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You are probably tired, overwhelmed, and counting down. Some of you might even be ready to say "stick a fork in me" and are starting to feel survival mode kicking in. But it's OK! It happens to the best of teachers and I actually think it's necessary to to recognize these feelings in order to not become resentful of them. While harboring negativity doesn't help anyone, glossing over the obvious fact that things are especially difficult right now doesn't help either. I firmly believe that in order to grow from the struggle, we have to acknowledge that it exists. And, indeed, it does exist!
Every year, I hit an invisible wall after Spring Break. I remember the first one and the struggle was REAL! Like, I'm not sure this gig is for me REAL. Yet, somehow, it was in my very first year of teaching that I figured out what I needed to do to get over it. The solution was mildly painstaking, yet simple: I committed. It was an active decision that I made for myself because it's really not in my nature to do anything half-heartedly and I also didn't like the feeling of dragging myself to work every day just to go through the motions. I never wanted my class to feel like their teacher was ready to be done with them. I wanted to see my work through and, because I expected my students to do the same, I understood that I needed to lead by example. So, I approached the wall, recognized it, honored it, and then I was able to successfully put in the work to get over it. My thought process was and continues to be that if I've worked this hard all year, I owe it to myself (and to my students in the past...and now, to you all) to finish strong and to finish well.
In case you have your own wall that you're facing this time of year, I've collected some Words of Wisdom from educators much wiser than I to help. As always, take what resonates and leave what doesn't as you work together to make the most of this final stretch of the school year:
1) Focus on the most important thing, whatever it is. Make multiple lists to organize your thoughts, and do one thing at a time. Break bigger projects down into manageable tasks and check off one box at a time. You've got this...all of it!
2) Failure to plan is a plan to fail. You've made it this far, so don't stop now! Make all of your hard work mean something by being deliberate in the last few weeks. There's a special kind of satisfaction when your school year feels like it has closure.
3) Stick together! Find your battle buddies and rely on each other when it gets tough. You deserve to celebrate when things are going well, too! Resist the urge to hide out at lunch or during planning when you're feeling overwhelmed. Being around the people who are going through the same things as you is way more fun than going at it alone.
4) Connect with your students. At the end of the year, remember that your students are done, too. Most teachers teach to make a difference, so be a difference maker for your students when they need you the most....and they are going to be the ones to make the difference for you, too.
5) Build in time for structured fun. Allow your kids to let loose a little, but in a manageable way. They want to talk, so create opportunity for them to do so productively with group work and interactive/engaging material. End your regular lesson a little early and incorporate art, music, or something different into your objective. Teach outside. Play review games or lead team building activities, start teaching previews from the next grade curriculum. Choice boards, cross curricular projects, and centers are great for this.
6) Expect interruptions and schedule changes. Check your email. Be flexible!
7) Don't forget to focus on praise. Your kids are tired, too, so remind them when they're doing well.
8) PLAN PLAN PLAN. Always have a plan and a back up plan, especially in those last few weeks. "I love chaos!", said no teacher ever. It can help to think of planning the last few weeks in the same way as you did the first few weeks. The less down time you have with your students, the faster the days will go and the more sane you will feel.
9) Don't try to be a hero. Order the take-out when it's been one of those days, let the laundry sit in the dryer, take a walk instead of doing the dishes. It's ok for certain things to slide in this phase of the year because, in just a few short weeks, the balance is going to shift and you're going to have all the you time you need. You're doing great and your work is important!
10) My grandma was famous for saying "Always have something to look forward to" and I have found this mantra to be so helpful in the end of the year in my classroom! This is a great time to get creative and develop projects/units that not only benefit your students but that you are excited about as well. When you look forward to what you're teaching, getting out of bed every day gets a little easier.
11) I save projects that take kids outside for the end of the year. Getting out in the sun helps me and my students get out our jitters and provides and easy change of pace.
12) I try my very hardest to keep the same schedule for times each day. This keeps the day predictable for the kids and helps with behaviors.
13) Stay educational. Students should learn something new every day. Keep using objectives. Find objectives that you did not use during the school year and teach those.
14) Group projects are great for this time of year. They allow students to spend time with friends. In elementary, my students always want to present their projects as well....and they love using technology for their presentations!
15) Do something each week that you enjoy. Dine at a new restaurant, sit in the sun (wear sunscreen), spend time reading a book, walk your dog, take your kids to the park or catch a movie, take a drive through the mountains, go on a hike. You're a teacher, but don't forget that you're so much more than that, too. You can only give your best when you're at your best.
In closing, I challenge you all to commit to seeing the year through doing the work you know (and I know) you are capable of. Reach out and reach up if you need support or want to collaborate. We're all in this together, so as I grew up saying in southwest Virginia: Let's GIT'R DONE!
(HAWK NOISE)