We’ve completed 10 Atomic Habits, small, powerful shifts that stack into a big impact. None of them are revolutionary. But they’re the kind of things that are forgotten if we’re not intentional, because the pull of traditional schooling is strong.
So I wanted to pause and present them as a 10-pack. This is a daily practice set that anyone can commit to as we get ready to begin the 25–26 school year.
These habits are simple. They’re powerful. And when practiced daily, they are transformational.
Why Atomic Habits?
The purpose of Atomic Teaching Habits is to offer small changes that are easy to implement and, when stacked together, can profoundly impact your classroom and your practice.
They aren’t about adding more to your plate. They’re about focusing on what really matters and doing those things consistently. Whether you’re just starting your teaching career or you’re a veteran looking to reset, this is a place to start.
The Atomic Teaching Habits 10-Pack
😊 Just Smile
Remember to smile and bring joy to yourself and others in your space.
🎉 Have Fun
Don’t take yourself too seriously. School must be fun. You can have fun all the time—and your students can too!
🌬️ Just Breathe
The work of teaching is hard emotional labor. Breathing is the way to center yourself and maintain your calm and consistent presence.
🤝 Be Real
Make your learning experiences as real as you can, as often as you can. School is an artificial learning environment. Make it real for you and them!
🔁 Do the Opposite
What we’ve been doing doesn’t always work. Don’t be afraid to go against what the system or your ‘school brain’ tells you. Question the norm. Create what works.
🎨 Let Go and Let Students Create
Create experiences and watch them fly. Then, be there to help and to guide. Learning happens through doing and creation.
🤐 Talk Less, Teach More
They learn through talking and doing. They don’t learn through you talking and doing. Talk less—and let them!
🎯 Goal Setting
Give yourself and your students direction with goals at all times. Tell yourself and your students what those goals are every day.
🔍 Reflect Often
Be mindful of what you’re doing and how it impacts your students. Purposeful, daily reflection is the key to your growth.
🪞 Be Authentic
You need to be you so that your students can know and trust you. Then, they will learn with you.
💌 Want the Visual?
I’m currently creating a printable visual that educators can post in their spaces to keep these habits front of mind.
📬 Subscribers will get it first!
If you’re not subscribed yet, sign up and I’ll send the 10-Pack Visual directly to your inbox.
🧭 Final Thoughts
These ten habits are where I would start. Whether you’re new to the profession or have twenty years in. They’re simple, and when practiced consistently, they’re transformational.
I’ll keep writing about them and growing with them. But for now, let’s commit together:
Start small. Stay consistent. Teach big.
👇 I’d love to hear which habit resonates most with you. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and don’t forget to subscribe.
– Miles
Miles O'Shea 