Let’s be honest: the idea of a "perfect" morning routine is often created by influencers who wake up at 4:45 AM, journal in cursive, and drink hot lemon water with turmeric while meditating in a linen robe.

That’s not my vibe.

But as someone who supports teachers and writes curriculum full time, I do need structure. I need energy. I need focus. And I need something I can actually stick with - even on mornings when I oversleep or my brain feels like static.

So here it is: my simple, realistic, teacher-approved morning routine that helps me feel grounded and energized without taking over my life. And yes, there’s still room for coffee.

🚪 Step 1: Start With Hydration

Before I even touch coffee, I mix up a packet of MAKE Hydrated or Fit + Hydrated with cold water.

It tastes like a spa day and gives my body:

  • A head start on hydration

  • Support for bloat and digestion

  • A gentle energy boost (especially Fit + Hydrated!)

Even when I wake up tired or groggy, this is step one. Because when I feel better, it’s way easier to make better choices for the rest of the day.


📅 Step 2: Check My Top 3 (Not My Inbox)

I used to scroll emails, social media, and notifications the second I opened my eyes. Now, I open my planner or Wellness Tracker (AKA Google Keep) and write down just 3 things:

  1. One Must-Do task

  2. One Feel-Good task (something just for me)

  3. One Let-It-Go task (because letting go is also a task!)

This gives me focus and helps me avoid falling into a reactive spiral.

Bonus: I use Google Keep or a sticky note if I’m short on time.



🙌 Step 3: Move for 5–20 Minutes

I don’t always do a full workout in the morning, but I do move. Some days it’s a quick walk on the walking pad, some days it’s a few stretches or a strength circuit. It gets my blood flowing and tells my brain: "We’re awake and we’re doing things."

Even 5 minutes counts.



☕ Step 4: Enjoy the Coffee (No Shame)

Yes, I drink coffee. But I don’t let it be the first thing that hits my stomach anymore. I’ve noticed a huge difference in energy and mood when I hydrate first and give myself a few quiet moments to get centered before caffeine kicks in.

Coffee becomes a treat, not a crutch.



📆 Want to Try It?

If your mornings feel rushed, chaotic, or just plain non-existent, try building a routine that works for you.

You can use my free Weekly Planner or this simple formula:

  • Hydrate

  • Ground your mindset

  • Move

  • Then caffeinate

It doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. Start small, and build from there.

Let me know if you want to know how I use MAKE peptides to feel focused without feeling frantic.

You don’t have to wake up at 4AM to have a strong start. You just need a system that supports you.

Read more »

Jessica

If you’ve been teaching for more than five minutes, you know that tech can be your best friend… or your eternal nemesis. 

The thing is, there are so many little shortcuts and tools that can make your teaching day smoother, but they’re not always obvious. And sometimes, the “simple” things are the ones we overlook the most.

Here are 10 of my favorite teacher tech tips you probably don’t know (but should), plus how they can save your time, your sanity, and maybe even your coffee.

1. Version History in Google Docs

Stop making “Lesson Plan FINAL - Use This One” and “Lesson Plan FINAL Final V2.”
Go to File → Version history → See version history and you can view, restore, and name past versions of your document. You’ll never need 87 duplicate files "copy of copy of copy" again.



2. Pinning & Grouping Chrome Tabs

If your browser looks like a game of Tetris, this is for you.

  • Pin Tabs: Right-click on a tab → Pin. This keeps it open, small, and locked to the left.

  • Group Tabs: Right-click → Add Tab to Group. Color-code and label them (Lesson Plans, Grades, Email).

Your future self will thank you.

3. Voice Notes on Apple Watch, iPhone, and Android

Ever had a brilliant idea in the hallway… and forgot it by lunch? Stop trusting your memory; just record it!

  • Apple Watch: Raise your wrist and say “Hey Siri, record a voice memo”. Saved instantly in your Voice Memos app.
  • iPhone: Open the Voice Memos app, tap record. Rename later so you can find it fast.
  • Android: Open the Google Recorder app (many newer phones have it built-in) or download a free voice memo app from the Play Store. Tap record and go.
Perfect for lesson ideas, parent reminders, or sudden lightbulb moments without fumbling for a sticky note.

4. Semantris & Quick Draw: Artificial Intelligence for Classroom Engagement

  • Semantris: A Google word association game. Great for vocabulary warm-ups, synonyms/antonyms, and brain breaks.

  • Quick Draw: AI tries to guess your doodle in 20 seconds. Fun for vocab review, art warm-ups, or just a laugh (“That’s not a potato, it’s a duck!”). Also, GREAT practice for little fingers on trackpads and computer mice. 

Both are free, web-based, and hook students fast.

