How To Organize Teaching Units
I’m an organized person. When other kids played with their toys, I categorized my horse figurines by size, color, when I got them, and the make-believe families I’d created for them. I was an awesomely weird little kid. When I started teaching I figured I’d have no problem organizing my teaching units and resources. I…
Organizing Canva
Oh Canva, I love you and I hate you. You’re amazing for design-challenged people like myself but organizing Canva is a nightmare. There is more to organizing Canva than just creating folders in Canva. Also spoiler alert: organizing Canva is an ongoing process. You can’t just create folders in Canva and think you’re good to…
Gmail tips roundup
What does “Archive” do? Archive isn’t the same as deleting an email. When you archive an email, it is moved out of your inbox and into the “All Mail” section of Gmail. These emails are still searchable and will not be deleted until you move them into the trash can. Schedule Send I used this…
Your Guide to Shared With me in Google Drive
I get a lot of questions about the Shared With Me section of Google Drive. I’m going to break it all down in this post. Please note: This post is NOT about Shared Drives. It’s about Shared With Me. Those are two very different things. I’m going to tell you right now that you can’t…
How I Organize My Digital Photos
Struggling with how to organize digital photos? Me too. Well, sort of. I know how I should organize digital photos but I’m not great at following through. The result? Unorganized digital photos that are difficult to use for photo books or finding what I need. So I’m taking my own advice and organizing my digital…
How to Clean Out Your Gmail Inbox
Does your gmail inbox need a little TLC? Maybe it feels overwhelming when you log in? Does trying to find an email feel like looking for that sock that disappeared in the dryer? If this is you, keep reading. I’m going to tell you how to clean out your gmail inbox with simple steps you…
3 Reasons Inbox Zero Is Bullshit
Sorry, not sorry, the concept of “inbox zero” is complete bullshit. I know it’s this gold standard of email organization that people like to put up on a pedestal but it really isn’t realistic or useful in my opinion. What is “Inbox Zero”? Inbox zero is when you have absolutely no emails in your email…
Google Drive Advanced Search Tips
We all have to search Google Drive files from time to time (yes, even me!). Most people go to the search bar at the top of My Drive and start randomly typing in what they think they named their files, producing tons of results. Did you know there are Google Drive advanced search techniques? Let…
4 Simple Steps to an Email Inbox Cleanup
If your email inbox is a hot mess, and it’s time for an email inbox cleanup, you’ve come to the right post. Here are 4 reasons causing your disorganized email inbox and what to do to get your email inbox cleaned up. 1. You’re Getting Crap How many emails do you get that you never…
How to Organize Canva
Canva is fantastic if you suck at making good-looking graphics like I do. Organizing Canva is an absolute nightmare. I love you Canva but you’ve got issues. While I still don’t love Canva, here are some simple ways (seriously, you can do this) to organize Canva. If you want to see these strategies in action,…
Dropbox or Google Drive: Which should I use?
Which is better, Dropbox or Google Drive? What’s the difference between Dropbox and Google Drive? I get asked these questions a lot. They both have their pros, cons, and uses. Since 2004 I’ve used Dropbox for my files and since 2011 I’ve used it to store my teaching resources. As times have changed and Covid…
3 Types of Files to Delete (Even If You’re Afraid) Plus Where and How to Start
If you know you need to cut the clutter in your Google Drive (or wherever you store files) but are afraid to hit the delete button, this post is for you. Maybe you’re not afraid to hit delete but you’re not sure where to start. This post is also for you. Why We Need To…
2 Simple Hacks to Cut the Digital Clutter in 10 Minutes
Is your email inbox overflowing? Google Drive bursting with files from students, downloads, and who-even-knows-what-that-one-is? Here are 2 simple things you can do in 10 minutes to cut the digital clutter. Hack #1: This Folder Is Your New Best Friend Create a new folder in your Google Drive (or Dropbox, or desktop, or wherever you…
7 Things Organizing Is NOT
It’s the end of the school year and that means time to clean out classrooms and get organized for next year. There are tons of posts about what organizing is and how to do it. Let’s talk about what it’s NOT. WARNING: This post contains adult language…because I’m an adult…and I teach a language. But…
What Do Ducks Have To Do With Your Google Drive? More Than You Think
You know when you type that adjective that starts with an “f” and ends in “-ing” but your autocorrect changes it to “ducking”? Well, today I’m talking about ducks. “Ducking” ducks to be specific. Yep, ducks. Quack quack. Have you ever been pecked by a duck? I imagine it’s rather annoying, unpleasant, and puts you…
Want To Declutter Your Files? Quit Your Job.
It’s been a weird semester, and not just because of COVID. In January I told my administration that I didn’t plan to return in the fall. Being a minimalist and lover of calm, clear spaces, I began to empty my room of used seasonal decor & personal items that wouldn’t be needed for the rest…