Surviving the End of the Year Craziness
Alright, let’s chat! The end of the year can be such a stressful time. I feel like once I come back from spring break my mind starts going faster than it already does as I try to schedule, organize, and figure out how to get everything done by the end of the year. In fact as I’m starting to type this post I can feel the anxiety within me start to bubble as I start to think about everything I need to accomplish in such a short amount of time! My fingers even started to pick up speed and type faster! (Just breath, right?!)
I was at a PD last week and the instructor said that it’s almost as if April and May are one word “AprilMay” because they blur together so much and there is just so much STUFF! If you are a teacher that teaches until June then you can lump all three months together because you are in the same boat. “AprilMayJune”
It’s important during this crazy time of year that you take some time for yourself and do some self care so that you are able to stay focused and on top of all the extra fun and activities. I compiled a short list of things that help stay sane and focused that I wanted to share with you.
One thing that really has helped me over the years is to make lists! I LOVE lists! There is just something about writing everything I have to do onto a piece of paper and then crossing them off one line at a time that just makes my heart pitter patter.
During this time of year I like to make lists, but I like to make shorter lists. I like to give myself 3-4 goals to accomplish within the week and then as I cross them off I add new ones. This helps me make everything more manageable and not so scary. Because let’s be honest, if we wrote everything we needed to accomplish these next few months it would be pretty darn long and overwhelming.
Classroom Management:
It’s no joke that the behaviors are crazy style these last few months of school. I don’t know about you, but I feel like spring fever has hit really early this year. It’s important for me during this time of year to stay consistent with my behavior management and review expectations often.
I also like to throw in a few fresh ideas that don’t tilt us off our axis, but help to freshen up the routine.
Staff Morale:
We are stressed! Not only does everyone have so much to do in their classroom, but I also feel spring brings so much stress because of the unknown. Will I be teaching the same grade? Is the team staying the same? What needs do the incoming students have? How big will the classes be? Do I have to change rooms? and the list goes on and on!
I like to do things for teammates during this time, nothing big, but just small things to put a smile on their face and a little pep in their step.
I recently created these Teacher Notes Fiesta Style as a fun and quick way to print a cute note and write a message to a sweet colleague.
I know my day always starts on a positive note when I have a fun surprise in my mailbox or on my desk.
If you are interested in the Teacher Notes you can click the picture below.
Zen Zone:
I feel like our engines are running fast during these last few months and I like to take a few minutes a couple times throughout the day to STOP everything we are doing and just breath. I put on calming music and they find a just right spot in the room and just sit and breath for a few minutes. We turn off the lights and just relax.
It’s amazing how it just kind of balances us and we are able to refocus and get back to business.
Lately I have been using this link from YouTube. I safe shared it so there are no ads. Feel free to click and enjoy with your class.
Self Care:
Last, but not least YOU need to TAKE CARE of YOU! I’ll say it one more time. YOU need to TAKE CARE of YOU!
I think I might have already mentioned this, but this time of year is CRAZY!
It’s important that you add some fun things to your calendar that you enjoy so that you can take a break and just relax.
Whatever it is that makes your heart happy, pencil in some time and DO IT! It’s so important and much needed and your self will thank you in the long run!
Well, I’m done! I finished my ramblings and I appreciate you staying with me as I did.
I hope you found some useful ideas in this blog post and some ideas to help as you tackle the last few months of school.
Know that we are all in this together and we are here to support each other and anything can be tackled one small To-Do List at a time.