Hey gang! I want to talk about something that hits every educator at some point — idea fatigue. You know the feeling. Your brain feels like a chalkboard erased one too many times. Foggy. Blurry. You’ve pulled out all the old favorites, tried every go-to activity, and now you’re just... stuck. Idea fatigue creeps in, and before you know it, you’re feeling bored and uninspired. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with three practical tips to keep creativity flowing in your classroom.

1. Recycle and Remix

Here’s the truth, gang. You don’t always need a brand-new idea. Sometimes, the best way to refresh your teaching is by recycling and remixing what already works. Take an activity that students love and tweak the format. Move it outdoors for a change of scenery. Add some music to set the tone. Or better yet, let your students take the lead and run with the activity in a new direction. Small changes can breathe new life into familiar lessons. Those ideas that worked before? Dust them off and give them a new twist. You’ll be surprised how a slight shift can spark excitement in your classroom again.

2. Collaborate to Innovate

When the creative well runs dry, lean on others. Collaboration fuels innovation. Talk to a colleague who inspires you. Join an educator Facebook group where ideas get tossed around like confetti. Watch a teaching vlog or follow an educator on social media who shares classroom tips. And hey, if you’re looking for a boost, check out my book, Ideas, Ideas, Ideas. One tiny spark from someone else can light a whole new fire in your classroom. Collaboration allows you to borrow, adapt, and remix ideas that have worked for others. When educators come together, everyone wins.

3. Schedule Creative Time

Creativity needs room to breathe. Set aside dedicated time each week to let your mind wander and explore. I’m talking 10 to 15 minutes — that’s it. Use this time to brainstorm, doodle, reflect, or even journal ideas without judgment. No emails, no grading, and no pressure. This time is guilt-free, and unstructured, where your brain gets permission to play. Let those thoughts flow freely, and I guarantee new ideas will start to surface. It’s amazing what a little intentional space can do for creativity.

Keep the Creativity Flowing

Look, idea fatigue is real. It happens to all of us. But it doesn’t mean your creativity tank is empty. It just means it’s time for a refill. Remix what works, collaborate often, and carve out space to dream a little. These three steps will help you keep your ideas fresh, lessons exciting, and passion alive.

If this helped you in any way, share it with another educator who might need a creativity boost today. And if your district is in need of fresh ideas and inspiration, let’s have a conversation. My professional development sessions will give you simple, practical, and easy ways to improve the climate and culture of your school. https://calendly.com/standtallsteve/15-min-zoom-call 

New Book Release: Just Do This... An Educator's Guide to Climate and Culture

Exciting news! I am thrilled to announce the release of my brand-new book, Just Do This... An Educator's Guide to Climate and Culture, hitting shelves on April 15, 2025. This book is a straightforward, actionable guide designed to help educators create a positive, thriving school environment where both students and staff can excel.

This Book Matters

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with countless schools around the globe, helping them improve their climate and culture. Through these experiences, I’ve identified key strategies that consistently bring positive results. Just Do This… breaks down these strategies into simple, practical steps that any educator can implement. If you are a teacher looking to enhance classroom dynamics or an administrator seeking to build a stronger, more cohesive school community, this book offers clear solutions that work.

What to Expect

Just Do This… takes a no-nonsense approach to transforming school culture, highlighting the most effective practices schools can adopt immediately to see meaningful change. Each chapter is full of real-life examples, proven techniques, and practical insights to help educators make a lasting impact at the classroom, school, and district levels.

The book covers essential topics such as:

• Building strong relationships with students and staff.
• Recognizing achievements to foster a sense of belonging.
• Creating a culture rooted in integrity, collaboration, and purpose.
• Transforming compliance-based environments into thriving cultures of commitment.
  
  

Pre-Order Today

Be the first to grab your copy by pre-ordering now through Amazon. Reserve your copy and get ready to lead the change to transform your school’s climate and culture as soon as the book drops on April 15, 2025!