Stress Free Tips for the End of the Year

We all know how crazy the end of the school year is.  

And if you're anything like me, sometimes you let things 'slide' a little more towards the end of the year - which can actually cause more stress in the long run.  I learned this the hard way but I'm passing my top five tips for a stress free end of the year on to you, so you won't suffer like I did my first few years of teaching.

Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

Have you heard this saying before? It's one of my husband's favorites as a coach.  And it applies to pretty much everything in life from grocery shopping to school work.  In August and September I spend hours of 'prior proper planning' by completing my lesson plans the weekend before. Even though it takes hours, it saves me time in the long run because during the week I am organized and prepared, things run smoothly, and I have less stress.  So the planning before hand actually makes for a LESS STRESSFUL week.  However, as April and May (and in Michigan - June) approach, sometimes this prior proper planning gets the back seat to sunshine and relaxation.  I pay for it with stress and I become a living example of the phrase "running around like a chicken with my head cut off."  Been there?  So my tip to myself and you for a stress free end of the year, is don't slack on that lesson planning!!!

Maybe a shiny new Erin Condren planner will help bring some enthusiasm back to your weekly planning?  I have great news for you - the amazing and talented Erin Condren is offering 25% off all teacher planners and 40% off all life planners right now - to celebrate teacher appreciation month!!!

Here's what my planner (that I purchased last year during the Teacher Appreciation Sale) looks like, and see, I'm already working on my lesson plans for this coming week - intermingled with some blogging, instagramming and facebooking as usual!!  Gotta love the 21st century!

 

Stay Consistent!

I know you already know this one, but sometimes it's good be reminded, right?  To ensure a STRESS FREE end of the school year, stay consistent with your behavior expectations!  Again, as the end nears, I sometimes feel myself wanting to slack off and let them get away with things I used to not allow.  I'm tired, it's been a long year, it's easier to just look the other way, only a few more weeks right?  Wrong!  The minute my expectations drop, the instant my stress level will rise.  Our students are smart, we've taught them well. They catch on quickly to a lack of consistent expectations and you'll regret that lack of better judgement pretty quickly.

Pretend Everyone has ADHD! 

You're tired, I'm tired, the students are tired, and our usual lessons may not work quite as well at the end of the year, which can invoke STRESS in even the most veteran of teachers.  So my third tip for a stress free end of the year is to plan your lessons as if ALL of your students have ADHD!!!  LOL

Just kidding, but really, as the end of the year nears - plan more engaging activities.  Get them outside to read or write on the playground;

* Teaching measurement? Hold a measurement olympics.

* Reading stamina lacking? Start a competition.

* Students tuning out during social studies?  Hold mock trials (You can check out how we end the year with mock trials right HERE.)

Get the picture?  We just have to  think a little differently at the end of the year to keep those students engaged and our hair intact.

Read for pleasure!  

Simply put, take some time for yourself each night to read before bed.  Don't allow yourself to think about work, school or anything STRESS related.  Just read!!  Even if it's only for 10 minutes before bed.  Post the book covers as you finish to inspire your students to read too!  If you follow me on Instagram @mobryanwildaboutfifth you've already seen this picture this week!

Smile!

I've saved the best tip for last.  You have a glorious summer vacation looming.  You can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Just smile!  You'll make it, and in the meantime, focus on the difference you've made with each and every mind in your classroom.  Research suggests that smiling reduces STRESS and helps the heart.  I promise, google it!!!