Good Morning Y’all,

Let’s talk about the “digital elephant” in the room.

We’re standing at a crossroads in education: on one side, timeless skills, like reading, critical thinking, thoughtful writing… on the other, a constant stream of apps, notifications, and endless scrolling. Our students are surrounded by screens, and they feel like every moment away from a device is an eternity.

I don’t know about yours, but my school district utilizes online curriculum for a large number of classes. Technology seems to be taking over. Between that and the occasional “sneak peek” at their fave social media platform via their “smartphone”, and it’s as if these poor kids can’t escape technology. In times such as these, there is a timeless concept we teachers need to grab onto and hold firmly: we still hold the keys to curiosity, concentration, and deep learning. Technology can be a helpful tool for our students and it can even a needed moment of escape… but it must not become a crutch.

Let’s dive into this rather hot topic of “Too Much Tech”!

But first… if you find this info helpful, please share it with your teacher bestie!

If we want our kids to pick up a book instead of a laptop or phone, to wrestle with ideas rather than swipe for dopamine, we have to guide and mentor them. Here are three no‑nonsense strategies to help us reclaim the classroom—and our students’ attention—for old‑school style learning:

1. Build “Unplugged” Rituals

Why it works: Routines teach boundaries.
Every great classroom has rhythm: the moment the bell rings, students know what to expect. Let’s make “unplugged time” just as predictable:

• Tech Timeout at the Start: Begin class with a 5‑minute silent reading or journaling period—laptops closed, phones in baskets (if your campus allows phones), eyes on printed text.

• Device-Free Discussions: Reserve key discussions or Socratic seminars for when all screens are off. Model active listening by putting your own device out of sight and reading a book (like you have time) or writing if you can.

• End with Reflection: Close each lesson with a quick handwritten exit ticket: “What’s one question this reading raised for you?” No tech allowed.

Over time, students won’t just tolerate these rituals, they’ll crave the calm focus they bring.

2. Teach Digital Discipline

Why it works: Self‑control is a muscle. One we can help our students flex.
We can’t hide our heads in the sand and pretend computers and phones don’t exist. Instead, let’s empower our students to manage their own tech use:

• Set Clear Expectations: Spell out when and how devices should be used. Post a simple “Tech Contract” in your room: “Computers and phones for research only,” or “No Video Game Websites,” and of course… “Silent mode, face down.”

• Model Moderation: Share your own struggles. Say, “I’m challenging myself to one social‑media check at lunch. Who’s with me?” Then hold each other accountable.

• Celebrate Wins: When a student goes a full class without going to a website they shouldn’t or sneaking a peek on their phone, acknowledge it. Positive reinforcement works better than banning or confiscation.

This isn’t about policing… it’s about guiding young adults to digital maturity.

3. Reignite the Power of Pen and Paper

Why it works: Writing longhand slows us down—and that’s exactly what our brains need.
There’s magic in watching words form on a page. It demands thoughtfulness and ownership:

• In-Class Handwritten Essays: Once a week, assign a 10‑minute essay on today’s topic. NO TYPING ALLOWED!

• Journal Challenges: Give a monthly theme (“Gratitude,” “Biggest Question,” “My Learning Goal”) and have students write daily entries. Again, this is written in an actual classroom journal… not on a Google Doc or Word Doc.

• Research Notebook: For every research project, require a physical notebook of handwritten notes, quotes, and reflections before they ever open a browser.

When students invest ink and effort, they value the work, and the ideas, more deeply.

Bottom Line Y’all…

Technology isn’t the enemy, but bell to bell technology and mindless scrolling is. We don’t have to wage a guerrilla war on every device in our classroom; we just need to re-establish the rituals, expectations, and practices that promote focus, discipline, and genuine learning.

Let’s dare to slow down, to challenge our students to think without shortcuts, and to prove DAILY, that old‑school skills still forge sharp minds and strong characters.

Because when we put the pen back in their hands and the book back in their laps, we remind them (and ourselves) of why education matters in the first place.

Let’s work smarter, not harder, for the benefit of our students. You’ve got this!

~Mitch

🎵 Teacher Tunes Tuesday: April’s Playlist 🎶 

🎙️ Crooners' Corner – The Coolest Grading Groove This Side of the Staff Lounge 🎶

Teachers, it’s time to trade in that chaotic classroom energy for something a little smoother. Enter Crooners' Corner—your monthly teacher playlist packed with velvet voices and timeless charm.

Featuring the golden sounds of Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, The Andrews Sisters, Rosemary Clooney and MORE, this playlist is your go-to soundtrack for when it’s time to grade papers with style, sip your coffee like a boss, and remind yourself why teaching is both an art and a vibe.

Whether you're knocking out lesson plans, prepping tomorrow’s genius lesson, or dodging emails like Neo in The Matrix—let these legends serenade you back to sanity.

It’s retro. It’s classy. It’s your personal lounge act while you work.

🕶️ So pour yourself something warm, grab that red pen, and let’s croon our way through the chaos. This month, we’re not just teaching—we’re swinging through the school year.

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