The Happy Learning Den: Motivation for the Last Few Weeks of School

Congratulations, you have made it to the last few weeks of school which means you have just entered a whole world of stress. As the end of the school year is approaching, students of all ages become increasingly distracted. Even students who are usually engaged in learning can become fidgety and disengaged as we get closer to summer.

However, it does not have to be as stressful as you think and can actually go a lot smoother than you think as long as you take care of your mind and body.

Here are some tips to keep you sane and alive during these last few weeks of school.

1. Don’t underestimate your students. They are capable of much more than you think.

2. Avoid negative people. Better yet, try not to become one of those negative people you need to avoid.

3. Remember, being optimistic does not mean that you don’t have any problems, but having a positive attitude means that you are working on solutions.

4. Practice slow, deep breathing. You will be glad you know how to remain calm when a student is defiant, rude, or in a cranky mood.

5. Try yoga. Taking time out for yourself is very important, especially in times where getting overwhelmed is a huge possibility. Taking just 20 minutes out of your busy schedule to do some stretches can really be useful for your mind and allow you to feel more relaxed = calm teacher.

6. Stop trying to rely on your memory!!! There is too much to do and to remember. Write it down. I keep a small notebook near me at all times. At the start of each week, write out all the things you have to get done and the due date (interims, book inventory, level new books for Accelerated Reader, parent conferences, etc.).

This will help you see when your work needs to be done, aiding in your time management. With the school year quickly coming to an end, this is an important step to take in order to avoid drowning in paperwork. I write down the things that I will need to remember, and refer to in each morning and afternoon. When something is completed, I check it off.

7. Lower your voice. Your students will be less likely to shout if you are speaking in your quiet voice.

8. Increase the frequency of positive recognition you give students (high fives, fist bumps, a thumbs up, a smile).

9. When students ask, “Why do we have to do this?” Make sure you have a great answer ready.

10. Have your students invent a game to review a concept.

11. Treat yourself with kindness. Sometimes there will be days less easy to manage, leaving you feeling stuck in a rut of stress. After work, have an early dinner with a friend, go get a massage or order food from your favorite restaurant. Take care of yourself, no matter what!

12. Drink plenty of water. Keep yourself hydrated without sugary drinks and too much coffee. The water will keep you feeling fresh and provide you with natural energy so that you make it through your long days a lot easier.

13. Look for your friend who is drowning and reach out and help her/him up.
Yes, you have too much to do. So does everyone else. A kind word. A knowing smile. Even looking at their papers and saying, is there something I can help you with? Stick together.

14. Do not abandon all the routines and structures you've used all year! Students of all ages need those routines to continue. If you start showing movies all day, every day, or have a whole lot of parties, kids are likely to get a little nutty.

15. Accept the Situation For many students, summer is not a good time. Their structures and routines fall apart. The most predictable people in their lives -- their teachers and classmates -- are not around. Many of the students I have taught, first, third, and fifth graders, have told me that they don't really like summer. Yes, they like being able to wake up late and watch TV all day, but that gets old after a while. For some students, summer can be even be a time of hunger and loneliness. Many students get free breakfast and lunch during the school year. Now their stomach may be growling, and their parents still need to work all day.

In your classroom, you might see the more difficult students become even more challenging. They become more needy and clingy, or obnoxious, which causes you to set up more boundaries, often making them even more challenging.

Rally your strength. Gather your empathetic powers. Go to bed a little earlier if you can. Get exercise. Your students really need you now, so try to enjoy the time with them and have fun. The year will end.

Good Luck!

~Sandra

The Happy Learning Den

META TAG

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Motivation for the Last Few Weeks of School

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