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Back-to-school season is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning for an incredible year. This time of year is both exciting and exhausting. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back with some quick and fun planning tips to help you have a smooth transition back into the classroom.
Before we dive into planning for this school year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the last school year. Grab your favorite drink (mine’s iced green tea) and find a quiet & cozy place to think.
Think about the teaching strategies that worked well for you and your students.
Every classroom experience (good or challenging) is a chance to grow and become a stronger teacher.
You spend hours in your classroom each day. It almost feels like a second home. So, why not make it your own? That doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of time and money getting it ready. Just do what makes you feel comfortable and cozy.
Spend a few minutes doing a quick clean. Dust off those shelves and wipe down any areas that you will be using for yourself. Arrange your desks for optimal learning. Choose colors to add a little bit of color to the room. Don’t forget to set up your designated areas for small group instruction, reading areas, bulletin boards for learning, etc.
This is one of my favorite things to do for back-to-school planning season. I like to set goals for myself in areas where I want to improve. The key is to remember that less is more. For example, choose one subject area that you want to dedicate to growing in your teaching. For me, I am going to work on reading this year. Why? Because we are getting a new math curriculum. I am going to be learning alongside the students in math, so that is not an area I want to focus on.
I also love to have a theme for the year. This has changed over my 14 years as a teacher so that now I spend more time on a minimalist design and dress up my classroom for units. I love to use black/white with pops of color in the classroom. Then when we are doing certain units, I decorate the classroom to fit the theme. It keeps the classroom fun and engaging during the units and calm during the other days.
One mistake that a lot of teachers make is thinking that they have to have the entire classroom decorated before school even begins. Absolutely not! This is the really fun part. Let your creativity and imagination run wild! The possibilities are endless, but remember the more personalized and student-friendly, the better!
It’s okay to leave blank spaces and walls. That shows students and parents that you will be building together. If you are worried about those blank spaces, you can always put up some “coming soon” posters.
Planning your curriculum for back-to-school season and the entire school year is crucial. Keeping students interested and engaged leads to excitement.
Start by reviewing your existing curriculum and identify areas that could use new resources, activities, or projects. Collaborate with your colleagues to share ideas and gain inspiration. Remember, a well-organized curriculum not only benefits your students but also makes your teaching journey easier.
The first day of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for students. To help ease those first-day jitters, plan some fun and interactive activities. Think about your students and what will be appropriate for their age. By the time my fifth graders see me, they have participated in a lot of similar activities. I have to really think outside the box.
No matter what you choose, take the time to get to know your students, including their interests and unique abilities. These icebreakers will not only help your students feel more comfortable and engaged but will also help build the foundation for a strong classroom community.
While it’s essential to have a plan in place, remember that your back-to-school plan needs to be flexible. Each year is full of new students, so you don’t know the amount of time it will take them to complete activities. I tend to over-plan those first weeks of school, which is okay. I’d rather have too much to do than not enough.
Keeping parents in the loop is important for a successful school year. Share your expectations, goals, and plans with parents early on. Also, spend the first two weeks of school making positive contact with parents on an individual basis. This will help build the relationship between everyone.
Don’t forget that parents want to know what is going on in the classroom all year. Keep in contact throughout the school year with regular newsletters, virtual meetings, emails, phone calls, etc.
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to prioritize yourself. Teaching is a demanding profession and the back-to-school season is exhausting. Make time for relaxation, exercise, and hobbies that you enjoy. Remember, you have to fill your cup before you can fill others.
So, my fellow elementary teachers, get ready to rock the upcoming school year! With a little planning, creativity, and a whole lot of enthusiasm, you’re sure to create an incredible experience for you and your students. Love this journey for you!
