When the snow melts away, when the trees bloom, when the sun stays out longer, it’s hard not to get caught with Spring fever. Birds are chirping. The students are energized. And everyone has their eyes on summer break only a few short months away. But there’s still plenty of work to be done in this school year, so it’s time to refresh and buckle down. Follow these helpful tips to keep the spring in your step.
Clean Your Classroom
Usually there isn’t time to fully reorganize and clean up your classroom until the end of the year, but it is valuable to do it now. Refresh your working environment and you’ll feel the added energy and excitement. Some readjusting of the room along with a fresh feeling all around will also spark your students. Don’t let the school year or your room feel stale.
The Student Fresh Start
Celebrate the season by reminding your students that there is still time to excel and learn. Review your classroom rules and expectations as undesirable behaviors start to crop up due to beautiful weather and the promise of Summer. Treat it like a new semester. Change seating assignments. Ask students to come up with Spring goals. Assign a project that can be displayed around the classroom to help inspire learning all the way through the last instructional day.
Exercise Outside
Find time in your day, either before or after school, to exercise outdoors. Whether it’s a jog, a run, a hike, or a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, make sure you do it every day to help alleviate stress and allow you to actually enjoy nature’s Spring gifts.
Goal Setting and Reflections
Many teachers set goals for themselves and their students at the start of the school year. Why not micromanage these expectations and focus the list on what you can accomplish in the next few months. It helps pinpoint what’s important now, and what kind of expectations you can realistically meet. Completing units of study and end of the year assessments can easily take all of your time, but make sure to continue to log your own reflections on what’s working and what needs improvement. You want to always be evolving and finding new ways to engage your students. Creating Spring goals can help.
What are some ways you welcome the Spring season in your classroom?