Embracing the End of the School Year
“We only have two chunks of ten left!” shouted one of my students the other day, as we counted the number of school days. That’s when panic set in for me! “YIKES! Only 20 more school days and so MUCH left to do,” I thought.
The end of the school year is packed with mixed emotions and stress. It’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing solely on the curriculum material we still need to teach versus reflecting on all the growth and great learning that has occurred. So, I spent some time organizing and creating this resource to keep me focused on the “joy”.
The Final Countdown: Emotions Running High
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The realization that there is less than a month left can trigger a sense of urgency. We start worrying about the remaining lessons, assessments, and unfinished projects. But amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s crucial to take a step back and appreciate the journey we’ve been on with our students. We need it AND they need it too.
Reflecting on Achievements
One way to combat the end-of-year stress is to shift our focus from what’s left to do to what we’ve already accomplished. Reflecting on the beautiful progress made by our students can be incredibly rewarding.
Creating a Joyful Atmosphere
To maintain a positive and joyful atmosphere in the classroom, consider incorporating activities that highlight growth. Here are a few ideas to keep the spirits high as the school year winds down:
- Student Showcases: Allow students to present their favorite projects or pieces of work from the year. This not only gives them a sense of pride but also reinforces their learning. Next week, our student's families and friends will join us for a Poetry Night celebration. Grown-ups will get a chance to view students' work and to celebrate the joy of learning.
- Memory Books: Have students create memory books where they can document their favorite moments, lessons learned, and friendships formed. This can be a wonderful keepsake for them to look back on.
- Class Awards: Incorporate an awards ceremony recognizing each student’s unique contributions and growth. Create fun categories that celebrate diverse achievements, such as “The special thing about ____( student's name) is that she is great at building bridges with legos.
- Thank You Notes: Encourage students to write thank you notes to the school supporting staff. This practice fosters gratitude and helps segment the idea that it "takes a village".
Self-Care for Teachers
As we focus on our students, let’s not forget to take care of ourselves. The end of the school year can be exhausting. It is important to recharge and reflect on our own professional growth. Take time to celebrate your achievements- big and small. Breathe in and take pride in the positive impact you’ve had on your students’ lives (and their families!).
Show yourself grace and take time for yourself! Grab a refreshing beverage (Oat milk latte is my go to- treat!) Invite a friend for a walk, take your family on a picnic to watch the sunset!
Good luck landing this year and congratulations on all you have accomplished both professionally and personally.
TP
@SparkingCreativityNow