Stay present; phones can wait.

As your teacher, I want you to know that being here with us—right now—matters more than any message or game on a screen. Phones can pull your attention away from friends, from learning, and from the small moments that help you understand how you feel. When something feels hard or overwhelming, putting the phone away for a while gives your brain and heart space to breathe, notice, and connect. Staying present doesn’t mean your phone is bad; it means you are choosing to be kind to yourself and to the people around you. It helps you see the little things: a classmate’s smile, the color of the sky, a turn in a story, or the way your own breathing slows down. Those simple moments add up and help you feel stronger when things are tough.

Sometimes it’s hard to step away because phones feel like a comfort or a way to avoid big feelings. That’s okay—we can practice together. I’ll say things to help you come back into the room, and you can say little reminders to yourself or to a friend. These words are short on the outside but big on how they help you feel safe, noticed, and calm. When you hear them, you can pause, put your hand on your chest, breathe, and decide what you need next—quiet time, a chat, or a little walk. Using a phrase is like pressing the pause button: it doesn’t solve everything instantly, but it opens the door to feeling better and to learning how to handle hard moments.

Try these simple phrases—say them to yourself, to a friend, or listen when someone says them to you: - “Phones can wait; I’m here.” “Breathe with me.” “You’re not alone.” “It’s okay to feel this.” “Tell me when you’re ready.” “Let’s take a minute.” “Look up—what do you see?” “I’m listening.” “This will pass.” “One step at a time.”

As a teacher, I’ll model putting my own phone away during our time together and I’ll gently remind you when you might need a break from screens. We’ll make small habits: a phone drop box at the door, quiet minutes after recess, or a signal we use when we need everyone to stop and listen. These habits are not punishments; they are invitations to practice paying attention to real life and to each other. If you ever feel upset, worried, or just tired, telling someone is brave. Saying a short phrase, taking three slow breaths, or stepping outside for a minute can help more than you expect.

You don’t have to do this perfectly. Being present is something we learn a little at a time. I’m with you as we practice, and I’ll remind you with kindness: phones can wait—this moment with you is important.