7 Tips for Surviving the End of the School Year

The end of the school year is an exciting time for elementary students, but for teachers, it can be a time of stress and burnout. As the school year draws to a close, there are still a lot of things that need to be done, and it can be overwhelming to keep up with everything. Here are some tips for surviving the end of the school year:

1. Prioritize

At the end of the school year, it can feel like there are a million things to do, and not enough time to do them all. The key is to prioritize. Make a list of everything that needs to be done, and then rank the items in order of importance. Focus on the most important tasks first, and then work your way down the list.

This is the time of year when it seems like there is a new deadline everyday. Take a minute and write out due dates on a calendar. This can help you make your list of what’s important. For me, I’ll work on what’s due first to make sure it gets done before it’s late. If it’s something that will take a few days (like report card grades and comments) I’ll work on them a little bit each day.

2. Plan Ahead

One way to reduce end-of-the-year stress is to plan ahead. The end of the year, to me, triggers thoughts about next year. I like to keep a planner page or notebook with a running list of things I want to do with my next class. These can be booklets or activities I know I’ll be using or ideas for organizing supplies. Maybe in the middle of a math lesson I had an epiphany about how to store their manipulatives. I’ll make sure to make a quick note so I don’t forget it.

I also like to start making my beginning of the year copies. These are my go-to materials I use every year such as my Second Grade Parent Guides or my Sight Word Practice for Home Booklet. This is the time I start updating my flipbook for parents that introduces me and my teaching experience, has my class schedule, rules, and other information.

3. Keep It Consistent

As the school year draws to a close, it can be tempting to change things up and try new things. Just remember that this is also the time that students are getting antsy and pushing boundaries. Keep your routine consistent and provide frequent refreshers about your expectations.

Just because your routine stays consistent doesn’t mean you can’t inject some fun into your day. Make some fun memories with your class. If you’ve finished most of the curriculum, now is the time to supplement it with hands-on activities. Take those boring worksheets and turn them into Four Corners or a game of Scoot. Take the students and do their reading outside.

4. Take Care of Yourself

As a teacher, it's easy to get so caught up in taking care of your students that you forget to take care of yourself. But taking care of yourself is essential if you want to survive the end of the school year.

Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when you need them. And don't forget to take care of your mental health too. Make time for activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family.

5. Celebrate Achievements

As the school year comes to a close, it's important to take time to celebrate the achievements of your students and yourself. This can help to boost morale and provide a sense of closure for the school year. Consider holding an end-of-the-year celebration, such as a class party or a special ceremony to recognize student achievements. It doesn’t have to be big and elaborate. Maybe it’s just a few quick words or a nice note you leave with your students to take home the last day.

6. Get Organized

The end of the school year is a great time to get organized. Take some time to clean up your classroom and get rid of any unnecessary clutter. Make sure all of your records are up-to-date and organized. And don't forget to make a plan for next year too. Take some time to reflect on what worked well this year and what didn't, and use that information to make a plan for next year. Need more help? Check out my blog post, 6 Reasons to Declutter and Stop Being a Teacher Hoarder.

7. Stay Positive

Finally, remember to stay positive. The end of the school year can be stressful, but it's also a time to reflect on the progress that you and your students have made over the past year. Stay focused on the positive, and try to maintain a sense of humor and perspective. Remember, summer break is just around the corner!

In conclusion, surviving the end of the school year can be challenging, but with a little planning and organization, it's definitely possible. Prioritize your tasks, plan ahead, keep it simple, take care of yourself, celebrate achievements, get organized, and stay positive. By following these tips, you'll be able to make it through the end of the school year with your sanity intact!