Is the end of the year a little stressful? The To-Do list just seems to go on forever and it may not seem like it can all get done in time? Well I am here to tell you.....let me know how that works out for you....HAHA! Just kidding! For real, things will get done that are supposed to and maybe some things get put on the next list, but living the last little bit of the school year as a grouchie bug does not help you, the kids, or your coworkers! Here is my top 5 list of things that might take the edge off a little and help to refocus!
Guilty Pleasure:
Whether that is coffee, chocolate, working out, good smelling soap in the adult bathroom(hey it's the little things right?), etc... Find something that puts a smile on your face and gets you going to
"get er done!"
Don't project mood/feelings:
Kids getting a little restless? Coworkers giving you the eye? Are they testing the Jesus in you?
-take deep breathes
-count to 10 (seriously can help filter)
-prioritize and pick your battles
I really try to live by the "leave it at the door" motto when it comes to going to work. We really are in this together and should support those around us. People deal with their own struggles daily-don't assume the grass is greener.
I know we are all human, things can come out accidently, and your tone/delivery can relay certain messages, if that is the case, recognize it and apologize.
We can all offer GRACE at this time of year.
Truth be told we sometimes need to vent-that is okay...just find someone like a teacher BFF, your dog, or just throw it up to Jesus- but someone "safe" who knows you and understands.
Organize yourself:
Why?
-not to miss deadlines
-not to lose things
-quick access to things you might need
-keep focused
Planning with the end in mind has been something I have found to be really helpful. Especially when I was in the classroom it helped to sometimes pre-prepare for the EOY at the BOY.
Tip: Student permanent record files is always something we have to do at the EOY for each kid. So I put into a place ahead of time a way to filter the paperwork and organize it so when things came rolling in at the EOY I was not scrambling (it also helped a ton in the MOY when I had conferences and meetings on kids).
Tip: utilize containers and bins
Tip: set aside a spot in your room for EOY stuff (things you need to turn in, recycle, etc)
Tip: follow and/or make a checklist
Tip: create folders inside email...ummm also CHECK your email
We know there are a ton of EOY emails, some may seem like fluff, but others are crucial. It is your responsibility as a professional to set aside time to read them and decide your priority on them. Try to remember there are always people on the other side of those emails and sometimes they have a to-do list a mile long too (that is me speaking from both sides of having been in the classroom and now as an Instructional Coach). Creating folders to be able to sort important emails that may be helpful to refer back to is also handy.
Enjoy time with the kids:
Why?
It makes for good memories for both you AND the kids!
You don't have to throw all your rules out and lower your expectations just because it is "end of the year/full moon/ready for summer" time. You can keep your structure AND still have fun!!
Here are some examples I have either used or seen teachers use over the years:
-Autograph party
-STEM activities
-Minute to Win It
-Camp Learned A lot
-Memory Book creating
-Jeopardy Review games
-Different theme days (bubbles, board games, favorite book, dance party, etc)
-Celebrate goals met and success from the year. You can read about that HERE with freebie!
Be strategic packing up your room:
Why?
It totally makes unpacking it all for BOY easier. You can find things SO much faster and my favorite....GET RID OF STUFF as you pack it up!
I am not sure what every schools expectation is leaving for summer, but every school I have worked in we are asked to take things off the walls, furniture goes in the middle of the room, items into cabinets ,etc to help the custodians clean more effectively over the summer.
One thing that helped me be able to pack up easier was loading my cabinets by content...all math items together, reading items, etc. This made it a ton easier when I had to unpack and set up the next year. It also forced me to see what I had and if I was hoarding and needed an intervention.
Well there you have it! 5 quick tips for helping your end of year shenanigans run a bit smoother!!
Have a BLESSED weekend!!
"Fight the good fight of faith."
1 Timothy 6:12
