Isn't this the time of year that EVERYONE gets a little crazy??!! I'm not sure what happens in April and May, but emotions and stress can run high. I have joined up with some superstar teachers to try to help alleviate some of that stress by giving you some helpful hints to de-stress and to host a giveaway for 4 lucky people!
NOW ENTERING...
The tip I'd like to share is simple, but effective. It requires the printing of a few pages and to cross things off as you complete them. I'm a visual person and like crossing things off my to do list. It makes me feel like I've accomplished something, even if my list is pages long, it still makes me feel better to draw that big black line through an item on the list. Plus, I like to know what's ahead of me.
First, you need to brainstorm a list of all things you HAVE to do and a list of all the things you'd LIKE to get done by the end of the year. You can do this alone or with teammates. From this list, you will plug each item in your calendar. TRY to only do ONE thing a day-this sets you up for success and will make your feel accomplished when you complete your task and can cross it off. The HUGE list by itself is too overwhelming...which is why so many of us get so stressed at this time of year. Take one day at a time. Enjoy your last days with your students and yourself! :)
Some possible items to include on your list:
end of year conferences-schedule dates
clean/organize top desk drawer
take pictures of your classroom to remember when thinking of new ideas for decorating over the summer
measure your classroom space to create a new layout for next year
send home end of the year party information
make end of the year awards
organize files (not an entire file cabinet-1/2 a drawer-full drawer at a time)
inventory books
make a list of materials you will need over the summer (manuals, read alouds, professional books, paper, markers, etc.)
take an inventory of your room, what organizational items do you need to pack up for the end of the year? Labels, tubs, boxes, file folders, packing tape, etc.
Your calendar dates should have items that can be completed in one day, if the project is larger, it should be broken up into parts (like the file cabinet or your desk-one drawer at a time).
After you make your BIG list, start plugging in the items on your calendar, starting with the items that can be done right away. REMEMBER...only one a day! If you get ahead great, but the idea of this calendar/to do list is to underwhelm us, not overwhelm us! Think about how many days you have left...I have about 30, so that means I will get 30 things accomplished before school gets out! Yay! Now doesn't that sound satisfying, rewarding, and doable?
I've created a page to print on the back of each monthly calendar for notes and reminders for current/future months. This will help organize and keep track of my thoughts without having to commit to a "date" so far in advance.
Think about how you will feel once you get your calendar and list organized! You'll be happier and you'll see the light at the end of the tunnel. And, your students will feel your sense of calmness and behave better (well okay, I can't fix everything with a calendar, but they'll definitely be able to tell you're not stressed!) Would you like a copy of the calendars and to do lists?
I hope this Stress Free Tip helped you! I'd love to hear your comments or suggestions for the end of the year list ideas.
AMAZING GIVEAWAY!! SIMPLE ENTRIES!
YOU CAN'T WIN IF YOU DON'T PLAY!
FOUR WINNERS!
1 $75 Amazon gift card
1 $40 Target gift card
1 $25 TpT gift certificate
1 $20 Starbucks gift card
Enter below for your chance to win!