5. AutoDraw for Quick Graphics

Need a visual but your stick figure skills are… questionable?
Go to autodraw.com, doodle your best attempt, and watch AI turn it into clean clipart.
Perfect for anchor charts, presentations, or classroom signs.

6. Mac/PC Screenshot Shortcuts

Stop printing your screen just to crop it.

  • Mac: Shift + Command + 4 = select an area to capture.

  • PC: Windows + Shift + S = select an area to capture.

Screenshots go right to your clipboard or desktop for easy pasting. Just use CTRL+V to paste the screenshot wherever you want it!

7. Email Filters for Sanity

Gmail: Click the gear → See all settings → Filters & Blocked Addresses.
Outlook: Settings → Mail → Rules.

Create filters for newsletters, parent communication, or team updates so they skip the inbox clutter and go right where you want them.

8. Google Keep Checklists for Routines

Google Keep is like sticky notes, but they don’t get lost under your desk.
Create checklists for daily classroom routines, student jobs, or even sub plans. Share with teammates for easy collaboration.

9. Keyboard Shortcuts You’ll Actually Use

  • Copy: Ctrl/Command + C

  • Paste: Ctrl/Command + V

  • Undo: Ctrl/Command + Z

  • Reopen closed tab: Ctrl/Command + Shift + T (the best one)

Little seconds saved add up to minutes, and that’s another sip of coffee.

10. Using Headings in Google Docs

If you have a 14-page doc, scrolling is a nightmare.
Highlight text → Change from “Normal text” to “Heading 1/2/3.”
Then use View → Show Outline to jump around instantly.
Great for lesson plan binders, curriculum maps, and student project docs.

Final Thoughts

Tech doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, the simplest features are often the most powerful.

Start with one or two of these tips this week. Use the time you save to do something just for you: drink your water, eat your lunch, or (my favorite) take a bathroom break.

What’s your go-to teacher tech hack? Drop it in the comments so we can all steal it.

Read more »

Jessica

 

An easy, fun, and free way to introduce artificial intelligence in the classroom

Why Even Talk About AI in the Classroom?

Let’s be honest — “artificial intelligence” sounds big and intimidating. But it’s also everywhere: in our phones, in our recommendations, in the way students are already using (or hearing about) tech.

As a curriculum writer and former teacher, I love finding ways to make big ideas feel small, safe, and fun — especially for younger learners. And that’s exactly why I love Google Quick, Draw!

What Is Google Quick, Draw?

Google Quick, Draw! is a free, browser-based game where students draw simple objects (like a cat, a shoe, or a mountain) and the AI tries to guess what they’re making — in real time.

The AI model has been trained on millions of doodles, so the more students draw, the better it gets at recognizing patterns.

It’s fast, funny, and surprisingly mind-expanding.





Why I Love Using It to Teach AI

✅ It’s visual and interactive

No boring slides about algorithms — just doodles and guesses.

✅ It makes AI less scary

Students see AI as a “helper” trying to learn from their work (and sometimes failing!).

✅ It builds digital fluency

They begin understanding how machines learn, recognize patterns, and improve over time.

✅ It’s great practice for tech skills, too

This activity gives younger students hands-on experience with using a trackpad or mouse — something many of them struggle with early on. Practicing fine motor skills in a fun, low-pressure way helps build their confidence with devices they’ll use daily.



How to Use It in the Classroom

1. Use It as a Warm-Up

Great for getting students thinking creatively before a STEM or tech lesson.

2. Pair Students Up

Let one student draw while the other guesses what the AI will guess — this builds discussion and prediction skills.

3. Reflect on the Experience

Ask:

  • “What made it hard for the AI to guess?”

  • “What do you think the computer learned from your doodle?”

  • “Was it always right? Why or why not?”

4. Tie It to Real-World AI

Explain how apps like Google Photos or Siri also recognize patterns to help us — and how they don’t always get it right.

Teacher Tips

  • ✅ Works great on Chromebooks and desktops

  • ✅ No sign-in required

  • ✅ You can replay and share student drawings if you project your screen

  • ✅ Keep it light and fun — the point isn’t perfect drawing, it’s interaction

Want a Lesson Plan or Slide Deck?

I’m working on a printable version of this activity with guiding questions and slides — message me on Instagram @techandteachability if you want early access!

Final Thoughts

AI isn’t just something our students will “deal with someday” — it’s already part of their world. And the more we can bring it down to earth in creative, thoughtful ways, the better prepared they’ll be.

Google Quick, Draw! is one of my favorite tools for starting that conversation — no robots required.

Read more »

Jessica

It’s back-to-school season, which means your brain is juggling lesson plans, classroom setup, and 87 emails—and that’s before lunch.

