It is that time of year! The time when we are tired, and the students are restless. It has been a long one for both the kids and us! To help teachers out, we came up with 25 Tips to Survive till Summer Break!
Trust me, some of these tips are great. Some of them are hilarious, but they are all worth the read! #7 and #22 were total game changers for me, my classroom, and the countdown till summer break!
As always, the teachers in our Fearless Facebook Kindergarten, Fearless First Grade, and Fearless Second Grade Groups have stepped up with some great tips and tricks to help us tired teachers make it to the school year without compromising the quality of our lessons or the kid’s experience in the classroom!
For all of your end-of-year things… awards, STEM activities, summer review printables, outdoor resources, quiet and engaging activities, and so much more, head over to Education to the Core Premium. Become a member and instantly start downloading and printing everything you need!
Tip 1. Enjoy Each Day
“Enjoy that it’s spring. These are some of the BEST days! You’ve done the hard work. Now enjoy their independence!” -Lori W.
2. Give Independent Work
For some themed independent work, try Color by Number. They are the perfect way to keep your students engaged while doing the things you need to do in the classroom! You have worked hard to establish a classroom that runs smoothly. Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
3. Coffee and Chocolate
“Increase caffeine consumption and make sure your teacher candy drawer is fully stocked!” -Jami B.
Tip 4. Take a Day
“Take a mental health day when you need one and try something new! I used my Emergency Sub Plans and prepping for that sub was a breeze!” -Sarah B.
5. Bulk Prep Your Activities
Monthly Packets are the easiest way to bulk prep and copy your lessons. With activities for Reading, Math, Writing, Grammar, Science, and Social Studies, your students will be set with academics for the rest of the year. And the best part is that it is no prep for you. Just print and go.
6. Do the Fun Stuff
“Don’t be afraid to take a break from the curriculum and just do some fun activities with the kids.” -Alva M.
7. Bring in STEM
If you are looking for an option that is a little bit outside of your normal instruction, try a STEM and Story Challenge! This one is fun because, with summertime on the mind, your kids are dreaming of the pool, the lake, and the river!
8. Prioritize Your Mental Health
“Use. Your. Sick. Days. Mental health is just as important as physical health.” -Donna B.
Tip 9. Create Memories
There are a variety of ways you can capture all of the memories made during the school year. Create a slideshow, make a class book, have each student create a memory book or an End of Year Lapbook. The opportunities for reflection and celebration are limitless.
10. Share Victories
“Enjoy the children! Your time with them is almost over! Let them know how proud of them you are and that they are truly loved by you!” -Karen R.
11. Celebrate
Show your students how proud you are with End of Year Awards! Personalize them to match the strengths of each of your students.
12. Have Some Quiet Time
“Find a quiet spot to take your lunch .” -Ebony C.
13. Let the Little Things Go
“Have fun with your kiddos. Let all the other stuff go!” -Chris T.
14. Reset Each Day
“Reset every day, make fun of yourself/mistakes, laugh.” -Annette E.
Tip 15. Stay Ahead
“Don’t get behind! Stay ahead or on time with report cards, TA evals, lesson plans, notes home, and Annual Reviews. This will relieve stress and allow you to enjoy time with the kids.” -Debbie M.
16. Get in Those Giggles and Smiles
“Plan some fun things! I do a 30-day balloon pop countdown with things as simple as writing with a pen or sock day and then get to more exciting things like movie day, moving your desk anywhere, etc. Last year was my challenging year, and I made a point to do this. It reminded me that they were just 6 and 7 and needed fun. I loved the giggles and smiles, and it made me remember why I was teaching.” -Jessica W.
17. Remember to do the Small Things
“Do small things for yourself and your class. My reading coach and I do smoothie Fridays for ourselves. My class has wacky Wednesday where we do stuff out of the norm.” -Julia M.
18. Break it Down
“7 days left to Spring Break, then just 6 more weeks. I break it down into manageable segments.” -Mandi D.
Tip 19. Themed Days
“Trying fun things. More centers, even if 2 won’t or don’t get along, and Cooperate. Flashlight Friday. They read aloud or with a partner. The last week I have themed days! Art day, game day, movie popcorn day, Beach day” -Kathy Y.
20. Use No Prep Centers
No Prep Centers are the perfect way to end the school year. They are little to no prep for you, and the students get to actually do hands-on activities that reinforce all of the things they have learned throughout the school year.
21. Slow Down a Bit
“Once all the testing is over, we have a lot of fun! We do pajamas and movies, chalk and bubbles, and a field trip, and our school is within walking distance of a really great park. We usually spend a day there. I look forward to the time to slow down and truly enjoy my kids!” -Bethany P.
Tip 22. Play a Little I Spy
If you don’t have the option of going to the park or taking your class outside, activities like I Spy: Phonics or I Spy: Math printables are a fun way to continue going over phonics (or math) skills while also giving your students the chance to have fun and be engaged.
23. Focus on Your Students
“Learn and focus on kids. Work hard and have fun. Going to enjoy every moment. Kids are such a blessing at the district I presently teach at.” -Karen M.
24. Count Down the Days
“Make a paper chain with your students. Tear one off every day.” -Keri E
25. Get Outside
“Get outside with your students! Grab some clipboards or leveled readers and take the learning outside. Write about a nature walk, go cloud watching or just talk as a class together.” -Chris O.
We all know how hard this school year has been! And we should all be so proud of ourselves for persevering! We have stepped up and supported each other! We are giving tips to one another to end the school year in the best ways possible making it till summer break!
The time for rest is almost here! If you need some encouragement on your journey to the end of the school year, try joining any of our three Fearless Facebook Groups: Facebook in the Kindergarten Fearless Group, First Grade Fearless Group, or Second Grade Fearless Teacher Group.
In addition, you can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @educationtothecore for continued information and resources as the school year progresses.
Written by: Korryna Sanchez
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