A tidy desk clears thoughts.

Hey everyone — sometimes the smallest classroom habit can change the way you think and feel. In our article, "A tidy desk clears thoughts.", we want to share short, caring phrases and simple routines you can use when the day feels messy. I’m writing this as your teacher: I notice when desks are cluttered, pencils are lost, or papers pile up, the whole class seems louder and harder to focus. Clearing a little space can help your brain breathe, and saying a few kind words to yourself or to a friend can make a big difference when things feel tough.

When we teach students how to tidy their space, we also teach them how to tidy their minds. Try saying one of these calm, true phrases when you feel stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed. Use them quietly to yourself, share them with a partner, or say them out loud to the class before a test or a big assignment:

• "One thing at a time."
• "It’s okay to take a break."
• "I can try again."
• "Small steps add up."
• "My feelings matter."
• "I can ask for help."
• "Breathe in, breathe out."
• "I noticed that and I can fix it."
• "I am not alone."
• "Mistakes help me learn."

You don’t have to use every phrase every day. Pick one that feels right, write it on a sticky note, or say it into your hand and tuck it into a pencil box. Pair the words with a tiny routine: straighten your papers, sharpen one pencil, throw away one scrap, and take a deep breath. That short action signals to your brain that you’re finishing something and getting ready for the next part. For kids who get distracted easily, I suggest a two-minute tidy before starting work — a timer makes it feel like a game.

As your teacher, I try to model these phrases and routines. I might walk around before quiet reading time and say, “Let’s clear two things off our desks and take a breath.” When students hear me use those words, they begin to use them for themselves. Encourage friends to remind each other gently: “One thing at a time” can stop a spiral of worry and turn it into a plan. Praise the small wins: “I saw you tidy and then finish your work — great job.”

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating moments of calm and control in a busy day. A tidy desk won’t fix everything, but it makes space for thinking, for kind words, and for trying again. Keep a phrase you like, practice the two-minute tidy, and remember that I believe in your ability to make your space and your thoughts a little clearer each day.