5 Things you Should be Doing NOW (yes, at the end of the school year)
Summer break is finally here, and after the whirlwind of the school year, the last thing you probably want to think about is next year. But a little bit of prep can make the start of next year feel so much smoother (and a lot less stressful). No need for a huge planning session. Just a few small things can go a long way.
Here are five easy ways to use a bit of your summer to set you up for success.
1. Do a "Keep, Toss, Donate" Sweep of Your Classroom Materials
If you have access to your classroom over the summer, even an hour of sorting can make a huge difference (if you can do this with your students, even better!). Go through bins, drawers, and that one closet you've been avoiding. Anything you haven't used in two years? Let it go. Sorting now means you won't be digging through clutter in August when you're already overwhelmed with setup.
Tip: Take photos of your classroom layout before you pack things away. Future-you will thank past-you when it's time to set everything back up.
2. Find Your Plan For Your First Two Weeks
Do you remember planning out your first two weeks last year?? Well it is time to find those plans, think about what worked last year and what didn't. Notice I said FIND and not create. You do not need to create something entirely new, when you already have a plan from a previous year! Alter them a little and get them ready! Trust me, having a plan to start the year is the best way to start!
3. Build a "Go-To" Activity Bank
You know those moments, an early finisher, a sub day, a lesson that wraps up faster than expected, or those last 10 minutes before a fire drill (why is it always then?). Having a small folder of no-prep or low-prep activities ready to go can be a lifesaver on those days when you don't have time to think.
Spend a little time this summer pulling together a handful of go-to activities: a few printable worksheets, some quick games, maybe a couple of fun crafts or coloring pages. Keep them in a labeled folder (digital or physical) so you can grab one without scrambling.
4. Organize Your Digital Files
If your computer desktop or Google Drive looks anything like mine after a school year, it's probably... a lot. Summer is a great time to create some simple folders by subject, unit, or month, and move files where they belong. You don't have to be perfect about it, just enough organization that you can find what you need.
5. Take Stock of What Worked (and What Didn't)
Before the school year fades from memory, jot down a few quick notes: What worked really well this year? What do you want to do differently? Were there any resources, routines, or activities that were lifesavers?
This is also a great time to think back on the resources you used this year. Since it is still fresh in your mind, write some reviews for products that you purchased this year. I do not say this just for the sellers benefit, but when you leave a review on a TPT product, you receive a credit! Earn all those credits now so you have them when you need them in a couple months.
How to leave a review?
Click your profile icon in the top right corner.
Click "My Purchases".
Next to your purchases, click "Leave a Review"
How to check your credit balance?
Click your profile icon in the top right corner.
Click "Account Balance".
I hope this helps you finish out the school year on the right note AND start the next school year off on an even better note!
-Alyssa
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