
Let's start off looking at our expectations. We can alleviate so much suffering for ourselves and others if we simply adjust our expectations. No matter how good we are at classroom management, our students are going to be excited. Can we adjust our expectations so that we aren't driving them crazy. and they can't get to our last nerve?
Can we adjust our own expectations about how much we can accomplish. Don't try to give tests on the last day or two. Is there something you would really enjoy sharing with your class--a game or art project? Do it this week. Don't leave anything to be passed out until the last day. Accept that nothing everything we want to do we will be able to accomplish.
If you need something to keep your students active give you classroom, their desks, and their lockers a good clean out. It will feel so good to start the new year with everything fresh. Your students will enjoy it, too. You can have students work in collaborative groups and practice some problem solving skills here.
This is also a wonderful week to play math games or catch up on any academic tasks that get short changed such as handwriting or grammar or whatever it is for you.
It's also a great time to have students create bulletin boards and window displays for the new year. I usually pick something with snowmen, because everyone can participate, even those who don't celebrate Christmas. We also make snowflakes to attach to the windows. It's also a nice time to have students make simple last minute gifts such as ornaments that are appropriate to the level of the students. In order to attach standards to this I usually provide written instructions for students to read and follow.
Let's make our expectation to leave for break with some our sanity intact!
Stay tuned, tomorrow is Thrive: Self Care
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