8 End of the Year Teacher Routines to Start Next Year Off Right
It’s fairly likely when the school year ends, you’re more than ready to close up shop as quickly as possible and move on to summer break. Who even wants to think about August? Or maybe you are on the opposite end and spend a bit of time jotting thoughts and plans for the fall…only to lose that sticky note with ideas. Whether you start back to school in August or September, you know every year tends to be overwhelming and your brain has all the tabs open.
Here are some end-of-year teacher routines that can help make the transition smoother and more productive when you return at the end of the summer.
1. Plan out your copies
If you have a year or two under your belt, you know the copy machine line is rather long in August. I would be willing to bet there would be a day waiting on toner or just a machine that is down for the count. That is why planning out the copies you might need to start the year and making them in May or June.
If you use the same FACS Get to Know You each August, why not make those copies before the year ends? It’s always a great idea to make a few extra copies to have ready. Do you have a
2. Clean up your desk
If your desk needs to be free and clear of clutter when your building’s custodian team waxes floors, set a timer to clean out your desk. It always seems our desks magically collect junk, tidbits, and clutter. Possibly you also find you have more staples than you ever realized. This will help avoid supplies you likely do not need to purchase.
3. Check your inventory
Here is another student-friendly task. Personal items are not replaced by the school in case of an emergency, but a personal inventory list is always a wise idea if you ever needed to make a claim on your homeowners or renters policy. I have known of stories where an entire personal classroom library, rugs, and chairs were wiped out with mold and then it is up to the teacher to replace them. Your school inventory should be updated and as accurate as possible. Using this inventory can also help with the next task, your classroom budget list.
4. Make your classroom budget list
I have worked in schools that require the back-to-school classroom budget list turned in at the end of the school year. The school office orders the supplies when they return in July and our items were there in August when we returned. I have also worked at a district that allows you to order as needed in the fall. After checking your inventory and while it’s fresh on your mind of what you need in the classroom, add this to a Google Doc. This way you will be able to remember what office supplies you wished you had in April or May.
5. Usual to-do list
Make a daily to-do list as you close out the school year. What tasks do you typically complete each day of the week? While this seems a little silly, having that routine down on paper will help your re-entry into the classroom to get back on a routine.
6. Reflect on the school year
Take some time to reflect on the school year and evaluate what worked well and what could be improved for next year. This can include reviewing your lesson plans, student work, and feedback from colleagues and students. Reflecting on the school year can help you identify areas for growth and development as a teacher. It is easy to think you will remember those ideas to implement next year, but you’re still in the game right now. Jot those thoughts down- maybe even in a Google Doc for safekeeping.
7. Organizing and cleaning your classroom
Before the end of the year, take some time to organize your classroom and clean out any unnecessary materials. This can include decluttering your desk, packing away supplies, and creating a to-do list for the summer. Organizing your classroom can help you start the next school year with a clean slate and a fresh perspective. Depending on the age of your students, use them to help with this cleaning and organizing process. There are always a few students more than willing to help.
8. Budget for your videos
Back to School also includes a long list of mandatory videos. If your district releases them early, why not spend a bit of time during the summer watching a few here or there? The time comes from somewhere and it’s probably a lot easier taking time out of your less busy summer schedule than your jam-packed week back to school.
Your future self will thank your current self for taking the time to map out these things before you close out the year. These tasks should take too long out of your schedule and should be able to make a last impact later. If you have started more than a few back-to-school seasons, you very well know time-savers are priceless.