reviewing your school year and reflecting on it can be very satisfying.  

You will find yourself acknowledging what went well, what flopped, and what could be improved.

3. Help You to Set New Goals

Reading over your Did List, you may find things you will make sure you do again next year.  Put stars next to those things and keep them handy.

Now, it’s possible that you may find that your list is not as complete as you would like it to be. That’s ok. 

Either way, you can start to plan ahead and set new goals for the following school year.

Having a Did List is such a great way to refocus yourself on what things are important to you, the things you will remember most and the experiences you want to make sure you provide for your students and yourself next year.

Get Your Did List Started!

To Do lists are stressful. I mean sure it’s satisfying to get all your thoughts out and then, crossing things off that list is pretty nice.  

But let’s change things up, shall we?  Take a moment and list some of the things you have already done.  Then feel contentment in the work you have accomplished.

I’m sending you all my best.

Take care of yourself.

Resources

Download this free resource: SEAL Starter Kit

Learn how visual art, music, drama and dance are integrated with all 5 SEL competencies.  Included are 4 activities to try, 2 complete SEAL Lessons and 1 SEAL tool you will want to use over and over.  You will know how to Teach SEAL in no time!

theinspiredclassroom.com/SEALstarterkit 

Join our amazing FB community: Inspiring Teachers!  Share ideas, ask questions and get support from colleagues around the globe who believe in the power of arts in education!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspiringteachers/