Email

It's a communication tool, not a to-do list.

Managing email is a habit we need to maintain routinely. I know we sometimes feel shame and think we need to act on it, especially when someone comments on it. It's a small one, but it can lead to lasting happiness in our digital spaces that can lead us to higher productivity and digital wellnes..

There are times when we can intentionally set a timer to clean and organize, and we should allow ourselves to stop when the timer is done.

Ultimately, keeping up with our inbox can bring either momentary gratitude or lingering, dull chaos.

Credit and inspiration: Matthew Mays at SPARCC

Here are four D's to help you keep up with it.

I'll let Guy Fieri have the three D's.

Gmail features that make email easier

You still have to do some of the work.

Snooze emails until later

Temporarily remove an email from your inbox with Gmail Snooze, and have it return at the time you choose so you can deal with it later.

Create filter rules

Automatically organize incoming emails in Gmail by creating filters that label, archive, delete, star, or forward messages based on rules you choose.

Create a Task in Gmail

Turn important emails into to-dos by creating a Google Task directly from Gmail, so you can keep track of follow-ups and action items in one place.

Use Keep in Google tools

Capture ideas, reminders, and checklists in Google Keep so you can quickly organize information and access it from anywhere.

Inspire Wonder and Learning

The Kid Should See This is a free collection of videos curated for teachers and families by a person, not an algorithm. With over 7,000 videos, the site features engaging stories about art activities, astronauts, auroras, ballet, chocolate, classical music, composting, cookies, dance, desserts, farms, food chains, fossils, harvesting, instruments, the Milky Way, the moon, NASA, national parks, orchestras, the sun, the Overview Effect, performances, recipes, soil, space rocks, stars, telescopes, world records, zoetropes, zoo animals, and much more. Created to inspire curiosity in learners of all ages, it brings together high quality educational storytelling from museums, universities, experts, innovators, artists, and enthusiasts, making it a valuable resource for classroom enrichment, family learning, and independent exploration.

The Kid Should See This | Smart videos for curious minds

Bringing Learning to Life with AR

McGraw Hill AR Online is an interactive learning platform that brings augmented reality (AR) experiences into the classroom through activities across math, science, social studies, and English language arts. The platform currently features more than 50 immersive activities designed to help students visualize complex concepts and deepen understanding through exploration and interaction.

Classrooms can investigate topics such as the human eye, the periodic table, the Silk Road, quadratic functions, map skills, and the solar system using interactive digital experiences that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.

Note: there's no saving or submissions since it requires no accounts

Access provided courtesy of Verizon

McGraw Hill AR Online

Create Digital Spirograph Art

Inspiral Web is a free browser-based drawing tool that lets students create intricate geometric art using virtual gears and rings, similar to a digital Spirograph. Students can experiment with patterns, symmetry, rotation, and design while exploring concepts connected to math, art, and creativity. Finished designs can be downloaded and shared, making it a fun option for STEAM activities, early finisher work, or creative exploration.

Or you know, it's kinda cool and soothing to the mind if I don't happen to own the physical devices.