🎁 Wrapping Up the Semester: 3 Tips to Finish Strongggg! 🎉
What up, you Amazing Educator!
Can you believe we're already approaching the end of the semester? Time flies when you throw your watch!! It also flies when you're shaping young minds and making a difference every day CAUSE THAT’S HOW WE DO!
As we gear up to cross the finish line, here are three practical tips (and a few templates) to help you wrap up the semester smoother than a kid named Skyler asking a teacher to raise his grade 8 points the last day of school! 😂🤷
1. Reflect and Celebrate Achievements 🏆
Take a moment to reflect on the journey you and your students have undertaken. Celebrate the milestones, big and small, that you've achieved together.
This not only boosts morale but also reinforces the value of hard work and perseverance!! We assume students will reflect on their own, but who are we kidding, dem kids thinking bout a new PS5 or Furby or whatever dem kids like now.
Applicable Resources:
End of Semester Reflection Activity - This activity encourages students to brainstorm and reflect on their learning experiences, fostering a sense of accomplishment and closure.
Get it as a Google Doc orrrrr a Google Form
End-of-Course Evaluation - This is everyone’s least fav resource 😂 Get the students’ thoughts on how the semester went in a “tell the teacher the stuff about the teacher” type of way.
2. Organize and Declutter 🗂️
A tidy classroom and organized materials can set a positive tone for the upcoming term. Also, you wanna come back to a clean room instead of a hoarders’ dreamland.
Spend some time decluttering your space, organizing resources, and preparing for a fresh start.
TIP IF YOU’RE BRAVE ENOUGH: There are always a few trustworthy(ish) students who don’t have to take tests but show up anyways. Put them to work! Seriously, they want stuff to do, and as long as it’s not confidential stuff, let them do it for you!
3. Take time to Chat & Chill 🎨
Seriously.
Y’all put in work.
It’s not illegal to talk and ask them what they’re excited about for the break. Trips, gifts, family? OH MY!
Just ask them a ton of questions and follow-up questions.
If you can do it, having students talk out loud can not only help you connect with them, but their fellow classmates as well!
Remember, the end of the semester is not just about wrapping up; it's about celebrating growth, reflecting on experiences, and setting the stage for continued success. You've got thisssssss!
Wishing you a SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN CLEAN end to the semester!
Stay awesome!!
Dr. Tarver
