The Power of Five Minutes: Making Every Moment Count in the Classroom

A clock on a classroom table, surrounded by books and pencils
At a recent teachers’ conference, a hand went up from the audience with a question that has lingered in my mind ever since.

The teacher asked:

“How can I help a child in an environment where the school allocates limited time to me as a teacher?”

I could feel the weight of that question. It wasn’t just about time—it was about responsibility, about care, about the silent frustration many teachers carry when they want to do more but feel they cannot.

The truth is: in education, time often feels scarce. Schedules are packed, lessons are rushed, and support time for children with unique needs is often cut short. But does less time automatically mean less impact?

Not necessarily.



It’s Not How Much Time, It’s What You Do With It

If you only have 10 or 15 minutes, those moments can still change everything. What matters most is intentionality.

Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on one specific goal. Maybe today you help the child practice calming down when overwhelmed. Maybe tomorrow you break down the main lesson into smaller, manageable steps.

Small steps, consistently repeated, are far more powerful than trying to cram in everything and leaving the child confused.



Micro-Moments Matter

Think about the tiny, in-between moments during the day: a smile, a cue, a whispered encouragement, or a visual reminder on their desk. These micro-moments are not extra—they are teaching opportunities. They tell the child: “You matter. I see you. You can do this.”

When a child feels seen, even two minutes of guidance can stick longer than an hour of disconnected instruction.



You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Often, we assume that support is only our responsibility. But a more helpful mindset shift would be: every child in the classroom, every adult in the school, and even family members can be part of the support network.

When you equip peers to be learning buddies, or share simple strategies with the class teacher and parents, your impact multiplies. Even when your time is up, the support continues.



Planting Seeds That Outlast the Clock

Imagine I handed you a single seed and asked you to grow a forest. At first, it seems impossible. But if you plant it, water it, and protect it—even with small, consistent actions—it begins to grow into something far greater than the effort you put in.

That’s how it works with children. What you plant in five intentional minutes can grow into confidence, resilience, and independence that outlasts your schedule.



☘️

To every teacher who feels the tension of limited time, here’s what I want you to remember:

It’s not about the number of minutes you have.
It’s about the depth of what you plant in those minutes.

And when you choose the right seed, the child carries it long after the clock runs out.



Would you be kind enough to share this article with another teacher? 😊




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Comments

  1. Julia AluAugust 23, 2025 at 4:29 PM

    "And when you choose the right seed, the child carries it long after the clock runs out."

    This is very timely and super useful for me. Thank you Ms Vicky 😘. Always a pleasure to read and learn from you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Empowering Educators with VickyAugust 25, 2025 at 11:56 AM

      Exactly 💯


      Thank you too, Ms. Julia 🤝😊- for always engaging with articles in this blogsite.

      Delete
  2. Olivia KaluAugust 23, 2025 at 7:56 PM

    Thank you so much, Ms. Vicky. I actually asked that question in the just concluded conference convened by Ms. Stephanie Nnadi.

    I understand that beyond the subjects I teach, I'm called to nurture, redirect and guide the young minds. This is because I feel I'm not just another teacher that happened.

    But, in the part of the Country where I am, you'll have limited time to do that.

    I had to resign from a school and that's because I was more like a school counselor, teaching 2 Core subjects that requires serious attention.

    At the end of the each day, I go home not just tired, but almost shrunken with peanut as a monthly salary which is often delayed.

    Currently, most people I know with similar understanding of not being a teacher have all left the teaching profession, and have gone into business.

    Funnily, I actually left. By this time last year, I had my mind made up.
    The reason is that, other schools I found myself as a part time teacher, didn't help matter.

    This time, not just in the way teachers were treated, but the manner in which they handled these beautiful souls.

    Opps! This is actually become an article...My sincere apologies.🙏
    And, yes...I maximize every single moment I find myself around young minds: toddlers and children alike.
    I understand that every opportunity I have around them; is a privilege that should be properly utilized.

    Thank you so much once again, for putting this out, Ms. Vicky.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Empowering Educators with VickyAugust 25, 2025 at 11:54 AM

      Thank you, Ms. Olivia- indeed, your question at the just-concluded #tthc conference inspired this article.

      Such an interesting read from you too😊...

      It sounded/felt like you've got a lot to unpack too 🤩.

      Thank you for using the shared link to join our virtual community.

      I look forward to more interactions with you. 🤝

      Delete
  3. Cynthia OghenegarenAugust 26, 2025 at 7:48 AM

    Small steps, consistently repeated, are far more powerful than trying to cram in everything and leaving the child confused.

    Consistency and intentionally actions.

    It’s not about the number of minutes you have.
    It’s about the depth of what you plant in those minutes.

    It is not how far but how well.

    Thanks so much for this write up

    ReplyDelete

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