Survival!

Good morning, 

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I went back and forth on what to write for this week's MMM because we all know there are so many pressing topics-testing, literacy framework, challenges, schedules, and the list goes on and on. I stopped and thought, wait-I knew what we needed....a how to survive the end of the year craziness. We are all busy, stressed, and worried. These feelings are the same ones that arise every April/May in a teacher's world. We need to take one day at a time. Every day until the end is "crazy"- I know you realize that, and we do as well. Every day there is something going on, whether it be big or small; we need to breathe and realize it's one day closer to summer. We have to work together and end the school year with a smile. I was reading articles and instantly found the perfect one, which is below. Please enjoy :) 

15 End of the Year Survival Tips

With just a few months left until the end of the school year, you may already be wondering just how it is possible to get to the end without becoming batty. With spring and warmer weather still to come, students continue to have their own excuses for not putting 100% effort. And of course, there are more non-school related activities that may distract them. Perhaps you already for example, teach fewer students because of some of these “distractions.”

So how can you keep it together and still thrive in the classroom? This guide will show you how:

1. Don’t fight the system.

When it comes to canceled lessons and other unpredictable and school-related matters, there is really nothing you and I can do about it. Keep your cool and continue as best you can. As the old saying goes, “pick your battles wisely.” Fighting the system will only make your job harder but there are plenty of things you can do that aren’t just about surviving in the classroom.

2. Don’t Compare Yourself to Other Teachers.

So what if other teachers seem to have better control of their classes? It might take you an entire year to develop a classroom management plan that is effective for your class, but again, so what? You are unique.

3. Stick to teaching core subject skills until the very last school day possible.

The trick is to continue teaching important educational and subject skills (not just those that are test-related) in a fun and motivating way. (see #9,#10)

4. Set your intentions for success.

Set your intentions for success especially during the last few months of the school year when time and curriculum constraints and high-stakes testing can wear you down. As Suzanne Lieurance says, “have every thought, statement and action reflect that all day long. Teachers know that they generally get what they expect of their students. What someone says about you can help you create a totally different and new expectation for yourself – so get a friend to write out a positive statement about you. Then notice how you strive to LIVE according to that statement every day.”

5. Balance Your Life.

Don’t compromise on fun and meaningful activities that make you feel good about yourself. Start each day in an empowering and confident way. Don’t succumb to the pressures but rather accept them for what they are, realizing that they too, shall pass.

6. Hang Out with Supportive and Positive People.

In times of difficulty, you’ll need a supportive network of teachers and other professionals with whom you can reach out, vent and share your successes.Professional isolation, especially towards the end of the school year, is an enemy. Plus, you’ll probably get some nifty ideas for your own teaching.

7. Start Your Day in a Positive and Affirming Way.

Remember the law of attraction – positive attracts positive. Don’t say: “I wish my classes were be easier to teach at this time of year” or, “I wish I didn’t have to go through this…” because you’re still focusing on those negative elements and affirming to yourself that they are there. Instead, focus on the positive in your teaching: the ability to inspire and motivate students and teachers.Write down these affirmations in a place where you can see them every morning as you begin your day. They might even empower you.

8. If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em!

Participating in school and field trips is a great way to experience school culture in a refreshing way. Students will appreciate it, too and may perhaps view you in a different light.

9. Adapt

Adapt classroom management skills and instruction to suit new classroom situations. This requires a great deal of flexibility and teacher intuition to know what skills you need to be using at a given moment. For example, if you find yourself teaching a small class for one lesson, provide interesting and well-paced lessons to suit small groups of students. Click here to read my article, “Tips for Motivating Small Groups to Learn.”

10. Have Lots of S.O.S. Kits!

Some classes may need a Plan B and even Plan C. There’s nothing wrong with over planning.

11. Think Outside of the Box.

When planning interesting and motivating lessons, ask yourself: what resources are available to you? You may wish to use the computer room to supplement a reading lesson. Click here to read “5 Lesson Planning Tips on How to Use Technology Successfully in Your Classroom.” If you don’t have a computer room available at your disposal, plan games as part of authentic instruction. (Don’t overdo them, either!).

12. Praise, praise and praise!

Use a lot of positive reinforcement to suit the ages of the students you teach. A little bit of praise will go a long long way.

13. Plan.

Have a Plan to Prevent Your Rules From Coming Apart.

14. Keep a Reflective Teaching Journal.

Writing about your teaching experiences helps you acquire objectivity and clarity especially on those difficult and unpredictable days. Five minutes is sometimes all you need!

15. Have Fun and Interesting Review Sessions.

Have practice and review sessions of the material you’ve taught. There are so many many ways in which to do this but choose those activities that speak to your teaching style. For example, you could have a game or mini-competition. Show a film to reinforce important themes or concepts followed by a worksheet. Use songs to review grammar structures and vocabulary. Have a textbook treasure hunt. The list is endless.

And remember, students will always continue to try and push the limits. That is just their nature. So make sure you understand your own rationale for what you are doing in the classroom.

You can teach with confidence and successfully when the going gets tough.

So work it!

http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8205-15-end-of-the-year-survival-tips?page=3