It’s Never Too Late To Develop A Habit Of Daily Classroom Walk-Throughs

Hey there, busy school leaders!

Feeling like you’re juggling a million things right now? With testing, IEPs, and evaluations piling up, the thought of adding anything else to your plate might seem impossible. Trust me, I get it! You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way as the school year races towards the finish line.

But what if I told you there’s a small change you could make right now that can actually make a big difference down the road? I’m talking about building a simple habit: daily classroom walk-throughs.

You might be thinking, “Seriously? Now?” And I hear you. But think of it this way: it’s never too late to start something that will ultimately benefit your students and teachers.

Why begin now, even with everything else going on? Because the truth is, there will always be a busy season, and there will always be reasons to put things off. This is a perfect time to dip your toes into the water and discover the power of these short, focused visits.

Imagine this: committing to just two, 5-minute walk-throughs each day. It might not sound like much, but when you have a specific focus – like observing how teachers and students interact – you’ll be amazed at what you learn about your school’s learning environment and how engaged your students are. Taking just 5 minutes to jot down a quick reflection afterward will amplify the impact even more.

What makes these walk-throughs different? They’re quick, focused, and intentional. Here are a few simple guidelines to make the most of your time:

• Wear a smile! A friendly presence goes a long way.
• Be fully present. Put away the phone and focus on what’s happening.
• Offer a silent thank you. Catch the teacher’s eye, nod, and acknowledge their work as you leave.

Your goal right now is simply to figure out when you can carve out those two 5-minute slots and a few extra minutes for reflection each day. Maybe mornings work best on some days, and afternoons on others. Experiment and see what fits your schedule.

Building this “Two-A-Day” habit won’t always be easy. You might miss a day here and there, and that’s okay. The key is to remember the wisdom of James Clear, author of Atomic Habits: “Never miss two days in a row.” This mindset takes the pressure off perfection and helps prevent this from feeling like another dreaded task.

By starting now, you’ll begin to normalize your presence in classrooms. Teachers and students will get used to seeing you, and you’ll start to develop your own rhythm for observing and reflecting. You’ll also begin to understand what exemplary teaching looks like in action at your school.

Here’s a simple way to get started:

1. Before Your Walk-Through:

• Choose a Focus: For the rest of the year, let’s focus on something like the social-emotional classroom environment.
• Connect to Standards: Think about how this connects to your state’s teaching standards. For example, in California, it relates to:
  • CSTP 2.1: Promoting social development and responsibility within a caring community where each student is treated fairly and respectfully.
• Consider “Look-Fors”: What might you see if this standard is being implemented well? Examples:
  • Teacher models fairness and respect (uses student names, “please” and “thank you”).
  • Student ideas are valued.
  • All students have opportunities to participate (e.g., individual whiteboards).
  • Teacher uses strategies to ensure equal participation (e.g., name sticks).
  • Multiple viewpoints are encouraged.
  • Students share responsibility for a positive climate.

2. During Your Walk-Through:

• Keep asking yourself: “What evidence of excellent teaching am I seeing related to our focus on the social-emotional environment?” Try to stay focused on this, even if other things catch your eye (like curriculum or student work on the walls).

3. After Your Walk-Through:

• Quickly jot down the teacher/room number, date, time, and a few objective observations – what you actually saw happening related to your focus. Avoid judgment or noting what you didn’t see.

Looking Ahead:

Think of this as the first step in building stronger relationships with your teachers through ongoing, learning-focused conversations. It will also help you develop a clearer picture of what outstanding teaching looks like in your school, creating a shared language and shaping a positive school culture.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with classroom visits and any tips you have for connecting with teachers about their practice. Feel free to share! And remember, every small step forward makes a difference.