You've Got This!
Making the Most of the End of the Year
Spring is Here!
Spring break has come and gone and most of us are hoping to finish the school year with warm weather and flip flops. The reality is...we live in Indiana and mother nature doesn't always think about our need for flip flops in April! Flip flops or not, we'll put our shoes on one foot at a time and continue our school journey. Sure there will be some flip flop days, but not all of them. No, some days we'll have to find our own sunshine! Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the end of the year and to keep the sun shining! ;)
You've Got This!
The school year is winding down, some students seem to have checked out while others are beginning to feel the stress and sadness of the unknown...leaving you, friends, and all that is comfortable and familiar in their world. The final weeks can be the hardest of the school year, BUT you have built relationships with these children, invested in their lives outside of school and these students have become lovingly known as "YOUR KIDS". NO reason to worry...You've got this!
- Take time to talk with and listen to your students. Lunch dates? What are they excited about? What are they worried about? Listen and laugh and enjoy them...I'm going to bet that they are all pretty great! :)
- Be intentional- don't just let the days pass, really make them count! Set a new goal or two and and go for it!
- Remember your why...THAT is your motivation to stay positive and engaged to the last day!
- Don't pack up too soon! This indicates that learning is over and can cause the students to think school is over...and it's not until the final bell rings. Help yourself and them by sticking with them to the end. :)
- Slow down and enjoy your time with these unique individuals.
Engaging, Meaningful, Joyful Work
Project Work- The end of the year is a great time for project work. All the skills and standards you have taught them all year can be put into action. This is a fun and exciting way to give real world connections and to leave lasting memories. I would be happy to help you think through how this might work in your classroom!
Celebrate with your students- you've accomplished so much this year! Take time to celebrate all that you've done together!
If you want a PBL that is already set up for you, don't forget that we have a subscription to the pblproject.com. See below for a few of my favorites!
Go outside- Why compete with the sunshine on a beautiful day? Take your students out for a read aloud or a book discussion. Take sketch pads, observe nature and write poetry. The possibilities go on and on!
Reflect with the Students:
- Have students write a letter to future students
- Have students create a graffiti wall of their favorite things from the year
- Graph the Highs and Lows of the school year
- Make a top 10 list of things about the year
- Have students share their reflections through flip-grid or SeeSaw
- What would they change/keep the same? Room arrangement? projects? read alouds?
Celebrate with your students- you've accomplished so much this year! Take time to celebrate all that you've done together!
PBL projects (some favorites)
K-2 Scenarios
Butterfly Garden
Classroom Mascot
http://pblproject.com/toolbox/pbl/ViewPBL.aspx?id=693
3rd-4th Grade Scenarios
School Schedule PBL
http://pblproject.com/toolbox/pbl/ViewPBL.aspx?id=12
Road Trip for Summer Vacation (This was my favorite as a 3rd grade teacher!!)
Slow down and enjoy the journey
Sometimes we get caught up in trying to fit it all in, or start thinking about how we will do it next year, but don't write this year off yet! Give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the journey. Keep working, keep learning, keep growing. Be intentional with your time, be present, and find the joy in each day.
You've got this!!