Congratulations, Teachers! The end of the year is almost here. We’ve made it! But before you start mixing your margaritas and planning your summer travel destinations, there is one more thing to attend to – post-planning. Those one or two days where you feel trapped in your room, waiting for your administrator to check you out for the year so you can start your summer. Why not use that time to prep your room so that when you step into it in the fall, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running?
Must Do #1: Take a picture
Before you put away your room and take your posters off your walls (if you are required to clear your walls), take a picture, so you can quickly remember your setup for next year. I always struggle to remember how many xylophones did I have in this row? Did I put the metallophones over here or all in a row?
Must Do #2: Supply Inventory
I create a little inventory sheet that I fill out. At the end of each year, I count my supplies that I use on a regular basis. I then write that as my beginning number for the next year. As I purchase supplies during the year, I mark how much I purchased. At the end of the year, I can see at what rate I am consuming supplies, and buy accordingly next fall.
Must Do #3: Thoughts For Next Year
During the year, I keep a MS Word doc and just jot down little thoughts of how I would like to improve on things for next year. It could be things that I think will make the classroom run more smoothly or a new composer or unit I would like to add. Maybe I want to switch an activity from one grade level to another for a better fit. Etc, etc … Take a moment to reflect on the stuff you did this year. What worked? What didn’t?
Over time, I started making notes on my lesson directly in my lesson planning grid, for quick fixes the next year.
On that same train of thought, I also keep a folder called “Stuff To Try.” I slide in handouts from workshops and cool lessons I find online. Then, as I am searching for a lesson, I can pop in there and find some gems. I’m thinking I may adjust mine this coming year organize it by grade level or topic, so I can find stuff more quickly.
Blog Posts for the End of Year
Activities to Get You Through the End of the Year
Music Olympics – make end of the year review a fun competition!
