The Final Countdown

The Final Countdown (you know it's playing in your head...)

Tips to make it through the last two weeks:

• Have some fun! Do something hands on, project based - the students will get into anything you're passionate about. Your enthusiasm will give you the energy to get through the final days.
• But don't abandon all the routines and structures you've used all year. Kids of all ages need those routines to continue successfully. 
• Give kids time and tools to reflect on their school year. Prompt them to think about what they learned, how they learned, what was challenging, how they dealt with those challenges, what they feel proud of, how they changed, what advice they have for kids entering that grade next year, and so on. You'll need to model the process.  When finished, have them share their thoughts.
• Give yourself time to reflect. Read all their reflections, and talk to the kids about what they've learned and how they have changed. Answer the same questions you ask kids to reflect on. It's critical that you see how you changed, where you have grown, and what you learned. You did grow -- and you learned a whole lot. The biggest mistake we make is not taking the time to recognize and acknowledge that.
• Take care of yourself.  It's easy to get caught up in the details of the last days - be sure you get the rest and downtime that you need, in order to make it to the end!
• Celebrate! Provide an opportunity for kids to recognize each other and themselves. You need to help them wrap up their year, giving them closure and a sense of accomplishment.

It's always a bittersweet time of year!  Enjoy these last days.  I always think that teaching is one of the only professions where you have a defined beginning and end - opportunities to reflect, plan to do something differently, plan to do some things the same.  It's easy to get caught in the to do list - trust me, that is completely me!  But don't forget to enjoy your time with this group of students - it will all start again next fall (or next August!).

As always, thank you for your work, and your dedication to our students.  Our work has been amazing this year, with great growth and success (really - our SMART goal is amazing!).  

Hang in there -

Sue