Notifications We Can't Silence

My phone is constantly buzzing with notifications—someone is at the front door, my internet connection is weak, an Amazon order has shipped, my Target pickup is ready, a storm is on the way, Wayfair has a sale (again). The list goes on. While I turn off notifications for some apps, I leave others on, because even though they can be a bit much, I do appreciate the reminders. For the most part, it’s a convenience.

Wouldn’t it be nice if life worked that way? Imagine getting a notification that you’re going to get sick next week so you could prepare. Or a heads-up that you’ll get a flat tire tomorrow, giving you time to schedule a repair. Now take it a step further: How helpful would it be if our students came with notifications?

“Mia didn’t sleep well last night.”
“Jayden hasn’t had breakfast this morning.”
“Sophia had an argument at home over the weekend.”

Imagine how different our mornings might look if we knew this information ahead of time—if we could anticipate what our students needed before they even walked through the door. But the reality is, they don’t come with notifications. There’s no little red dot telling us which child is struggling before they even pick up a pencil. Instead, we have to look for the clues—the sleepy eyes, the crossed arms, the uncharacteristic silence, the sudden outbursts.

These are the notifications we can’t silence—and we shouldn’t want to.

It’s easy to get caught up in the lessons, the schedules, the million little things that need to get done. But just like we glance at our phones to check that Target order or see if rain is on the way, we need to glance at our students and check for the silent notifications they’re sending us. A frustrated sigh, a missing homework assignment, a head resting on the desk—these are all reminders that something might be going on beyond what we see.

We may not be able to predict everything, but we can be the kind of teachers who notice. And sometimes, just noticing makes all the difference.