If you’re a teacher (or just a tired human) who wants to eat something other than Goldfish and cold coffee next week, I’ve got you covered.

This One Grocery Bag, Five Meals plan is designed for real-life energy levels. It’s healthy-ish, budget-friendly, kid-approved, and best of all… it’s actually doable.

What’s Inside the Plan

  • 5 easy dinners made from ~15 ingredients

  • Dump-and-go recipes (think slow cooker, sheet pan, and skillet)

  • Leftovers that can double as lunch

  • A printable grocery list

  • A quick meal prep guide to set you up on Sunday

The Weekly Dinner Lineup

Monday - Sheet Pan Sausage + Veggies
Chop it, toss it, roast it. Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, and leftovers are perfect for wraps or bowls.


Tuesday - Turkey Taco Skillet
Ground turkey, black beans, and salsa come together in one pan. Serve with rice or tortillas—done!

Wednesday - Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Bowls
Toss everything into your slow cooker before work. Come home to juicy shredded chicken ready for bowls, wraps, or salads.


Thursday - Leftover Remix Night
Use what’s left to build wraps, taco salads, nachos, or a taco pasta skillet. Zero brainpower required.

Friday - Frozen Pizza Night
The plan ends with a well-deserved break. Pair with a salad (if you feel like it) or just eat the pizza. Cold leftovers make a great lunch.


One Grocery Bag Shopping List

You’ll need just a handful of basics to make it all work. Think:

  • Chicken breasts

  • Ground turkey

  • Sausage

  • Black beans

  • Bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, onion

  • Salsa, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes

  • Rice, tortillas, frozen pizza

  • Shredded cheese + your favorite dressing

Click here to download the full grocery list + printable PDF

Optional: 30-Minute Sunday Prep

If you want to make weeknights even easier, the plan includes a quick prep guide. Chop your veggies, pre-cook your protein, and portion a few ingredients ahead. Future you will be grateful.

Real Talk

This plan isn’t fancy. It’s not Pinterest-perfect.
But it’s realistic, nourishing, and sanity-saving—which makes it perfect for the first week back to school.

Whether you’re headed back to the classroom or just need dinner on the table without stress, this plan is here to help you start the school year feeling a little more together.

Ready to simplify your week?
Grab your copy of the plan, grocery list, and prep guide below!



Read more »

Jessica

Let’s just say… my brain doesn’t believe in linear thinking.

I’m a former teacher with a to-do list the size of a CVS receipt and a mind that skips like a playlist on shuffle. Sound familiar?

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or just feel like your brain has 47 tabs open, I want to share what’s actually helped me stay focused, feel less frazzled, and still function when my brain is doing backflips.

The Tech Tools I Swear By

1. Focus Keeper App

This little Pomodoro-style timer is a game-changer. I set 25-minute work blocks and challenge myself to stay focused just until the buzzer. It removes the pressure to be "on" all day and lets me work with my brain, not against it.

2. Google Keep

Digital sticky notes are my brain-dump sanctuary. I can organize by color, pin important tasks, and access them from anywhere. When ideas hit me mid-coffee sip or mid-scroll, they go here.



3. Forest App

This one grows a digital tree while you stay off your phone. If you touch your phone, your tree dies. Dramatic? Yes. Motivating? Also yes. I love seeing my little forest flourish by the end of the day.


4. ChatGPT

For quick answers, rewrites, lesson ideas, captions, and planning help. It’s like a thinking partner that doesn’t interrupt. I use it to brainstorm when my brain is stuck in the fog.

Peptides That Help Me Function

Enter my secret weapon: MAKE Wellness peptides.

These are all-natural, sweetener-free wellness supplements designed to support your body and mind. Here are the ones I use for focus, energy, and calm:

  • Focused: 1 capsule in the morning. It helps me zone in when I’m distracted by every bird, beep, and browser tab.

  • Energized: This powdered mix gives me caffeine without the crash. It keeps my thoughts clearer and my motivation higher.

  • Calm: I take this before bed so my brain doesn’t play the highlight reel of tomorrow’s to-do list on repeat or zero in on that one awkward moment I had twenty years ago. 

I still lean on healthy habits like walking and sleep, but these peptides have made those habits easier to stick with.

TL;DR

If your brain is buzzing and burnout feels close, you don’t need to reinvent your entire routine.

Start small: try a 25-minute focus session. Try one new supplement. Try a tech tool that takes pressure off your brain.

Supporting your ADHD brain (or your teacher-brain-that-feels-like-ADHD) doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

It can be a few smart tools + some gentle support = a more functional, calm, and focused YOU.

You got this.

Read more »

Jessica

You made it to Day 7—and now it’s time to take what worked and keep it with you.

