If you are feeling like it has been a very long year, you are not alone. You’ve worked hard and are feeling drained. We’ve heard all of the expressions from teachers lately- hanging on by a thread, trying to keep my head above water, holding on to the side of a cliff….
The good news is the end of the school year is in sight!
We know that the students still matter to you and that you want to finish strong. How can you finish the school year strong when you’re running on fumes?
Here are a few suggestions:
Give yourself a little end of the school year treat. Pick up a specialty coffee on your way to work. Indulge in the first ice cream cone of the season. Buy a book you’ve been dying to read.
While you’re at it, give yourself something to look forward to when the school year is over. Make a lunch date with a friend. Plan a massage or a manicure. Make a list of things you will look forward to doing this summer.
Immerse yourself in water. Water can be very restorative and has the ability to diminish stress so take a long shower, or relax with a bath. If you have access to a pool, dive in.
Drop in and thank a coworker for something special they did this year. It will make you both feel good!
Have your students write letters to next year’s students. Telling others what they have learned this year will reinforce their knowledge. Sharing the fun activities or favorite lessons will also help students connect school with pleasure- and let’s face it, wouldn’t we love students who liked school more?
Younger students like to write and illustrate small books about what they have learned this year. Their books can be a special keepsake for parents.
While students are writing, write a personal letter to each student. Thank them for positive things they have done, their cooperation in the classroom, or for something that they have shared. Students will treasure these personal notes of appreciation and writing them will remind you of all the good things that have come out of this school year.
Another idea is to allow students to help you clean and organize your room. The students have been disinfecting all year, they already know the importance of a clean space. They are also the ones that have used your room. Cleaning and organizing together will instill a sense of responsibility. Students tend to not mind the task- they see it as “getting out of work!”
Do some fun activities. Revisit students’s favorite activities of the year. Head outside to do sidewalk chalk math or silent reading under a tree.
Get some more ideas here:
Take Your Teaching and Learning Outside.
5 Things Teachers Should Do Before the School Year Ends
Actively Engage Students as the School Year Ends
How to Stay Motivated for the Last Days of School
Check out this resource from TpT:
End of the Year Classroom Library Activity
We hope that you enjoy the end of the school year and finish strong!
Our best,
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