There are certain times of the school year when the stress levels seem to run high. The end of the school year is definitely one of them. Some possible stressers are students' behavior, tons of papers to correct, grades, classroom check out, grade level change for the coming school year, room change, and an infinite number of possibilities. Over my twenty-one years of teaching I have established a few routines that help me survive and actually enjoy my job and students during these tough months.
I hope they can be of use to you as well. Feel free to add others that have helped you in the comments section.
Establish End of the Year Expectations with Your Students
Principal Brian Gaten shared the importance of setting academic and behavior goals for the end of the year (just like at the beginning of the school year). It is important to encourage students to maintain high standards for their behavior and their learning. Teachers can update goals/rules and refer to them often so that they can stay fresh in your students' minds.
Classroom Routine
Try to keep your classroom routine. I know at times this is impossible, but kids thrive on routine. I have found that students are experiencing lots of emotions with the end of the year. Happiness, sadness, excitement, uncertainty, concern, etc... Routine will help provide stability through this transition.
Start Organizing Now
I start with my classroom. Whether I am moving to another room or not - I begin with one cupboard at a time. I look for ways to better organize each cupboard, give away items I no longer need or use, and/ or toss items. I don't like clutter :0) I do the same with my files. More and more I keep my files organized on my computer so I don't need a hard copy of anything. But for the files I do have, I prefer to keep only one copy and/or sample.
Prepare for Next Year
I know- what? But, I promise you that you will be glad you did. Typically teachers are not running as many papers at the end of the year. So... I make sure I run papers that I will definitely need come August. I run student's personal dictionaries, interactive journals, parent welcome letter/packet, activities for the first week of school, and anything I am sure I will definitely use. Then, I will not be stressing the first week of school and I can have a "Stress Free" start too.
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