Today’s task is to write down 3 small but powerful reset intentions for the school year. 

They could be:

📝 “Drink water before coffee”
📝 “Leave work at work”
📝 “Move my body every day”


Whatever you choose—keep it visible. 

On your mirror. In your planner. As your phone background.

Why it matters
Writing intentions down gives you a north star to come back to when things get busy.

This reset doesn’t have to end. You can keep building on these tiny habits, one day at a time.

I’m cheering you on every step of the way 💛

Read more »

Jessica

You deserve a peaceful ending to your day.



Your sleep deserves better. So today’s reset is about what you don’t do: scroll, check email, or binge late-night reels.


✅ Set a screen-free zone for the last 30 minutes of your day


✅ Replace it with something gentle: stretching, reading, journaling


✅ Bonus: Use a Calm peptide to help your body relax into rest


Your brain, body, and nervous system will thank you.

Why it matters: Blue light, endless scrolls, and mental overload keep your brain alert when you should be resting. Logging off helps you sleep deeper and feel more refreshed in the morning.

📥 Need help winding down? The Reset Guide includes a bedtime routine checklist you can print or keep by your bed.

One more reset to go—you’re doing amazing!
Read more »

Jessica

Clear space, clear mind

You don’t need to Marie Kondo your whole house.

Just 5 minutes. One surface.

✅ Set a timer for 5 minutes
✅ Pick a space (fridge, pantry, counter, etc.)
✅ Toss, wipe, tidy. That’s it.

You don’t have to finish it all - just start.


Visual clutter = mental clutter.

Even a quick reset creates room to breathe.

Read more »

Jessica

Ready to give your brain a break?

Today’s reset is all about choosing one simple tech tool to support your week.

Pick ONE to try today! Here are some examples: 
  • Google Keep: simple to-do lists that sync across devices
  • Focus Keeper or Forest App: work in short bursts with breaks built in
  • Waterllama: cute, fun hydration reminders
  • The Notes App - (already on your phone!)
  • Lose It! - meal and macros tracking
  • and more! 


Do you have a favorite app that helps you save time? Let me know about it! 

Let it make life easier; not busier.

I linked my favorite tools + a free tech tool tracker inside the Reset Guide - download it here!

Tomorrow’s tip is short but mighty. Keep going!

Read more »

Jessica

Let’s talk about food prep—but make it easy.


Today’s reset is to build a grab-and-go lunch or snack station. Stock it with things you actually want to eat: 
  • yogurt + fruit
  • hard boiled eggs
  • wraps
  • protein bars
  • smoothie packs
  • cheese sticks/cubes
  • pepperoni slices
  • veggies/hummus
  • bags of chips/crackers
Put everything in a clear fridge bin or a designated snack drawer so mornings feel 10x easier (and you don’t end up hangry). Grab some and stash in your teacher bag for midday snack breaks. 

Don't like those ideas? Stock it with your faves or even Reese's PB cups. No judgement here. I have cookies in mine! 
Why it works: You’re less likely to skip meals or grab junk from the vending machine when options are prepped, handy, and visible.

Your future self is going to thank you tomorrow morning.

We’re halfway there. Don’t stop now—Day 4’s a good one!

📥 My Reset Guide includes a done-for-you snack station checklist—grab it on the blog!
Read more »

Jessica

Day 2 is all about starting strong—before coffee.


Drinking 20 oz of water before 10 am can kickstart your energy, help with digestion, and even improve focus. It’s one of the easiest ways to take care of yourself before the chaos begins.


💡 Bonus Tip: Add lemon or electrolytes for extra benefits. I love mixing in my MAKE Hydrated and Fit peptides to really fuel my mornings!


Start the habit: Keep a water bottle by your bed or set a phone reminder. Simple tweaks = big wins.


Can’t get in 20 oz? Do 10. Or even just 8. The point is to drink water first thing in the morning to get your body up and going. 


📥 Grab the free Reset Guide with daily trackers and bonus tips to help build your hydration habit!



You’re already 2 days in. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Don’t forget to have your Daily Reset Time. Drink some more water while you’re at it!

Day 3 drops tomorrow 👏


Read more »

Jessica

This is your chance to take a breath, open up your planner or app, and choose one time each day to check in with you.

Your goal:

📝 Spend 15–30 minutes at the beginning of each week to do a weekly planning sprint: meals, movement, and must-dos.
🕐 Then, each day, pick a daily reset time (morning, mid-day, or evening) to review your meals, movement, and must-dos and check in where you are for that day.

It doesn’t have to be a big reset time; even 1 to 2 minutes to check in with yourself is a huge advantage to your overall mindset. 

Read more »

Jessica

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