As the school year comes to a close, first year teachers everywhere are feeling just a bit overwhelmed. They were busy worrying about getting final grades together and wondering if they'd get done in time and then the rest of the paperwork arrived. How can beginning teachers wrap up the school year quickly and smoothly?
Break Tasks Down By Deadlines
When there are 20 forms on the desk, getting to them all seems impossible. However, one or two of these forms probably need to be completed before the rest. Make a note of each deadline on a sticky note tab, put the tab on the form and then organize all of the forms by deadline. Then, check the calendar to see how much time can be allocated for the different tasks. If some of them are big tasks, add a secondary set of self imposed deadlines that break the big tasks into smaller ones.
Once all of the task deadlines are recorded, it is much easier to think of tasks individually. Instead of worrying about a mountain of paperwork, that overwhelmed teacher can simply pick up the form with the shortest deadline and then concentrate on completing that task.
Enlist Student Help
Even the youngest student can put every item in his or her locker and desk into a big plastic bag to take home. Students can also help with a wide variety of other tasks, such as:
- Arranging text books on the shelf in groups of like books. This task can actually be a great math review, since children will need to put books on the shelves in like sets and can be instructed to put the books in five groups or ten groups. (A student who excels in math can also count other items that need to be inventoried and write the number of items in each bin on a label.)
- Wiping down surfaces. Each child can use a slightly damp sponge or rag to wipe down his or her desk and chair. Ideally, the teacher should bring a rag or half a standard household sponge for each child and should be in charge of the rinsing and wringing out process.
- Placing like decorations in storage envelopes or bins.
Some new teachers are hesitant to get students involved in the end of the year clean up, but veteran teachers know that these tasks help build class pride. The year end routine also teaches children to be responsible for their own messes and that they should help care for community areas and property. Most importantly, the clean up process is a great way to help children accept that it is time to move on from their current grade.
As teachers get into the year end routine, they will probably realize that it is easier to get done than they expected. However, if things aren't getting done fast enough or if they don't know what to do, more experienced teachers will be more than willing to take a few moments to provide a bit of guidance. After all, they remember having those first year wrap up jitters, too.
 |
