Pivoting From Plan A

We’ve all been there: you spend hours prepping a "perfect" activity, only to see it fall apart before you’ve even finished the instructions. When you’ve put in the work, it is easy to let an "I’m the teacher" mentality take over and try to force it through. But pushing an activity that isn't working is a recipe for a long, frustrating day for everyone.

It is important not to take it personally when children don’t engage. It doesn't mean your plan was bad; it just means it didn't fit that specific moment. There is a big difference between kids "not wanting to do something" and an activity that simply doesn't match the group's current energy or developmental stage. Having the confidence to scrap the plan, throw on some music, or head outside early is often the best thing you can do for the room’s success.

Once the day is quiet, take a minute to reflect. Was it too much sitting? Was the timing off? Don’t toss the activity in the trash—save it, tweak it, and try it again when the vibe is different. Great teaching isn't about following a script; it’s about reading the room and knowing when to change the play.