Waiting for the Last Student to Finish Writing Their Notes

Practicing Creative Patience in the Classroom

Ever find yourself watching the clock as the last student finishes copying notes while your lesson plan teeters on the brink of chaos? Yeah, me too. It's that moment when you realize that, in the world of teaching, patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s an art form. And sometimes, that art feels a bit like finger-painting with our non-dominant hand while blindfolded.

We work in a system of urgency—deadlines, assessments, benchmarks. Our schedules seem designed to make us feel like we’re always running late. And with the diversity of needs in our classrooms, patience often feels like the hardest skill to master. But, with some creativity, we can re-frame patience as something powerful and even productive for both us and our students.

Here are some ways to practice “creative patience” in a fast-paced teaching world, making space for each student while also keeping our sanity intact.

1. Slow Down to Speed Up

It sounds counterintuitive, but slowing down in the classroom can actually help students catch on faster. When we hit pause and allow students time to process information without rushing them, we often find that they understand concepts better and retain them longer.

Try framing pauses as “thinking breaks.” After explaining a concept, take a moment to let students chew on it. Turn it into a mini-discussion or encourage them to jot down a quick question in their notebooks. Not only does this reinforce understanding, but it teaches kids that speed isn’t always synonymous with success.

And for the kiddo who’s still scribbling notes long after the others are done? Use this time to walk around, offer support, or give a little nudge. They’ll finish in their own time, and you’ve created a calmer, more supportive classroom environment in the process.

2. The Power of “One More Minute”

Let’s be real: sometimes, we’re tempted to just move on, even if not everyone’s ready. But instead of jumping the gun, try giving a gentle “one more minute” warning. You’d be surprised how much more willing students are to wrap things up when they feel like they’re not being rushed.

Use this time to take a breath yourself. Those sixty seconds are a chance for both you and your students to gather your thoughts, check your work, or simply breathe. And sometimes, that one minute is all a student needs to feel they’re caught up and ready for the next step.

3. Build “Catch-Up” Time Into Your Routine

Our schedules are packed, but by adding five-minute “catch-up” periods, you give students the chance to complete unfinished work or review notes without the looming pressure of moving immediately to the next task. Maybe it’s at the end of a lesson, or maybe it’s woven into transitions between activities.

These small windows of time aren’t just helpful for the “slower” students; they’re beneficial for everyone, including you! It gives students a moment to self-correct and self-assess. And let’s be honest, we all need a little buffer time every now and then.

4. Differentiate with Flexibility

Differentiation isn’t just for modifying lesson plans—it’s about adjusting the pace to meet the needs of diverse learners. Have some options ready for those who finish early: a quick enrichment activity, a small creative task, or even the opportunity to help others.

For students who may need a little extra time, a calm reassurance that “we’re all working at our own pace” can make a world of difference. Not every student’s brain operates at the speed of light, and that’s perfectly okay. Reinforce that value in your classroom by celebrating the process, not just the result.

5. Re-frame Patience as a Skill You’re Teaching

Every time you hold back and wait, you’re showing students what patience looks like in action. Consider telling students why patience matters—why we pause, why we wait, why taking time can be a good thing. Normalize patience as a skill that’s part of learning, like critical thinking or collaboration.

You can even make it into a class goal! Maybe it's a weekly challenge to “practice patience” with each other—when a classmate is sharing, when a friend is solving a problem, or when we’re all waiting for the last student to finish writing their notes. This can foster a classroom culture where patience becomes a shared value.

6. Use Those Extra Minutes to Build Relationships

While you’re waiting for the last few students to finish, use that time to connect with others in the room. A quick smile, a high-five, a check-in about how their day is going—these small interactions build a sense of trust and support. In a busy day, these moments might be the only times we connect personally with each student.

Let your students know that you see them not just as learners, but as individuals. Those few moments you spend chatting with them will help you build a stronger, more connected classroom, which ultimately leads to more engagement and better focus all around.

7. Practice Self-Patience

Teachers are notorious for being harder on ourselves than anyone else. But we’re all human here! Remember that patience is a skill, and it’s okay if you don’t feel zen every single time a student takes their sweet time finishing. On the days when you feel like snapping, acknowledge that feeling, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you’re doing your best.

Sometimes, a few minutes of mindfulness at the beginning of the day can help you keep that calm mindset. Consider using a mantra to start the day, like “I’m here to guide, not to rush,” or “I’ll move at the speed of learning, not the speed of deadlines.” It’s simple, but framing your day this way can help you return to a place of calm when impatience creeps in.

8. Remember: Growth is a Journey, Not a Sprint

Finally, remember that teaching is all about growth—ours, and our students’. Progress is often slow, sometimes painstaking, and rarely does it happen on a fixed timeline. But that’s okay. We’re here for the journey, not just the destination.

By modeling patience, we’re teaching our students that learning is a process, and we’re helping them develop a lifelong skill that will serve them far beyond our classroom walls. So, the next time you’re waiting on that last student to finish writing their notes, take a deep breath, let go of the clock, and trust that this slow, steady approach will pay off in ways that really matter.

Wait for it....Ok, here's my final thought(s):

Fellow teachers, if we can master patience, we can master almost anything. It’s not about waiting perfectly; it’s about waiting creatively—finding joy in the small moments, accepting the pace of each student, and reminding ourselves that the magic of teaching lies in guiding individuals, not meeting deadlines.

So here’s to creative patience: an art we’re all still learning but one that makes us better teachers, better mentors, and—above all—better humans.

Do you have a story to tell? Tell it!...or at least let me tell it. Reach out to any one of my platforms to expose your experience(s), your truth, as both a human and an educator. I would love to hear from you!