If you’ve ever struggled to quickly see what all your students are thinking, Darlene Hernandez has a simple solution: In her classroom, a simple system called “Jot-Lot” works perfectly every time.
Hernandez is a 5th grade teacher in Southern California, and her sticky‑note strategy has become a go‑to way to check for understanding, build confidence, and surface student thinking without putting anyone on the spot. We talked with her about how Jot‑Lot works, why it’s especially powerful for quieter students, and how small routines can make learning feel more student-driven.
You can also find her sharing classroom ideas and her teacher life on Instagram at Hello Miss Darlene. Here’s how she uses Jot-Lot in her classroom.
Q: We saw Jot‑Lot on Instagram. What exactly is it, and how did the idea first begin?
In my class, a Jot-Lot is a super-quick way for every student to share their thoughts. I give a prompt and they write a brief idea on a sticky note. Then they place it in their numbered spot on our poster. It lets me see everyone’s understanding and ideas at once without calling on kids one by one. I use it to check comprehension, catch misconceptions, decide what I need to reteach or discuss, and also for accountability. It also helps quieter students participate because they get their ideas heard without having to speak up in class.
I actually started using sticky notes just last year when I was teaching 2nd grade, and I definitely can’t take credit for the idea. I learned it from a veteran teacher at my previous school. I was facing the challenge of having so many students who wanted to participate, but I didn’t have time to hear from each of them individually. When I saw a Jot-Lot in my colleague’s classroom, I was immediately curious. Every single student had something valuable to contribute, and I knew right away it could benefit my students and my own teaching.
Q: How does a typical Jot‑Lot activity work from start to finish?
There’s really no set way to use a Jot-Lot, and that’s what I love so much about it! But I love using Jot-Lots the most when wrapping up a lesson. So for example, for shared reading, after reading a passage, I will present my class with a question such as asking them what the theme is. Students first chat with their table-mates to share ideas. Then, for a few minutes, they silently jot their thoughts on a sticky note.
Finally, we stick them on our class poster. I love this part because it’s like a wall of ideas! Plus, I can use their responses the next day to jump-start discussions and build right on what they came up with. It makes learning feel really alive and student-driven.
Q: How has this changed the way your students respond, reflect, or show comprehension?
Since introducing Jot-Lots, I’ve noticed my students are much more confident sharing their ideas. At first, it was just everyone writing on a sticky note. But when I read their responses aloud and gave them credit, even quieter students started participating more with partners and in whole-class discussions. I’ve also seen a big change in how they reflect. They think more deeply about their answers. It’s also easier for me to see who really understands the lesson. It’s like their thinking becomes visible, and that helps me guide discussions and plan the next steps.
Q: You often share how building confidence with content—like fractions—has impacted your teaching. Can you talk about your prep process and how you get yourself ready to teach tough concepts?
Moving from teaching 1st grade to 5th grade, the content itself isn’t necessarily harder, but the concepts are bigger, and my biggest challenge is figuring out the best way to explain them so students truly understand. For fractions, for example, I make sure to do every activity that my students are doing myself before teaching it. This helps me spot where students might get confused, anticipate their questions, and figure out which parts I need to explain in different ways. Doing this prep makes me more confident in teaching and helps my students feel confident learning.
Q: Outside of instruction, you’re also known for your fun OOTD posts. What role does style or self-expression play in teaching?
Aw, thank you! I’ve always told myself, “look good, feel good!” Sure, it would be easier to roll out of bed and start the day, but taking time to express myself through style really boosts my confidence and energy. When I feel good in what I’m wearing, it shows in my teaching. I bring more enthusiasm, positivity, and fun into the classroom. Plus, when I show my confidence in teaching, my students do notice, and it actually sparks their own creativity and self-expression too, which makes our classroom feel even more vibrant and connected.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about the emotional or mental side of teaching?
I wish more people understood how much teaching is as much emotional and mental work as it is academic. Confidence, preparation, and supporting students who learn differently takes a lot of thought and care. For me, my #1 priority with a new class is building a relationship with each student. That doesn’t mean being their friend—it means talking to them and learning about their lives, hobbies, and interests, while also setting clear expectations and holding them accountable.
I’ve done that with my class this year, and the impact has been huge. Not only do we feel like a family and community emotionally, but the students support each other academically as well. When students feel seen, respected, and challenged, their growth, both emotionally and academically, really soars.
Q: Do you see Jot‑Lot evolving in the future?
I actually don’t see the Jot-Lot routine changing too much, because I love that such a small piece of paper can hold such big ideas. That said, I do want to try it in other subjects like math, and especially during social-emotional learning. I’ve also been lucky enough to use it with other grade levels; my 2nd graders loved it just as much as my 5th graders do now. Whatever grade I teach next, Jot-Lot will definitely be coming with me!
Q: Anything else you’d like readers to know about your teaching journey, what inspires you, or what’s next?
I want readers to know that my teaching journey has been a long road, and every experience I had with kids before becoming a teacher helped me realize this is what I was meant to do. I always tell people to try it all—babysitting, daycare, teacher’s aide—because teaching truly is a work of heart. I feel so lucky that it’s a job I get to happily call mine!
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