Once testing is completed and the weather starts turning warmer, students and teachers alike have trouble focusing on the business left to accomplish in the classroom. The fact is that in most of the country, you still have a couple of months left to make significant progress. How can you make that potential a reality? Here are some tips.
Set goals
Yes, you did your best to get through all of the standards before testing started. Now that it’s over, it might seem that there isn’t anything left to accomplish. It should be business as usual. Strengthen weak skills. Use formative assessment as normal. Write the most engaging lessons you can.
Try new things
That being said, there isn’t as much pressure as there was before the testing. Feel free to experiment a little in anticipation for next year. Interested in flipping your classroom or using more technology in your lessons? Have some learning materials that you’d like to try out? Bringing some novelty into your craft is a great way to stay engaged.
Talk to next year’s teacher
Wouldn’t it have been nice if the teacher(s) your students had last year would have asked you what they needed to know to get a fast start this year? Do your teammate a favor. Ask next year’s teacher what skills or strategies your students will need next year and then spend some time introducing them. You might start a tradition in your department!
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em
If you find the kids can’t help but to look out the window as the weather turns warm, consider taking the class outside occasionally. Going outside makes a great reward for extra effort in the classroom. Make sure it’s not “recess”; think about which of your classroom activities translate best to visiting nature.
