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As the finish line for another busy school year approaches, the energy is high, but for many the classroom is in a state of disarray. Before we lock the classroom doors for 2 whole months there’s one more thing in the backs of teachers’ minds: preparing the classroom so the return in August doesn’t feel like a daunting task.
Here are 9 tips to help you get organized and head into summer without looking back!
1. Start with a to do list with 2 parts. Split up jobs into teacher tasks and student tasks. Post lists on the white board or smart screen and cross off as they are completed. Refer to the list if kids finish work early and want to be helpers.
2. Deep diving into closets and cupboards is a big undertaking. It’s hard to know what you need until you see what you have already. Pull everything out and sort items into 4 piles:
- Keep and organize
- Trash and recycling
- Donate
3. Send home with students (worksheets, leftovers, and extra supplies can be fun resources for summer enrichment.)
4. Restock cupboards and closets with “keep pile” items. Organize and label bins with words or pictures for easy identification.
5. Add a step to your dismissal routine. Include cleaning, purging, or taking home items into your pack up procedure. Layout supplies and allow kids to go shopping for items to “play school”, craft at home, and use for summer learning.
6. Reflect on classroom layout and consider changes in furniture and design that will better suit student’s needs next year. Rearrange desks and try a new configuration.
7. Pin and save ideas for bulletin boards, lessons, and welcome back activities. Make notes and reminders for your August self.
8. Take inventory and keep a recorded list of needs and wishes for next year in case you come across donations, funds, or summer sales.
9. Have kids help with clean out. This mess was made by many hands! Make it your team mission to reset the supply caddies, clean the white boards, and scrub the surfaces clean.
Start the process early and do it gradually so that the task isn’t too overwhelming. Kids really benefit from the ritual of closing down the classroom and acknowledging the coming end to the school year.
Kids and teachers are dreaming of a little down time, sunshine, and a more relaxed schedule. So here is to the finish push, goodbye hugs, and getting the classroom well sorted enough to feel great about closing that door. Enjoy your well-deserved summer!
