Ever have a nightmare where there are twenty some children arguing, laughing, running around, and getting all sorts of messy. If so, you are probably a teacher. :) And it is probably May!
That's right, it's that time of year! Our students have taken that big test. Yearbooks are coming out, kids are tired of each other, the weather is warming up, and our students are getting too big for their current grade level's britches.
I'm writing this post after reflecting on my own hard day! A day filled with "but why", overly talkative groups, random visitors, and kids that are just plum tired of school! What's a teacher to do?
Well, after some reflection, I thought about how to help myself, and my lovely students, overcome summer fever. I came up with some important things I need to keep in mind.
1. Exercise! I need to get my students up and moving. Brain gym, brain breaks, Just Dance kids, gallery walks, and other kinesthetic activities need to be sprinkled throughout my lesson. My students are more active and thus have more energy!
2. Balance. If I have activities that are active or cooperative,I need time for students to settle down, defuse, and think. Some days, I think the only successful time we have in class are our read alouds. If I know this to be true, I might plan two shorter read alouds during the day instead of one long one. Other enjoyable quiet activities would be excellent choice to break up the more robust events in your class. I may choose to have them read independently than draw their visualizations, journal, or even create their own themed crossword.
3. Purpose. I think we can all lose sight of this one at this time of the year. Almost all our TEKS are taught and grades are due. That leaves us in a rock and a hard place. If our students don't see a reason for doing something at this time of year, chances are they won't do it. Here are some ideas that may appeal to you and engage your students.
A. Build a solar oven.
B. Research and design kites. (Make the kids use fake money to buy "materials" from you and set a limit on spending. After you're all done, have a kite flying contest.
C. Have groups dress up as a favorite character. Interview each group, but they can only respond with quotes from the book.
D. Put on a talent show.
E. Plan the ideal class party using clocks, etc.
4. The final thing I have to remember is to spend time with the kids. In all the-end-of the-year chaos, I forget to remember I have a classroom not a factory. Just spending a minute or two listening to a child can really help motivate them later. (Besides showing them I care for them and what they think.)
Okay, your turn. What do you do to ease the uphill climb?
That's right, it's that time of year! Our students have taken that big test. Yearbooks are coming out, kids are tired of each other, the weather is warming up, and our students are getting too big for their current grade level's britches.
I'm writing this post after reflecting on my own hard day! A day filled with "but why", overly talkative groups, random visitors, and kids that are just plum tired of school! What's a teacher to do?
Well, after some reflection, I thought about how to help myself, and my lovely students, overcome summer fever. I came up with some important things I need to keep in mind.
1. Exercise! I need to get my students up and moving. Brain gym, brain breaks, Just Dance kids, gallery walks, and other kinesthetic activities need to be sprinkled throughout my lesson. My students are more active and thus have more energy!
2. Balance. If I have activities that are active or cooperative,I need time for students to settle down, defuse, and think. Some days, I think the only successful time we have in class are our read alouds. If I know this to be true, I might plan two shorter read alouds during the day instead of one long one. Other enjoyable quiet activities would be excellent choice to break up the more robust events in your class. I may choose to have them read independently than draw their visualizations, journal, or even create their own themed crossword.
3. Purpose. I think we can all lose sight of this one at this time of the year. Almost all our TEKS are taught and grades are due. That leaves us in a rock and a hard place. If our students don't see a reason for doing something at this time of year, chances are they won't do it. Here are some ideas that may appeal to you and engage your students.
A. Build a solar oven.
B. Research and design kites. (Make the kids use fake money to buy "materials" from you and set a limit on spending. After you're all done, have a kite flying contest.
C. Have groups dress up as a favorite character. Interview each group, but they can only respond with quotes from the book.
D. Put on a talent show.
E. Plan the ideal class party using clocks, etc.
4. The final thing I have to remember is to spend time with the kids. In all the-end-of the-year chaos, I forget to remember I have a classroom not a factory. Just spending a minute or two listening to a child can really help motivate them later. (Besides showing them I care for them and what they think.)
Okay, your turn. What do you do to ease the uphill climb?